“Waists” or “Wastes”—Which to use?

“Waists” or “Wastes”

Overview

waists / wastes are similar-sounding terms with different meanings (referred to as homophones). To better understand the differences, see below for definitions, pronunciation guides, and example sentences using each term. 👇

Definitions

waists: (noun) the narrowing of the body between the ribs and hips.

wastes: (noun) any materials unused and rejected as worthless or unwanted. (noun) useless or profitless activity; using or expending or consuming thoughtlessly or carelessly. (noun) (law) reduction in the value of an estate caused by act or neglect. (verb) spend thoughtlessly; throw away. (verb) use inefficiently or inappropriately. (verb) get rid of. (verb) run off as waste. (verb) cause to grow thin or weak. (verb) become physically weaker.

Pronunciation

waists: w·EY·s·t·s

wastes: w·EY·s·t·s

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Examples in Context

Examples of “waists”

…super-feminine silhouettes; rigorous cuts; nipped-in waists; pencil skirts, high-collared blouses; elegant,…

Examples of “wastes”

…odd/even x/y combinations, it still wastes almost half of its quadratic…
…and Paul Rudd, but it wastes them on a contrived (and…
…of Ship-Generated Solid and Liquid Wastes (REMPEC Regional Marine Pollution Emergency…
…baffling and disappointing experience that wastes a promising idea."
…for the valorization of agricultural wastes with potentials of enhancing existing…
…prize-winning author, Ryota (Hiroshi Abe) wastes any money he makes as…
…non-edible natural oils and agricultural wastes, and is expected to provide…
…which was isolated from industrial wastes in contaminated soils in Japan.
…always necessary, and doing so wastes power, increases the likelihood of…
…treated dead infants as clinical wastes, and selling a kidney to…

(Examples are Wikipedia snippets under the CC ShareAlike 3.0 license. Definitions drawn from WordNet.)

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