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Waving: meaning, definitions and examples

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waving

 

[ˈweɪvɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

gesture of greeting

Waving refers to the act of moving one's hand back and forth, usually in greeting or farewell. It can also signify attention or acknowledgment. This gesture is commonly used across cultures to communicate friendliness or a desire to connect. Waving can be performed with one or both hands and can vary in intensity and duration depending on the situation.

Synonyms

beckon, greeting, signal.

Examples of usage

  • She gave a friendly wave as she passed by.
  • He waved goodbye to his friends at the airport.
  • The crowd waved enthusiastically at the parade.
  • The teacher waved her hand to gain the students' attention.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word stems from the Old English word 'wawian,' which means to move back and forth.
  • In different languages, waving can have unique words and cultural significance, reflecting local customs and greetings.

Culture

  • Waving is a universal gesture, used worldwide to communicate friendly greetings or farewells.
  • In some cultures, such as in parts of the Middle East, gestures like waving may vary in meaning, sometimes signifying more than just greeting.

Psychology

  • Waving can elicit positive emotions, as it often represents connection and friendship, impacting mood and social bonding.
  • The act of waving engages both verbal and non-verbal communication, reinforcing social interactions.

Technology

  • In recent technology, gestures similar to waving are used in virtual reality to enable interaction with digital environments.
  • Facial recognition software uses waving-like movements to enhance user experience within augmented reality applications.

Art

  • Waving has been depicted in various art forms, symbolizing connection and movement, such as in paintings and sculptures.
  • Dance often incorporates waving movements that represent flow and connection between performers, showcasing artistic expression.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,983 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.