Definitions
- Referring to a person, especially a child, who is homeless or has been abandoned by their family. - Describing a small and thin person who appears fragile or vulnerable. - Talking about an object that has been lost or abandoned and found by someone else.
- Referring to an animal, especially a cat or dog, that is lost or has wandered away from its home. - Describing a person who has deviated from their intended path or purpose. - Talking about an object that has been misplaced or lost and found by someone else.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words refer to something that is lost or abandoned.
- 2Both can be used to describe animals or people.
- 3Both words have negative connotations.
- 4Both words suggest a sense of vulnerability or helplessness.
- 5Both words can be used as adjectives or nouns.
What is the difference?
- 1Usage: Waif is more commonly used to describe people, while stray is more commonly used to describe animals.
- 2Connotation: Waif has a more sympathetic connotation, while stray can have a negative or judgmental connotation.
- 3Meaning: Waif specifically refers to someone who is homeless or abandoned, while stray can refer to something that is simply lost or off course.
- 4Emphasis: Waif emphasizes the vulnerability and need for care of the person or object, while stray emphasizes the separation from its original place or purpose.
Remember this!
Waif and stray are synonyms that both describe something that is lost or abandoned. However, waif is more commonly used to describe people, especially children, who are homeless or abandoned. On the other hand, stray is more commonly used to describe animals that are lost or have wandered away from their homes. While both words suggest a sense of vulnerability or helplessness, waif has a more sympathetic connotation, while stray can have a negative or judgmental connotation.
