Wisp Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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wisp
[wɪsp ]
Definition
dim light
A wisp is a thin, delicate strand or piece of something. It is often used to describe a small, light, and often fleeting object, like a wisp of smoke or a wisp of hair. The term can also refer to a faint or ghostly presence, such as a wisp of light seen in the dark. In literature and folklore, wisps are sometimes associated with will-o'-the-wisps, which are eerie lights that appear at night and lead travelers astray. The imagery of a wisp often evokes a sense of transience and ethereality.
Synonyms
flame, smoke, strand, thread, vapor.
Examples of usage
- A wisp of fog floated over the lake.
- She brushed a wisp of hair away from her face.
- The candle emitted a wisp of smoke.
- He followed the wisp of light through the woods.
Translations
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Origin of 'wisp'
The word 'wisp' has its origins in the Old English word 'wisp', which means 'a bundle or twist of something', and is related to similar terms in Old Norse and Dutch. Historically, 'wisp' has been used to refer to a small twist or bunch, often of grass or hay. As the language evolved, the meaning expanded to include any thin or delicate strand, particularly those that are ethereal or insubstantial. The association with light and fleetingness likely developed from its usage to describe the thin, wispy formations of smoke or fog. The term has also found its place in folklore and mythology, where 'will-o'-the-wisps' are said to be mysterious lights that appear in marshy areas, misleading travelers. Over time, 'wisp' has retained its connotation of delicacy and elusiveness, making it a popular term in both everyday language and poetic expressions.