waiver
C1Formal, Legal, Administrative
Definition
Meaning
An official decision or document stating that a right, claim, rule, or fee does not have to be observed or paid.
The voluntary act of relinquishing or refraining from asserting a right, claim, or privilege, often formally documented. It can also refer to an exemption from a specific requirement.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
"Waiver" is primarily a noun denoting the act or document of relinquishment. It implies a formal, often written, agreement and is frequently used in legal and contractual contexts. The word focuses on the voluntary nature of giving something up that you are entitled to.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning. Spelling is identical. Usage patterns are the same across legal, academic, and administrative contexts.
Connotations
Connotes formality, legal binding, and official procedure in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally common in both UK and US English within its specialized domains.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
waiver of [right/claim/fee]waiver for [purpose/person]waiver from [requirement/rule]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “sign away your rights (related concept)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The bank offered a fee waiver for premium account holders.
Academic
The university requires a waiver from the language proficiency requirement for native speakers.
Everyday
Before joining the gym, you have to sign a liability waiver.
Technical
The defendant filed a waiver of his right to a jury trial.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- You need a parental waiver to go on the school trip.
- The bank gave me a waiver on the monthly account fee.
- By signing the liability waiver, participants acknowledged the risks involved in the activity.
- The embassy granted a visa waiver for short-term tourist visits.
- The plea bargain included a waiver of the defendant's right to appeal.
- Negotiators secured a waiver from the usual procurement rules to expedite the delivery of essential supplies.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of WAVE goodbye to your rights. A WAIVER is when you officially wave away a claim or rule.
Conceptual Metaphor
RIGHTS ARE POSSESSIONS (that can be voluntarily given up or waved away).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with "отказ" meaning refusal or denial. "Waiver" is a specific, voluntary relinquishment of a right. Closer to "отказ от права" or "освобождение от обязательства".
Common Mistakes
- Confusing 'waiver' (noun) with 'waver' (verb, to hesitate). Incorrect: 'He began to waiver in his decision.' Correct: 'He began to waver in his decision.' / 'He signed a waiver.'
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'waiver' LEAST likely to be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. An 'exception' is a case not conforming to a rule. A 'waiver' is the formal act of allowing that exception, often involving the voluntary giving up of a right to enforce the rule.
No. 'Waiver' is only a noun. The related verb is 'to waive' (e.g., 'The fee was waived'). A common error is using 'waiver' instead of 'waver' (to hesitate).
Typically, yes, for legal certainty. However, a waiver can sometimes be implied by conduct, though a written and signed document is the standard in formal contexts to prevent dispute.
They are closely related and often used together. A 'waiver' is the act of relinquishing a right or claim. A 'release' is a broader agreement not to pursue legal action. A 'liability waiver' often functions as a release from future lawsuits.
Explore