What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
waviness
Example
The waviness of her hair was accentuated by the sea breeze. [waviness: noun]
Example
The waviness of the road made it difficult to drive on. [waviness: noun]
undulation
Example
The undulation of the ocean was mesmerizing to watch. [undulation: noun]
Example
The hills had a gentle undulation that made for a scenic hike. [undulation: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Waviness is more commonly used than undulation in everyday language. Waviness is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while undulation is less common and more specific to scientific or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between waviness and undulation?
Undulation is more formal and scientific than waviness, making it more appropriate for academic or technical writing. Waviness is more informal and casual, making it suitable for everyday conversation or creative writing.