wane
wane (wān)
intransitive verb waned, wan′·ing
- to grow gradually less in extent: said esp. of the visible face of the moon during the phases after full moon in which the lighted portion is gradually reduced to a thin crescent on the left, as seen from the Northern Hemisphere
- to become less intense, bright, strong, etc.; grow dim or faint, as a light
- to decline in power, importance, prosperity, influence, etc.
- to approach the end: said of a period of time the day wanes
Etymology: ME wanien < OE wanian, to decrease, grow less, akin to wan, lacking: for IE base see want
noun
- the gradual decrease in the visible face of the moon after it has become full
- the time when this takes place
- a gradual decrease in power, importance, intensity, etc., esp. after a gradual climb to a peak
- a period of decline
- the beveled, defective, bark-covered edge or corner of a board or plank cut from an unsquared log or block of wood
on the wane
waning, declining, decreasing, etc.
wane
v.
wane implies a fading or weakening of that which has reached a peak of force, excellence, etc. his fame waned rapidly; abate suggests a progressive lessening in degree, intensity, etc. the fever is abating; ebb, applied specifically to a fluctuating force, refers to one of the periods of recession or decline their ebbing fortunes; subside suggests a quieting or slackening of violent activity or turbulence her temper had subsided
Object
- moon: To plant flowers during a waning moon would not yield the best results.
- popularity: However, signs of its waning popularity have started to appear across the globe.
- influence: Waning influence Callaghan was obliged to hold a general election, which was won by Margaret Thatcher's Conservative Party.
- interest: I imagine a waning interest in contact is quite common.
- power: Both grain and fruit harvests have been gathered as we give thanks for our harvest and acknowledge the waning power of the Sun.
- light: Pausing from their work in the waning light, farmers spoke quietly of American intentions.
Preposition: over
- year: Protection from an initial vaccination does not last forever and the immunity will wane over the year.
Modifying Another Word
- somewhat: Owners are looking to retire and interest has waned somewhat; they no longer attend trade shows but should do.
- considerably: In Britain, this strain dominant in the environmental movement of the early 1970s has waned considerably.
- gradually: So the popularity of sundials gradually waned through the 1800s.
- quickly: By now, my confidence in the British burger is quickly waning.
- rapidly: However, Brereton's enthusiasm for public life seems to have rapidly waned.
- since: Its fortunes have since waned due to the demise of local industry, much of which has disappeared.
Used with why or when
- when: But interest wanes when the price of 15 times the annual subscription of £ 157 is quoted.
Preposition: in
- popularity: What he might have done is revived an interest that was flagging after the Arts and Crafts style had waned in popularity.
- year: The zodiac worked as a symbolic calendar divided into twelve parts, like the of 12 moons waxing and waning in a year.
- century: When its influence waned in the mid 18th century, local merchants rose to power and took control.
- face: Students do become involved and interested, even tho their interest may wane in the face of pressure when course assignments are due!
Preposition: of
- moon: Their liver grows bigger at full moon, like the tides rise then fall with the waning of the moon.
Preposition: for
- time: The unique aura of an art object has been on the wane for some time now.
Browse dictionary entries near wane
- Wandsworth
- wanderlust
- Wanderjahr
- Wandering Jew
- wandering albatross
- wandering
- wanderer
- wander
- Wanda
- wand
