What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
waive
Example
The athlete decided to waive his right to a trial and accepted the punishment. [waive: verb]
Example
The professor decided to waive the attendance requirement for the students due to the pandemic. [waive: verb]
abandon
Example
The sailors were forced to abandon the ship after it started sinking. [abandon: verb]
Example
The company had to abandon their plans for expansion due to financial difficulties. [abandon: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Abandon is more commonly used than waive in everyday language. Abandon is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while waive is less common and refers to a specific act of giving up a right or claim.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between waive and abandon?
While waive can be used in formal and legal contexts, it is typically associated with a more formal tone. Abandon is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts, allowing it to be used in a wider range of situations.