waving
UK: ˈweɪvɪŋ | US: ˈweɪvɪŋ
n. the act of moving one's hand or an object back and forth
vi. moving freely with a swaying motion
adj. flowing or undulating in movement
The word "waving" derives from the Old English "wafian," meaning "to wave, fluctuate." The root "wave" originally described the motion of water or objects swaying rhythmically. Over time, it expanded to include hand gestures. The suffix "-ing" transforms the verb into a noun or adjective, capturing the ongoing action or state. The logic is straightforward: "wave" (motion) + "-ing" (action/state) = the act or appearance of moving fluidly.
She greeted the crowd by waving enthusiastically.
The flag was waving proudly in the wind.
He stood on the shore, watching the waving sea grass.
The child ran through the waving fields of wheat.
Waving goodbye, she stepped onto the train.