waive

USAGE SUMMARY

'waive' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used mainly as a verb meaning to abdicate, abandon, or surrender a legal or other right. As a noun, waive can refer to the act of waiving a right or an agreement to waive a right. Example sentence: The landlord waived the tenant's late fee for that month.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Speaking on BBC radio she said that she chose to waive her right to anonymity "to connect with other victims" to show they are not alone.

The Guardian

In responding to the high court decision on Thursday, the attorney general, George Brandis, said the finance minister, Mathias Cormann, had decided to waive the government's right to recover $150m in payments made to chaplaincy providers.

The Guardian

She did not waive her fifth amendment rights by proclaiming her innocence," Taylor added.

The Guardian

Australia's high court has upheld a legal challenge against federal government funding arrangements for the national school chaplaincy program, prompting the finance minister to waive $150m in debts that providers would otherwise be forced to repay.

The Guardian

I'm advised by my friend, Senator [Mathias] Cormann, that he has today agreed to waive the program payments made to date.

The Guardian

Elizabeth Ramey, who has chosen to waive her right to anonymity, reported an alleged assault in 2011.

The Guardian

It is thought Goldman Sachs agreed to waive the lock-up period because of Sports Direct's recent strong stock market performance, indicating a high level of demand for shares.

The Guardian - Business

All jobseekers who refuse work "without any good reason", according to the budget papers, will lose their payment for eight weeks, with one chance to waive the penalty by doing more activities or proving financial hardship.

The Guardian

David Cameron should waive collective responsibility in the lead-up to the EU referendum and let members of the cabinet campaign freely on either side of the debate, two senior Conservative former cabinet ministers have said.

The Guardian

The veteran Cameroon international is expected to waive the chance of a return to San Siro by moving to London on a short-term deal, with Chelsea now resigned to missing out on their principal summer target, Manchester United's Wayne Rooney.

The Guardian - Sport

All job seekers who refuse work "without any good reason" according to the budget papers will lose their payment for eight weeks with only one chance to waive the penalty by doing additional activities or proving financial hardship.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "waive" when you want to indicate the voluntary relinquishment of a right or claim. Ensure that the context clearly identifies what is being waived and by whom.

Common error

Avoid using "waive" when you mean to simply postpone or delay something. "Waive" implies a permanent relinquishment, not a temporary suspension.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "waive" is as a transitive verb, meaning it requires a direct object. It describes the act of intentionally giving up a right, claim, or requirement. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "waive" is a versatile verb primarily used to indicate the voluntary relinquishment of a right or requirement. As Ludwig AI confirms, the term is grammatically correct and sees frequent usage. As demonstrated by the examples, it is most commonly found in news and media, as well as formal business contexts. While the word itself is suitable for use in multiple environments, it's important to remember the nuances described above and choose synonyms such as "relinquish" or "forgo" depending on the specific intent of the writer. Be mindful not to use "waive" when a postponement is intended rather than a permanent release.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

relinquish

Implies a more formal or complete surrender of a right or claim.

forgo

Suggests a voluntary decision to abstain from something.

give up

A more general term for surrendering something, not necessarily a right.

dispense with

Indicates that something is no longer required or necessary.

set aside

To disregard or ignore something, often temporarily.

decline

To politely refuse an offer or invitation.

renounce

To formally reject or disown something.

abandon

To completely give up or desert something.

surrender

To give up control or possession, often under duress.

cede

To formally give up possession of something, often territory or power.

FAQs

How is "waive" typically used in a sentence?

The verb "waive" is generally followed by the right, claim, or requirement being relinquished. For example, "The bank may "waive" the late fee" or "The defendant chose to "waive" their right to a speedy trial".

What's the difference between "waive" and "defer"?

"Waive" means to relinquish or give up a right permanently, while "defer" means to postpone or delay something temporarily. For example, a university might "waive" the application fee entirely, but they could "defer" the admission decision until the next academic year.

Can I use "waive" in informal conversation?

While "waive" is more common in formal and professional settings, it can be used in informal conversation if the context involves the relinquishment of a right or requirement. However, simpler alternatives like "give up" or "let go" might be more appropriate.

What are some synonyms for "waive" that I can use in formal writing?

In formal writing, you can use synonyms for "waive" such as "relinquish", "forgo", or "cede" to maintain a professional tone. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.