Wane Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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wane

[weɪn ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

decrease

To decrease gradually in size, strength, or intensity; to diminish in power or influence.

Synonyms

decline, diminish, fade, weaken.

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Word Description / Examples
wane

Typically used to describe a gradual decrease in strength, intensity, or importance over time, often in relation to natural phenomena or abstract concepts.

  • Her enthusiasm for the project began to wane after several setbacks.
  • As summer comes to an end, the daylight hours start to wane.
diminish

Used to indicate a reduction in size, importance, or value, often subtly or gradually. Can be applied to tangible or intangible things.

  • The bright light from the lamp started to diminish as the bulb aged.
  • With time, the memory of the event began to diminish.
decline

More commonly used to signify a reduction or decrease, often with a sense of deterioration, and can be applied to various contexts such as business, health, quality, etc.

  • The company's profits continued to decline for the third consecutive quarter.
  • His health began to decline after the accident.
fade

Often used to describe a slow, almost imperceptible decrease in color, light, or intensity. Commonly linked to visual or auditory perceptions.

  • The colors in the painting have started to fade due to sunlight exposure.
  • The joyous laughter slowly faded into silence.
weaken

Used to describe a loss of strength, power, or effectiveness, whether physical, emotional, or structural.

  • The old bridge has weakened over the years; it needs urgent repairs.
  • After days of struggling without food, the survivors grew increasingly weakened.

Examples of usage

  • The popularity of the trend began to wane after a few months.
  • With each passing day, his enthusiasm for the project seemed to wane.
  • The interest in the product started to wane as newer options became available.
  • The support for the political candidate began to wane as scandals emerged.
  • After reaching its peak, the excitement for the event started to wane.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'wane'

The word 'wane' originated from the Old English word 'wanian', meaning to lessen or diminish. It has been used in the English language for centuries to describe the gradual decrease or decline of something. The concept of waxing and waning, often associated with the phases of the moon, has influenced the usage of 'wane' to convey the idea of diminishing or fading over time.


See also: wannabe.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,823, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.