wane

UK: weɪn | US: weɪn

Definition

  1. vi. (of the moon) to decrease gradually in visible illumination

  2. vi. to decline in power, size, or intensity

  3. n. the gradual decrease of the moon's visible surface

  4. n. a period of decline or diminution

Structure
wan <deficient>wan <deficient>
Etymology

The word "wane" traces back to Old English wanian, rooted in Proto-Germanic wanōną ("to decrease"). It originally described the moon's diminishing light but expanded metaphorically to any gradual decline. The core idea of "deficiency" (wan-) persists in related words like "want" (originally "lack").

Examples

  1. The moon will wane over the next two weeks.

  2. His influence began to wane after the scandal.

  3. During autumn, daylight hours wane noticeably.

  4. The empire's power waned over centuries.

  5. Her enthusiasm for the project started to wane.