Wave Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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wave
[weɪv ]
Definitions
ocean
A long body of water curling into an arched form and breaking on the shore.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| wave |
This word is commonly used to describe the motion of water in the ocean or sea when it rises and falls. It is also used to describe the act of moving a hand back and forth as a greeting or signal.
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| surge |
Usually used to describe a sudden and powerful forward or upward movement, often related to water, electricity, or emotions.
|
| swell |
This word describes a gradual and uniform rise, often used in the context of water as well as to describe something increasing in size or intensity.
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| billow |
This term is often used to describe something that moves or rises in large, soft, sweeping curves, like fabric in the wind or smoke from a fire.
|
Examples of usage
- The waves crashed against the rocks.
- The sound of the waves was soothing.
hand
Move one's hand to and fro in greeting or as a signal.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| wave |
This word is often used to describe moving your hand from side to side to greet someone or get their attention.
|
| gesture |
This is a broad term that describes any movement of the body, especially the hands, to convey a message or emotion.
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| signal |
This is often used when referring to a deliberate action intended to relay a specific message or instruction, often in a formal or regulated context.
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| beckon |
This is used when you want to call someone over to you in a way that indicates they should come closer, often by moving your finger or hand in a specific manner.
|
Examples of usage
- He waved goodbye as the train pulled away.
- She waved to her friend from across the street.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- Waves can travel through different mediums, including water, air, and even solid objects, showing how energy moves.
- Sound waves are vibrations that travel through the air to help us hear noises and music.
- Light is a type of wave called electromagnetic radiation, which allows us to see colors and images.
Cultural Significance
- In many cultures, waves symbolize change or the passage of time, reflecting the ebb and flow of life.
- Surfing is a popular water sport that involves riding waves, making it a significant part of beach culture and leisure activities globally.
- In some traditions, a wave goodbye is a common gesture when parting, illustrating our connections and emotional bonds with others.
History
- The concept of wave motion dates back to ancient philosophers like Aristotle, who speculated about the nature of movement and sound.
- In the 19th century, scientists like James Clerk Maxwell developed theories about electromagnetic waves, paving the way for modern communication technologies.
- The Hindenburg disaster in 1937, a tragic airship accident, was partially due to wave dynamics affecting the craft's stability and aerodynamics.
Literature
- Waves often appear as a metaphor in poetry, symbolizing feelings like love, turmoil, and change.
- Many famous novels, such as Virginia Woolf's 'The Waves,' explore the rhythm of life and human emotion through the metaphor of waves.
- In folklore, waves are sometimes seen as guardians of certain realms, signifying the boundary between the known and the unknown.
Origin of 'wave'
The word 'wave' has Old English origins, derived from the word 'wafian' meaning 'to wave, fluctuate'. Over time, the word evolved to represent various meanings related to motion and movement, both in the context of water and gesture.
See also: airwaves, wavelength, wavelet, wavelike, wavenumber, waver, wavering, wavy.