Cool MateWave
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.