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Wavy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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wavy

[หˆweษชvi ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

hair style

Having a series of curves or bends; not straight.

Synonyms

curly, rippling, undulating.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
wavy

This is typically used to describe a smooth and gentle series of curves, often referring to hair or the sea.

  • She has wavy hair that looks beautiful in the sunlight.
  • The wavy lines on the map indicate the flow of the river.
curly

This word is best used to describe something with tight loops or spirals, often referring to hair or specific shapes.

  • His curly hair is always hard to manage in the mornings.
  • The curly tail of the pig is quite charming.
undulating

Use this word when describing a smooth, wavy motion that rises and falls, often referring to landscapes or movements.

  • The undulating hills stretched out as far as the eye could see.
  • The flag was undulating gently in the breeze.
rippling

This term is often used to describe small waves moving outward in a smooth, undulating pattern, especially on the surface of water.

  • The rippling water of the pond created a calming effect.
  • You could see the muscles rippling under his skin.

Examples of usage

  • She has wavy hair that falls beautifully on her shoulders.
  • The wavy pattern of the wallpaper adds a unique touch to the room.
Context #2 | Adjective

ocean

Having a rippled or undulating form or surface.

Synonyms

rippling, rolling, undulating.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
wavy

Used to describe a form that has gentle curves or is not straight. Often related to hair or water.

  • She has long wavy hair
  • The wavy path led us through the forest
rippling

Describes small waves or movements, often seen on the surface of water when disturbed. Can also describe muscles or cloth.

  • The breeze created rippling patterns on the lake's surface
  • He showed off his rippling muscles at the beach
undulating

Describes a smooth, wave-like motion or appearance, often used for land or other large surfaces with a flowing shape.

  • The undulating fields gave a sense of peacefulness
  • The dancer's body moved in an undulating rhythm
rolling

Refers to something that moves in a smooth, continuous motion, especially over a larger area. Often used for hills, waves, or landscapes.

  • The rolling hills stretched as far as the eye could see
  • The ship moved with the rolling waves of the sea

Examples of usage

  • The wavy ocean surface reflected the sunlight beautifully.
  • The boat struggled to navigate through the wavy waters.
Context #3 | Adverb

movement

In a wavelike manner.

Synonyms

flowingly, ripplingly, undulatingly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
wavy

Used to describe something that has gentle curves or waves. Commonly applied to hair, lines, or patterns.

  • She has wavy hair that falls beautifully over her shoulders
  • The artist drew a wavy line across the page
undulatingly

Used to describe something that moves with smooth, wave-like motions. Often used for landscapes, surfaces, or movements. It might be more technical or formal.

  • The hills rolled undulatingly into the distance
  • The snake moved undulatingly across the desert sand
ripplingly

Used when something moves or displays a pattern similar to ripples on water. It can describe sound, light, or physical movements. This word may have a poetic or descriptive tone.

  • The lake shimmered ripplingly under the moonlight
  • Her laughter spread ripplingly through the quiet room
flowingly

Used to describe something that moves or changes smoothly, like liquid or a gentle motion. Often used in context with movements, writing, or speaking.

  • She danced flowingly across the stage, captivating the audience
  • His handwriting was flowingly elegant

Examples of usage

  • The flag fluttered wavy in the wind.
  • She danced wavy to the rhythm of the music.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Art and Design

  • Wavy lines often symbolize movement and fluidity in visual arts, giving a sense of grace and dynamism.
  • In graphic design, wavy patterns can create a calming, organic feel that contrasts with rigid, straight lines.

Nature

  • Many plants, like certain varieties of grass, exhibit wavy leaves, helping them capture sunlight more efficiently.
  • Ocean waves are a natural example of 'wavy' in action, causing rhythmic movements on water surfaces influenced by wind.

Fashion

  • Wavy hairstyles have been popular across various cultures and eras, often representing elegance or casual chic.
  • Patterns resembling waves are commonly featured in textiles, adding texture and interest to fabrics.

Science

  • In physics, waves refer to oscillations that travel through space and matter, much like sound and light waves.
  • The concept of wavelength helps scientists understand the properties of light, sound, and other types of waves.

Origin of 'wavy'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the old English 'wafian', which means to wave or to flutter.
  • It has been used in English since the 1600s to describe both water and hair textures.

The word 'wavy' originated from the Old English word 'wรฆฤก', meaning a wave. It has been used to describe the rippled or undulating forms in nature, such as waves in the ocean or curves in hair, for centuries. The term has evolved to represent not only physical characteristics but also movements and patterns that resemble waves. 'Wavy' continues to be a popular term to describe various forms of undulations and curves in modern usage.

See also: airwaves, wave, wavelength, wavelet, wavelike, wavenumber, waver, wavering.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,047, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.