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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Wave Definition, Examples & Common Usage (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：rising water motion (wave)

wave 🔊

/weɪv/

n., v.

an area of moving water that rises up and down on the surface of the sea, a lake, etc.

Ocean wave breaking on shore with foam and blue sky

rising water motion 🔊

➕

/ˈraɪzɪŋ ˈwɔːtər ˈmoʊʃən/

n., v.

A wave is a raised mass of water on the surface of a sea or lake, caused by wind or other forces, moving in a rising and falling pattern.

📁 Category：Natural Geography 🔖 Level：Beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Old English 'wafian' (to wave) and 'wæg' (wave), cognate with German 'Welle'.

💡 Mnemonic

Imagine waving your hand like a wave in the ocean – both move in a flowing motion.

📖 Example

The children laughed as the small wave washed over their feet on the sandy beach. 🔊 The children laughed as the small wave washed over their feet on the sandy beach.

🔗 Collocations

big wave – a large wave, often dangerous or impressive

wave crest – the highest point of a wave

wave energy – the power that can be harnessed from waves

🔄 Synonyms

surge (n.) – a sudden powerful forward movement of water

swell (n.) – a long, unbroken wave or series of waves

billow (n.) – a large undulating mass of something, especially cloud or water

🚫 Antonyms

calm (n.) – the state of the sea when there is no wind and no waves

stillness (n.) – absence of movement or sound, especially on water

🌱 Derivatives

wavelet (n.) – a small wave

wavy (adj.) – having a shape like a series of waves

wavelength (n.) – the distance between successive crests of a wave

📖 Cultural Story

From Old English 'wafian' (to wave) and 'wæg' (wave). In surfing culture, 'wave' symbolizes the thrill of riding nature's power.

Meaning 2：move hand as greeting (wave)

wave 🔊

/weɪv/

n., v.

to move your hand from side to side in the air, usually to say hello or goodbye or to get someone's attention.

Person waving hand in greeting gesture outdoors

move hand as greeting 🔊

➕

/muːv hænd æz ˈɡriːtɪŋ/

n., v.

To move your hand from side to side in the air, typically to say hello or goodbye, or to attract attention.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：Beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

She stood on the platform and began to wave as the train slowly pulled out of the station. 🔊 She stood on the platform and began to wave as the train slowly pulled out of the station.

🔗 Collocations

wave goodbye – to move your hand as a farewell gesture

wave hello – to move your hand as a greeting gesture

wave one's hand – to move your hand in a waving motion

🔄 Synonyms

gesture (v.) – to make a movement, usually with the hands, to express something

signal (v.) – to make a movement or sound to give information or an instruction

beckon (v.) – to make a gesture with the hand or head to encourage someone to come closer