Here is another homophone combo.
Wavered vs waivered may be pronounced in the same way and their spellings are only set apart by a single letter “i”, however, they are actually very different in terms of meaning and use.
In this article, will help you determine and understand the differences between these two terms so you can use them properly in your writing.
Meaning of wavered or waivered
Waiver: relinquishment of a right.
Waver: to feel indecisive; to swing unsteadily.
Waver as verb:
Waver is used as a verb that means to move in a quivering way; or flicker.
The flame wavered in the breeze.
The candlelight in the room wavered in a warm breeze
Waver also means to become weaker; falter.
His love for his father had wavered after the incident.
Waver also means to be undecided between two opinions or courses of action.
She never wavered from her intention not to adopt his idea.
See also: “Leaped” vs “Leapt”: Main Differences & How to Use Both Correctly as a Writer
Waiver as noun:
Waver is used as a noun which means an act or instance of relinquishing a right or claim.
It also means an act or instance of waiving a right or claim.
Their acquiescence could amount to a waiver.
A waiver is a document recording the waiving of a right or claim.
In written responses to questions from the Washington Post and the Wall Street Journal, Hu showed no indication that China intended to waver from that path. [LA Times]
Waver or waiver
Waiver is a noun that has many meanings, some of which include; intentional relinquishment of a right or privilege, dispensation, and deferment.
For this meaning of relinquishing a right or privilege, the person who benefits from this action is the recipient of the waiver.
On the other hand, Waver is a verb which means to move unsteadily back and forth, hesitating to do a thing, or to tremble in sound.
What Is Their Main Difference?
They are homophones.
In their simplest form, ‘Waver’ is a verb and it means hesitating to do something, while, ‘waiver’ is a noun and it means disobeying a rule, policy and pretending that something does not exist.
Look at the following examples:
- She never wavered in her love for him.
- How can we convince them to grant us a waiver?
See also: “Could Care Less” vs “Couldn’t Care Less”: Main Differences & How to Use Both Correctly as a Writer
How can I remember their Difference?
Here’s a helpful trick to remember:
Waver: Think of it as a wave which moves up and down. You may likely move back and forth with a decision if you waiver.
Waiver: Most of the time, a waiver with an “I” is a document that you have to sign. I can be for signature if that makes sense.
Example of wavered or waivered in sentences
Waver
- She didn’t waver in her commitment despite facing challenges.
- The influencer’s popularity began to waver after the controversial statement that got her banned.
- The stock prices continued to waver over a six-month period, causing uncertainty among investors.
- John tried not to waver in her determination to complete the project.
- His confidence started to waver as he faced tough questions during the interview.
Waiver
- Before participating in the marathon, each participant had to sign a waiver.
- The employees signed a non-disclosure waiver to protect the company’s sensitive information.
- Parents signed a permission waiver for their children to visit before the midterm break
- To join the press club, members had to complete a membership form and sign a waiver.
- The athlete submitted a medical waiver to excuse them from certain fitness requirements.
See also: “Homophone” vs “Homonym”: Main Differences & How to Use Both Correctly as a Writer
Conclusion
To use waivered vs wavered correctly, consider the context: if uncertainty or hesitation is involved, go with “waver”; if it involves giving up or forfeiting a right or claim, choose “waiver.” We hope this helps.
References
- Engram – wavered or waivered
- English grammar – use wavered or waivered correctly
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