Understanding the Difference Between Waist and Waste

Understanding the Difference Between Waist and Waste

Difference Between “Waist” and “Waste”

Sometimes, in English, words can sound alike but mean different things. “Waist” and “waste” are two such words. Let’s learn about them!

History

“Waist” comes from an old English word “wæst” which means “growth” or “part of the body”. “Waste” comes from an old French word “wast”, meaning “desolate” or “destroyed”. They have been used in English for many hundreds of years.

How to Use Them

Waist: “Waist” is a noun and refers to the middle part of the body. It is the part where a belt usually goes.

• She wore a belt around her waist.
• The dress was too tight at the waist.
• He measured his waist size for new pants.
• The baby laughed when tickled at the waist.
• Her waist is smaller than her hips.

Waste: “Waste” can be a noun or a verb and has to do with things we throw away or use badly. As a noun, it means garbage. As a verb, it means to use something poorly or to not use it fully.

• Throw the banana peel in the waste bin.
• It’s bad to waste food.
• He did not want to waste his time watching TV all day.
• The factory reduced its waste.
• She hates to waste money on things she doesn’t need.

Trick to Remember the Difference

Think of “waist” with “body” because it is part of your body. Remember “waste” with “garbage” since it is about things thrown away or not used well.

Summary

Use “waist” when talking about the middle part of the body, as in belts or clothing fit. Use “waste” when talking about using things poorly or garbage. Remember: “waist” is body, “waste” is garbage.