WAVING DOWN Meaning and
Definition
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Waving down is a phrase that typically refers to the action of using hand gestures, specifically waving, to attract the attention of someone or something that is moving or passing by. It is considered a nonverbal communication method to request or signal someone to stop or approach.
The term is commonly used in situations where a person is trying to hail a taxi or a passing vehicle, such as a bus, to get a ride. In this context, the person waves their hand in a distinctive way, usually moving it up and down or side to side, in an effort to catch the attention of the driver. This action is often performed by extending the arm and moving the hand in a repeated motion until the desired response is obtained.
Beyond transportation, waving down can also be employed in various scenarios where one person wants to stop another person who is in motion or heading in a specific direction. This could occur in crowded places, such as a busy street, where one individual might see someone they know or need to urgently communicate with. By using hand signals to wave down an individual, they are able to quickly direct their attention and initiate a conversation or interaction.
Overall, waving down serves as a nonverbal way to request someone's attention or halt their forward movement by employing hand movements in a specific manner, typically consisting of a wave-like motion.
Common Misspellings for WAVING DOWN
- qaving down
- aaving down
- saving down
- eaving down
- 3aving down
- 2aving down
- wzving down
- wsving down
- wwving down
- wqving down
- wacing down
- wabing down
- waging down
- wafing down
- wavung down
- wavjng down
- wavkng down
- wavong down
- wav9ng down
- wav8ng down
Etymology of WAVING DOWN
The phrase "waving down" consists of two parts: "waving" and "down".
The word "wave" originated from the Old English word "wafian" or "waefan", which meant "to move to and fro". It is related to the Middle High German word "waben" and the Dutch word "waven". The sense of "wave" as a gesture or movement of the hand to signal or attract attention developed around the 16th century.
The word "down" comes from the Old English word "dūn", meaning "hill" or "mound". It is linked to the Old Norse word "dūnn" and the Dutch word "duin". Over time, "down" acquired various meanings, including the notion of low or inferior position.
