on the wane — becoming smaller, weaker, or less important; declining or decreasing
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: becoming smaller, weaker, or less important; declining or decreasing
Pronunciation (IPA): /ɑːn ðə weɪn/
Example Sentences
- My interest in collecting stamps is definitely on the wane since I discovered online gaming.
- The company's market share has been on the wane for three consecutive quarters.
- His patience with his noisy neighbors is clearly on the wane.
on the wane
ADJECTIVE[/ɑːn ðə weɪn/]
becoming smaller, weaker, or less important; declining or decreasing
The full moon was on the wane after the festival night.
His strength was on the wane as his energy faded away. (WAN(pale) + E(energy) — as his E(energy) ran out, his face turned WAN(pale) and his strength waned.)
After the rain stopped, the flood was on the wane.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The phrase 'on the wane' derives from Old English 'wanian', meaning to decrease or diminish, originally used to describe the moon's gradual reduction in size after the full moon phase. The expression metaphorically extends this lunar cycle to represent any declining or fading condition.
Breakdown
wane (from Old English 'wanian', meaning to decrease or diminish) + on the (preposition phrase indicating a state or condition). The root 'wanian' is related to Proto-Germanic 'wanon', expressing the concept of waning or reduction.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My interest in collecting stamps is definitely on the wane since I discovered online gaming.”
“The company's market share has been on the wane for three consecutive quarters.”
“His patience with his noisy neighbors is clearly on the wane.”
“Traditional retail stores seem to be on the wane due to e-commerce growth.”
📚Related Words
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