What are the definitions of “wave off”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Go to a place where someone is leaving to wave goodbye.
We WAVED her OFF at the station.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “wave off”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb wave off is to go to a place where someone is leaving and wave goodbye to them. It is often used when someone is departing from a location, such as a train station or airport.
What are the different verb forms of “wave off”?
| Root Verb | wave off |
| Third Person Singular Present | waves off |
| Present Participle | waving off |
| Simple Past | waved off |
| Past Participle | waved off |
Example
We waved off our friends at the airport.
Example
She waves off her family every time they leave for a trip.
Example
He is waving off his girlfriend at the train station.
Example
Yesterday, they waved off their son as he left for college.
Example
The parents waved off their daughter when she went to study abroad.
What kind of phrasal verb is “wave off”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“wave off” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
We waved off at the station.
Example
She waved off as her friends left.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“wave off” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
We waved off at the station.
Example
She waved off as her friends left.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “wave off”?
To dismiss or reject a suggestion or idea.
Example
He waved off her proposal, saying it was too risky.
Good things to know
Does “wave off” have an informal or formal tone?
Wave off is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal situations. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, depending on the context.
