Verbs are the powerhouses of sentences. They’re the words that make things happen. They show action, describe occurrences, and even define states of being. Without verbs, language would be pretty boring, right?
So, let’s dive into the world of verbs starting with “w.” We’ll explore a wide range of these words, from the everyday to the slightly more obscure, showing off their different meanings and how we use them.
This is your guide to common and less common verbs beginning with “w,” explaining what they mean and how you might use them.
“W” verbs related to movement and action
Many action verbs begin with the letter “w.” Here are a few of the most common:
Walk
Walk means to move along at a regular and fairly slow pace by lifting one foot and setting it down, then lifting the other foot and setting it down.
For example, “She walks to school every morning.”
There are many different ways to walk, including strolling, hiking, and marching. Walk can also be used figuratively, as in “walk away” or “walk all over someone.”
Wander
To wander is to move in a leisurely, irregular way, often aimlessly.
For example, “They wandered through the forest.”
Wander often carries a connotation of exploration and freedom. Related terms include roam, meander, and stray.
Wave
To wave is to move one’s hand back and forth, often as a greeting or signal.
For example, “He waved goodbye from the train.”
There are different types of waves. A wave can be friendly or it can be a warning. Wave can also mean to flutter or ripple in the air. For example, “The flag waved in the breeze.”
“W” verbs related to communication and expression
Language is all about communication, so naturally there are many verbs that express different ways of getting your point across. Here are just a few verbs that start with “w” that relate to communicating and expressing yourself.
Whisper
Whisper means to speak very softly, using your breath instead of your full voice. It carries a connotation of secrecy and intimacy. For example, “She whispered a secret in his ear.”
You can use whisper figuratively, too. “Rumors were whispering through the crowd.”
Warn
When you warn someone, you’re telling them about a possible danger or problem. “The sign warned us about the slippery road.”
Related terms are alert, caution, and advise. Warnings are important for safety and prevention.
Write
To write is to mark letters, words, or symbols on a surface with a pen, pencil, or similar implement. “He writes novels in his spare time.”
There are many different forms of writing, including poetry, prose, and scripts. Writing has had an enormous impact on communication and record-keeping throughout human history.
Wrangle
To wrangle is to argue or dispute, often in a noisy or angry way. “The siblings wrangled over who got to use the computer.” It can also mean to round up livestock, like horses or cattle.
“W” verbs related to work and effort
There are a number of verbs that start with “w” that have to do with work and effort. Here are a few:
Work
Work means to exert effort to do, make, or perform something. For instance, “She works as a teacher.” Work can be physical, mental, or creative.
Work can also be used figuratively, as in “I need to work out,” or “I need to work on this.”
Wield
Wield means to hold and use a weapon or tool. For example, “The knight wielded his sword skillfully.” Wield often carries a connotation of power and control.
You can also wield something figuratively, as in, “She wields a lot of influence,” or “He wields authority.”
Weave
Weave means to form fabric by interlacing threads. For instance, “She weaves beautiful tapestries.” It can also mean to create a complex story or narrative.
Weave can be used figuratively as well, as in “to weave a tale,” or “to weave through traffic.”
Wash
Wash means to clean something with water and, typically, soap or detergent. For example, “I need to wash the dishes.”
Less common but interesting “W” verbs
Here are a few “W” verbs you may not use every day, but they’re colorful additions to your vocabulary.
- Wax. This verb means to grow larger, stronger, or more intense. You might say, “The moon waxes and wanes,” suggesting a cycle of growth and decline. Of course, “wax” can also refer to the act of applying wax to something, like waxing a floor or waxing your eyebrows.
- Wallow. To wallow is to indulge in something, usually something negative, to an excessive degree. “He wallowed in self-pity” gives you a sense of the word’s connotations. It can also mean to roll around in mud or water, like a happy pig.
- Want. This verb simply means to wish for or desire something. “I want to travel the world” expresses a yearning for adventure.
- Win. To win is to be successful or victorious in a competition or conflict. “Our team won the game!” signals a moment of triumph.
To Conclude
From “waddle” to “wrestle” to “worship,” the English language is full of wonderful, wide-ranging verbs that start with “w.” These words describe all kinds of actions, states of being, and abstract concepts.
Choosing the right verb is essential for communicating your ideas clearly and creating a vivid picture for your audience. Verbs are the powerhouses of language, driving your message forward.
So, keep exploring the world of verbs! The more you learn about these dynamic words, the better you’ll be at expressing yourself and connecting with others.