waft

/wɑ:ft/

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Word: Waft

Part of Speech: Verb (also used as a noun)

Basic Meaning: To "waft" means to carry something lightly through the air, usually by the breeze or a gentle movement.

Usage Instructions:

• As a verb: You can use "waft" when talking about smells, sounds, or even objects that move gently through the air.
• As a noun: "Waft" can refer to a long flag, but this usage is less common.

Examples:

• Verb: "I could smell the cookies wafting through the kitchen."
• Noun: "The waft of the flag was visible in the wind."

Advanced Usage:

In more advanced contexts, "waft" can describe the movement of abstract things, like emotions or ideas. For example, "The feeling of nostalgia wafted through the room as they looked at old photographs."

Word Variants:

• Wafting (verb): The present participle form, which can be used to describe the action happening now (e.g., "The fragrance is wafting through the air.").
• Wafted (verb): The past tense form (e.g., "The aroma wafted from the pot.").

Different Meanings:

• In addition to the physical movement of air or objects, "waft" can also imply a gentle suggestion or influence, like how a soft melody might waft into your mind.

Synonyms:

• Float
• Drift
• Carry
• Breeze

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

There aren't specific idioms or phrasal verbs that directly include "waft," but you might encounter phrases like "waft away," which means to disappear gently or to be carried off by the air.

Recap:

"Waft" is a versatile verb primarily used to describe something being carried lightly through the air, often relating to pleasant smells or sounds.

Academic

Noun

1. a long flag; often tapering

Verb

1. blow gently
   • A breeze wafted through the door
2. be driven or carried along, as by the air
   • Sounds wafted into the room

Synonyms

• pennant
• pennon
• streamer