What Does “Wave” Mean in English?

The English word “wave” [weɪv] is highly versatile, serving as both a noun and a verb, each with multiple meanings and uses. Let’s explore its various definitions and applications, as well as phrasal verbs derived from “wave.”

Noun “wave”

As a noun, “wave” has several meanings:

1. Wave (of water):
   • Example: The waves crashed against the shore.
2. Wave (oscillation):
   • Example: Radio waves travel through the air.
3. Wave (motion):
   • Example: She gave a wave of her hand.
4. Wave (in hair):
   • Example: She has natural waves in her hair.
5. Strong emotional surge:
   • Example: A wave of excitement swept through the crowd.

Verb “wave”

As a verb, “wave” means:

1. To wave:
   • Example: He waved to his friend.
2. To flutter:
   • Example: The flag waved in the wind.
3. To dismiss (often with a gesture):
   • Example: She waved off his offer.

Grammar of “wave”

Verb Forms:

• Present: wave
• Past: waved
• Past Participle: waved
• Present Participle: waving

Usage:

• Present tense: She waves at the children every morning.
• Past tense: They waved goodbye as the train left.
• Future tense: He will wave to us when he arrives.

The verb “wave” can also form phrasal verbs, which add extra meanings. Phrasal verbs consist of a main verb and a preposition or adverb that together create a new meaning. Let’s examine the most common phrasal verbs with “wave.”

Phrasal Verbs with “Wave”

Wave at (to wave at someone)

Meaning: To wave your hand in the direction of someone to attract their attention or greet them.

• Example: She waved at her friend across the street.

Wave off (to dismiss, to refuse)

Meaning 1: To dismiss something or someone with a gesture, indicating it’s not important or to refuse.

• Example: He waved off the suggestion as unimportant.

Meaning 2: To go to a place where someone is departing from to wave goodbye.

• Example: They went to the airport to wave him off.

Wave down (to stop)

Meaning: To wave your hand to attract a driver’s attention and make them stop.

• Example: She waved down a taxi in the middle of the night.

Wave through (to let through)

Meaning: To give a signal by waving that allows someone to pass without stopping.

• Example: The guard waved the truck through the gate.

Wave aside (to dismiss)

Meaning: To dismiss something with a gesture, indicating it’s not important or not worth attention.

• Example: She waved aside his concerns.

Wave around (to wave something around)

Meaning: To wave something in the air, usually to attract attention.

• Example: He waved the document around to get everyone’s attention.

Wave on (to signal to continue)

Meaning: To wave your hand to indicate that someone can continue moving or go ahead.

• Example: The officer waved the cars on.

Exercises for Reinforcing Phrasal Verbs with “Wave”

To better understand and remember phrasal verbs with “wave,” complete the following exercises by filling in the blanks with the appropriate phrasal verbs.

1. He ________ the idea without much thought.
2. The teacher ________ the student’s excuse.
3. She ________ her colleague from across the room.
4. They ________ the pedestrians when it was safe to cross.
5. The security guard ________ the delivery truck.
6. He ________ a bus to ask for directions.
7. The manager ________ the new policy document during the meeting.
8. They went to the train station to ________ their friend.

Answers:

1. waved off
2. waved aside
3. waved at
4. waved on
5. waved through
6. waved down
7. waved around
8. wave off