Definitions
- Referring to a child who has lost both parents due to death or abandonment. - Describing someone who is without support or guidance from their family. - Talking about an animal that has been abandoned or lost its mother.
- Describing a child who is homeless, neglected, or abandoned. - Referring to someone who is thin, fragile, and vulnerable. - Talking about an animal that is lost or abandoned.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe someone who is alone and vulnerable.
- 2Both words can refer to children or animals.
- 3Both words have negative connotations.
- 4Both words suggest a lack of support or care from others.
- 5Both words can evoke sympathy or compassion.
What is the difference?
- 1Meaning: Orphan specifically refers to a child who has lost both parents, while waif can refer to any person or animal who is alone and vulnerable.
- 2Connotation: Orphan is more commonly used and has a more neutral connotation, while waif is less common and has a more negative connotation.
- 3Usage: Orphan is used more frequently in formal contexts, such as legal documents or social services, while waif is more commonly used in literature or poetic language.
- 4Emphasis: Orphan emphasizes the loss of family and support, while waif emphasizes the fragility and vulnerability of the person or animal.
Remember this!
Orphan and waif are synonyms that describe someone who is alone and vulnerable. However, orphan specifically refers to a child who has lost both parents, while waif can refer to any person or animal who is alone and vulnerable. Additionally, orphan is more commonly used and has a more neutral connotation, while waif is less common and has a more negative connotation.
