waived
C1Formal, Legal, Academic
Definition
Meaning
To formally give up a right or claim, or to decide not to enforce a rule.
To set aside or postpone, especially a rule or condition, or to dismiss from consideration.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies a deliberate, often official or authoritative, decision to forgo something one is entitled to. Often used in legal and procedural contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling and verb forms are identical. No significant differences in meaning. The noun 'waiver' is equally common in both.
Connotations
Same formal, legal connotation in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English due to widespread legal and sports media usage (e.g., waiving a player).
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
waive [OBJECT] (e.g., He waived his right.)waive [OBJECT] for [BENEFICIARY] (e.g., The fee was waived for students.)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Sign on the dotted line and waive your rights.”
- “The team decided to waive the white flag on the season.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"The bank waived the overdraft fee as a gesture of goodwill."
Academic
"Participants were required to waive their anonymity for the study."
Everyday
"The librarian waived the late fine because I returned the book the same day."
Technical
"The defendant waived his right to legal counsel, proceeding pro se."
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The university waived the tuition fees for the scholarship students.
- The barrister advised his client not to waive privilege.
American English
- The judge waived the preliminary hearing.
- The team waived the injured player from his contract.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The teacher waived the homework for the weekend.
- If you join today, the registration fee will be waived.
- By signing this form, you are waiving your right to sue the company.
- The prosecution waived its right to an appeal, accepting the court's verdict.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a referee waving off a foul – they are choosing NOT to call it. To WAIVE is to wave off a rule or right.
Conceptual Metaphor
RIGHTS ARE OBJECTS (that can be handed over).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'waved' (махать).
- Not equivalent to 'cancel' (отменить) in all contexts; 'waive' implies giving up a right you possess.
- Closer to 'отказаться от (права)'.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: He waved his fee. (This could mean he literally waved at it.)
- Incorrect: The condition was waved. (Spelling error for 'waived').
Practice
Quiz
In a legal context, 'waived' most closely means:
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Wave' is a physical gesture (to move your hand). 'Waive' is a legal/formal action (to give up a right). They are homophones but different words.
It's primarily formal. In informal speech, people might say 'let it slide' or 'not charge for it' instead.
No. While often used for fees or requirements, it can be used for any right or privilege, even positive ones (e.g., 'He waived his privilege to speak first').
The noun form is 'waiver' (e.g., 'You must sign a liability waiver before participating.').