A2noun1K

Wave

UK /["/weɪv/"]/US /["/weɪv/"]/

Definition

a raised line of water that moves across the surface of the sea, ocean, etc.

In simple words: To move your hand back and forth to greet someone or say goodbye.

Examples

  • The wave crashed onto the shore, creating a beautiful splash.
  • She gave me a friendly wave as she walked by.
  • The surfer rode the big wave with skill and grace.
  • A wave of excitement swept through the crowd when the band started playing.
  • He felt a wave of sadness when he heard the news.

Usage notes

Used in both formal and informal contexts to greet or acknowledge someone. Avoid when expressing strong emotions, like anger; that context might use 'waving your arms' in a different sense.

Grammar pattern

wave + object (e.g. 'wave your hand')

Memory hint

Think of a 'wave' like a friendly hand moving like the ocean waves.

Collocations

  • big
  • enormous
  • giant
  • ride
  • surf
  • catch
  • rise
  • break
  • fall
  • energy
  • power
  • in the waves
  • on the waves
  • the crash of the waves
  • the crashing of the waves
  • the lap of the waves
  • acoustic
  • electromagnetic
  • gravitational
  • emit
  • generate
  • deflect
  • travel
  • bounce off something
  • quick
  • little
  • slight
  • give (somebody)
  • return
  • with a wave
  • wave of
  • big
  • enormous
  • great
  • send
  • cause
  • create
  • sweep something
  • sweep over something
  • wash over somebody/​something
  • wave of
  • on a wave

Synonyms

  • greet
  • sign
  • beckon

Antonyms

  • ignore
  • snub

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'waver', which means to hesitate.
  • Using 'waved' instead of 'wave' in present tense contexts.
  • Not understanding that it can also refer to water motions.