Wave: meaning, definitions and examples

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wave

[weɪv ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

ocean

A long body of water curling into an arched form and breaking on the shore.

Synonyms

billow, surge, swell.

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. The surfer rode the wave perfectly. She waved to her friends from across the street.
surge	Usually used to describe a sudden and powerful forward or upward movement, often related to water, electricity, or emotions. A surge of adrenaline made him feel invincible. The crowd surged forward when the gates opened.
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. The sea began to swell as the storm approached. Her ankle began to swell after she twisted it.
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. The curtains billowed in the breeze. Smoke billowed from the factory chimney.

Examples of usage

The waves crashed against the rocks.
The sound of the waves was soothing.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

hand

Move one's hand to and fro in greeting or as a signal.

Synonyms

beckon, gesture, signal.

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. She waved at her friend across the street He waved goodbye as the train left the station
gesture	This is a broad term that describes any movement of the body, especially the hands, to convey a message or emotion. He made a gesture to indicate that he had no idea what was going on She used hand gestures to explain the directions
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. The referee signaled for the game to start She signaled the taxi to stop
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. The teacher beckoned the student to come to the front of the class She beckoned him to follow her into the next room

Examples of usage

He waved goodbye as the train pulled away.
She waved to her friend from across the street.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "wave" in other languages:

🇵🇹 onda

🇮🇳 लहर

तरंग
हाथ हिलाना

🇩🇪 Welle

🇮🇩 gelombang

🇺🇦 хвиля

🇵🇱 fala

🇯🇵 波

🇫🇷 vague

🇪🇸 ola

🇹🇷 dalga

🇰🇷 파도

🇸🇦 موجة

🇨🇿 vlna

🇸🇰 vlna

🇨🇳 波

🇸🇮 val

🇮🇸 alda

🇰🇿 толқын

🇬🇪 ტალღა

🇦🇿 dalğa

🇲🇽 ola

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,645, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.

...
1642 path
1643 perform
1644 vessel
1645 wave
1646 writer
1647 possibly
1648 receiving
...