waves
The word evokes a sense of rhythmic, repetitive motion. In a physical sense, it suggests a pulsing energy that travels from one point to another, whether it is the physical heave of the ocean or the invisible vibration of a signal. It carries a feeling of fluidity and inevitable movement.
When used to describe emotions or events, it suggests an overwhelming force that arrives suddenly and washes over a person or a group. This creates a psychological image of being submerged or carried away by a powerful, uncontrollable impulse, distinguishing it from a steady state of feeling.
Countable when referring to individual crests of water or specific cycles of energy. Uncountable when referring to the general movement of the sea.
Meanings
A ridge of water curling into a foam as it breaks on the shore.
The surfer waited for the perfect waves to arrive.
A disturbance that transfers energy through a medium, such as sound or light.
Radio waves allow for wireless communication over long distances.
A sudden increase in a particular phenomenon or a surge of emotion.
A wave of panic swept through the crowd when the alarm rang.
Phrasal Verbs
wave off
to dismiss someone or something with a gesture of the hand
He waved off my concerns and insisted that everything was under control.
wave aside
to ignore or treat something as unimportant
The politician waved aside the accusations during the press conference.