Waive and waiver, wave and waver…. It can be confusing.
Give yourself a little test. In each of the sentences, below, fill in the correct word:
- She decided to …. the late fee for long-term clients.
- If you …. between the two properties, you could end up with neither.
- I’ll sign a …. to ensure my goodwill.
- Just …. your hand if you agree.
- He …. his rights to the property.
The answers are at the end of the article.
Waive and Waiver
‘Waive’ is a verb. It means ‘to give up a right or a privilege or anything else you might be entitled to claim’.
Examples:
You waived your claim to the inheritance.
She has waived all rights of ownership.
There is no verb ‘to waiver’. This is an error lots of people make.
‘Waiver’ is a noun. It is an agreement (usually in document form) to give up a claim or right, or to release someone from a liability or an obligation.
Examples:
He applied for a fee waiver, which was granted.
They regretted signing the liability waiver.
Wave and Waver
‘Wave’ can be a noun. It refers to movement of water, light or sound, or a hand. It can also mean an undulating line or form.
Examples:
The surfer rode the wave to the shore.
With a quick wave of her hand, she left.
The machine was able to detect light and sound waves.
She put a permanent wave in her hair.
‘Wave’ can also be a verb. It’s related to the noun form.
Examples:
Be sure to wave goodbye as you go.
The hairdresser will colour and wave your hair.
‘Waver’ is a verb. It means to hesitate, vacillate or appear indecisive or uncertain.
Examples:
She appeared to waver, as the time drew closer.
Although he had been confident earlier, he wavered before signing the agreement.
‘Waver’ can also be a noun. It’s a person who waves. Or it could be an appliance that waves or curls your hair.
How did you go with the test?
Here are the answers:
- She decided to waive the late fee for long-term clients.
- If you waver between the two properties, you could end up with neither.
- I’ll sign a waiver to ensure my goodwill.
- Just wave your hand if you agree.
- He waived his rights to the property.
See more ways to Be Word Wise.