Waif

Pronunciation: /weɪf/

Definitions of waif

noun something found and unclaimed, as an object cast up by the sea

Example Sentences

A1 The waif was found wandering the streets alone.

A2 She looked like a waif, with her thin frame and tattered clothes.

B1 The orphanage took in the waif and provided her with a safe place to live.

B2 The novel tells the story of a young waif who overcomes adversity to find success.

C1 The artist captured the waif's vulnerability and strength in her portrait.

C2 Despite her difficult past, the waif grew up to be a successful businesswoman.

Examples of waif in a Sentence

formal The waif was found wandering the streets, looking for shelter.

informal I saw a waif outside the store asking for spare change.

slang That waif is always hanging out at the park, trying to bum cigarettes.

figurative The abandoned house stood like a waif, forgotten and alone.

Grammatical Forms of waif

• past tense: waifed
• plural: waifs
• comparative: more waif
• superlative: most waif
• present tense: waifs
• future tense: will waif
• perfect tense: have waifed
• continuous tense: is waifing
• singular: waif
• positive degree: waif
• infinitive: to waif
• gerund: waifing
• participle: waifed

Origin and Evolution of waif

First Known Use: 0014 year

Language of Origin: Old French

Story behind the word: The word 'waif' originated from the Old French word 'waif' meaning 'unclaimed property'.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the meaning of 'waif' evolved to refer to a person, especially a child, who is homeless or neglected.