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waive

v.
C1 Advanced US //ˈweɪv// UK //wˈeɪv// waive Archaic

v. to officially give up a right or a rule. You use this when you choose not to use a power you have, like a fee or a legal requirement.

v. to refrain from insisting on or enforcing a right, claim, or privilege. Often used in legal or administrative contexts to indicate the voluntary relinquishment of a known right.


SIMPLE

The bank agreed to waive the late payment fee.

CONTEXTUAL

The university decided to waive the application fee for students from low-income backgrounds to encourage more diverse enrollments.

COMPLEX

By signing the contract, the athlete agreed to waive his right to a trial, opting instead for private arbitration in the event of a dispute.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Etymology 1

From Middle English weyven (“to avoid, renounce”), from Anglo-Norman weyver (“to abandon, allow to become a waif”), from Old French waif (“waif”), from gaiver (“to abandon”), ultimately of Scandinavian/North Germanic origin; see weyver.

Etymology 2

From Middle English weyven (“to wave, waver”), from Old Norse veifa (“to wave, swing”) (Norwegian veiva), from Proto-Germanic *waibijaną.

Etymology 3

From Anglo-Norman waive, probably as the past participle of weyver, as Etymology 1, above.

Usage

The verb is transitive and requires a direct object, typically a noun representing a right, fee, or requirement.

Pitfall

He waived to his friendHe waved to his friendLearners confuse 'waive' (to give up a right) with 'wave' (to move your hand in greeting).

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