Wave versus Waive
People often mix up the words “wave” and “waive.” Although they sound the same, these words have different meanings and are used differently. Hopefully this will help you use them correctly.
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Wave is usually a verb that means to move back and forth, such as waving your hands or waving a flag, or to dismiss something. It can also be a noun meaning a small ridge of moving water, a pattern of sound or light, or a slight curl in the hair. For the most part, if you mean to move something back and forth, use wave.
Examples:
- She lifted her hand and waved hello.
- He didn’t hear her, but he saw her wave her hand.
- The flag waved in the breeze.
- She waved to him from across the room.
- He waved aside the question and continued speaking.
- She stood outside and waved at the cars that passed.
- He waved his hat in the air in celebration.
- She waved a handkerchief above her head to ask for help.
- He loved to surf and looked for a good wave to use.
- Her hair hung to her shoulders in soft waves.
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Waive is a verb that means to let go of something, relinquish, forfeit, or give up a right to something, or to not enforce something. It is a transitive verb and always takes an object — you waive something. If you mean to relinquish or let go of something, use waive.
Examples:
- He agreed to waive his rights to have an attorney present.
- She felt sorry for him and waived the entrance fee so he could get in.
- He waived his right to sue when he signed the form.
- She was relieved when they waived the penalty fee.
- They refused to waive the entrance fee and I had to pay.
- He signed the agreement and waived his right for an appeal.
- She waived her rights to inherit the house and stepped aside.
- The doctor waived his fee and treated the patient.
- He was glad they waived the late fee on his bill.
- She was advised not to waive her rights, but she signed anyway.
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Hint: Waive has an “I” in it, as in I waive my rights.
Basically, wave has multiple meanings, while waive has only one meaning. If you mean to give up a right or not enforce a rule, use waive. For all other meanings, use wave.
If you mean to move back and forth, use wave.
If you mean to give up a right or not enforce something, use waive.
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Here is a chart for an easy summary and helpful reminder.
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