Wave vs Wave

• Wave (a movement of water) – Noun

• Wave (to move your hand in greeting or signal) – Verb

Pronunciation

These words are homonyms, meaning they are spelled the same, sound the same, but have different meanings.

• Wave (Noun): Pronounced /weɪv/ (WAYV) — A hand motion.

• Wave (Noun): Pronounced /weɪv/ (WAYV) — A movement of water.

Listen to the audio. They sound the same.

What makes them different is your intonation, expression, and context, or the other words in the sentence.

Instruction

Read each sentence aloud and practice identifying the meaning of "wave" in context.
Can you tell which “wave” is being mentioned as you read each sentence?

Example Sentences

1. The wave crashed against the rocks.
   a. A movement of water
   b. To move your hand in greeting or signal

2. She gave a small wave as she walked away.
   a. A movement of water
   b. To move your hand in greeting or signal

3. They enjoyed watching the waves at the beach.
   a. A movement of water
   b. To move your hand in greeting or signal

4. He waved to his friend from across the street.
   a. A movement of water
   b. To move your hand in greeting or signal

5. A huge wave soaked the children playing near the shore.
   a. A movement of water
   b. To move your hand in greeting or signal

6. She waved goodbye before boarding the plane.
   a. A movement of water
   b. To move your hand in greeting or signal

7. The boat rocked as a wave passed beneath it.
   a. A movement of water
   b. To move your hand in greeting or signal

8. He waved frantically to get their attention.
   a. A movement of water
   b. To move your hand in greeting or signal

9. The gentle waves made a soothing sound.
   a. A movement of water
   b. To move your hand in greeting or signal

10. The teacher waved her hand to signal the students to stop.
    a. A movement of water
    b. To move your hand in greeting or signal

Answers

1. a

2. b

3. a

4. b

5. a

6. b

7. a

8. b

9. a

10. b

Intonation

Instructions: Intonation is controlling the rise and fall of your voice. When we do this with words and phrases, we send the listener a specific message.

Wave (a movement of water)

1. The wave crashed against the shore. (Stress wave to focus on the action of water.)

2. The gentle waves lapped at the edge of the boat. (Emphasize gentle to highlight calmness.)

3. A massive wave drenched everyone on the beach. (Highlight massive to show the size.)

Wave (to move your hand in greeting or signal)

1. She gave a small wave before leaving. (Stress wave to highlight the action of goodbye.)

2. He waved enthusiastically to his friends. (Emphasize enthusiastically to show emotion.)

3. The teacher waved her hand to grab attention. (Highlight waved to show urgency.)

Expression

The following explains how stressing or emphasizing the bolded words alters the tone or focus of the sentence and offers some helpful tips. Practice stressing these words when speaking. Create your own sentences with the following words and phrases.

Wave (a movement of water):

1. Big wave: Highlights the size of the wave.

   • Tip: Stress big to emphasize its impact.

   • Sentence: ____________________.

2. Gentle wave: Focuses on calm and soothing movement.

   • Tip: Say gentle slowly to create a relaxing tone.

   • Sentence: ____________________.

3. Crashing wave: Suggests power or force.

   • Tip: Emphasize crashing to show the intensity.

   • Sentence: ____________________.

Wave (to move your hand in greeting or signal):

1. Small wave: Suggests a subtle or shy greeting.

   • Tip: Highlight small to focus on the understated action.

   • Sentence: ____________________.

2. Frantic wave: Describes an urgent or attention-grabbing motion.

   • Tip: Stress frantic to show the emotion.

   • Sentence: ____________________.

3. Friendly wave: Highlights a warm and inviting gesture.

   • Tip: Say friendly slowly to emphasize the positive tone.

   • Sentence: ____________________.

Things to Remember:

The word "wave" is used in different contexts:

• Wave (a movement of water): Works with descriptive words like "gentle," "big," or "crashing."

  • Example: The wave splashed against the rocks.

• Wave (to move your hand): Works with actions or descriptions like "wave," "waved," or "small wave."

  • Example: She gave a wave to her neighbors.