Wax and wane

phrasal verb

To increase and then decrease, like phases of the moon.

Seasonal businesses often wax and wane throughout the year.
Visual representation of "wax and wane" - To increase and then decrease, like phases of the moon

Often appears as...

  • businesses wax and wane
  • popularity wax and wane
phrasal verb

To grow stronger or weaker.

Her enthusiasm for the project waxed and waned.
Visual representation of "wax and wane" - To grow stronger or weaker

Often appears as...

  • enthusiasm wax and wane
  • interest wax and wane
phrasal verb

To increase and then decrease, like phases of the moon.

Seasonal businesses often wax and wane throughout the year.
Visual representation of "wax and wane" - To increase and then decrease, like phases of the moon

Often appears as...

  • businesses wax and wane
  • popularity wax and wane
phrasal verb

To grow stronger or weaker.

Her enthusiasm for the project waxed and waned.
Visual representation of "wax and wane" - To grow stronger or weaker

Often appears as...

  • enthusiasm wax and wane
  • interest wax and wane
Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "wax and wane"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Not Literal

The phrase doesn't refer to physical growth, but to changes in intensity or size.

Illustration for Not Literal
The crowd at the festival waxed and waned as the day went on.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Emotional Variation

Can describe shifts in feelings or attitudes, not just measurable things.

Illustration for Emotional Variation
His passion for the hobby waxed and waned over time.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Temporal Changes

Often used to talk about changes that happen over a period of time.

Illustration for Temporal Changes
The town's prosperity waxed and waned with the seasons.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Not Literal

The phrase doesn't refer to physical growth, but to changes in intensity or size.

Illustration for Not Literal
The crowd at the festival waxed and waned as the day went on.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Emotional Variation

Can describe shifts in feelings or attitudes, not just measurable things.

Illustration for Emotional Variation
His passion for the hobby waxed and waned over time.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Temporal Changes

Often used to talk about changes that happen over a period of time.

Illustration for Temporal Changes
The town's prosperity waxed and waned with the seasons.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Not Literal

The phrase doesn't refer to physical growth, but to changes in intensity or size.

Illustration for Not Literal
The crowd at the festival waxed and waned as the day went on.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Emotional Variation

Can describe shifts in feelings or attitudes, not just measurable things.

Illustration for Emotional Variation
His passion for the hobby waxed and waned over time.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Temporal Changes

Often used to talk about changes that happen over a period of time.

Illustration for Temporal Changes
The town's prosperity waxed and waned with the seasons.
Visual representation of the word "Wax and wane"

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