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Phrasal verbs "see off" vs "wave off"

Differences between see off and wave off

See off and wave off are similar in that they both refer to saying goodbye to someone who is leaving, but see off implies more involvement in the departure process, while wave off is a more casual way of saying goodbye.

Meanings and Definitions: see off vs wave off

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

See off

  • 1Chase somebody or something away.

    A cat came into the back garden but the dog soon SAW it OFF.

  • 2Go to the airport, station, etc., to say goodbye to someone.

    I went to the station to SEE them OFF.

Wave off

  • 1Go to a place where someone is leaving to wave goodbye.

    We WAVED her OFF at the station.

Usage Examples: see off, wave off in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

see off

Example

I will see off my friend at the airport tomorrow.

Example

She sees off her husband at the train station every time he goes on a business trip.

wave off

Example

We waved off our friends at the airport.

Example

She waves off her family every time they leave for a trip.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of See off

bid farewell

To say goodbye to someone who is leaving.

Example

We all gathered at the airport to bid farewell to our friend who was moving to another country.

escort to the door

To accompany someone to the door when they are leaving.

Example

I always escort my guests to the door when they leave to show them my appreciation for their visit.

give a send-off

To give someone a proper farewell when they are leaving.

Example

We organized a surprise party to give him a send-off before he left for his new job.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Wave off

say goodbye

To express farewell to someone who is leaving.

Example

We hugged and said goodbye to our friends before they left for their road trip.

see you later

A casual way of saying goodbye to someone you will see again soon.

Example

I said 'see you later' to my colleague as we left the office for the day.

take care

A friendly way of wishing someone well when they are leaving.

Example

I always tell my friends to take care when they are leaving to show them I care about their safety and well-being.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “see”

Phrasal Verbs with “wave”

Differences in see off vs wave off: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: see off or wave off?

Both phrases are commonly used in everyday conversation, but see off is more common in formal situations such as airports or train stations where people are seeing off loved ones or colleagues. Wave off is more commonly used in casual settings like when saying goodbye to friends or family members.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of see off and wave off

See off is considered more formal than wave off. It is often used in more official settings like airports, train stations, or military send-offs. Wave off is more informal and is suitable for casual conversations with friends and family.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of see off and wave off

The tone of see off is more formal and respectful, while wave off is more casual and friendly. See off can convey a sense of sadness or nostalgia when saying goodbye to someone for a long time, while wave off is more lighthearted and can be used in a playful manner.

see off & wave off: Synonyms and Antonyms

See off

Synonyms

  • repel
  • bid farewell
  • say goodbye
  • send off
  • chase away
  • scare off

Wave off

Synonyms

  • bid farewell
  • say goodbye
  • see off
  • send off

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