Commonly Confused Words: Waver vs. Waiver

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In writing, the difference between waver and waiver comes down to a tiny little i, but in reality, the difference is a whole lot more.

Along with the help of our friends in Harry Potter, let’s take a look at these two words that sound exactly the same but mean two quite different things.

We’ll start with waver, because that word came first, originating in Middle English around the 14th century. In general, to waver is to not hold firm, but let’s look at the formal definitions.

Waver:
• to vacillate irresolutely between choices: fluctuate in opinion, allegiance, or direction

Draco knew he needed to side once and for all with either Harry or Voldemort, but he was wavering.

• to weave or sway unsteadily to and fro

Harry’s wand wavered in his hand after he was hit with Confringo.

• to give an unsteady sound

Hermione could hear Ron’s broomstick wavering in the brisk winds.

Waver is almost always used as a verb, but our next word, waiver, is primarily a noun. The word waiver originated in the 1620s from the Old Northern French word weyver. It is basically a voluntary relinquishment or surrender of some known right or privilege.

Waiver
• the act of intentionally relinquishing or abandoning a known right, claim, or privilege; also: the legal instrument evidencing such an act

After the Second War, the Ministry of Magic made all new students to Hogwarts sign a waiver stating they would not press charges if the school was attacked by Death Eaters and they were injured.

Luna won a special waiver from the Ministry in order to be allowed to do magic where Muggles could see her.

Of course, there is also a verb form of waiver.

Neville waived his right to an appearance before the Wizengamot.

A good way to remember it is to think of the word wave. Someone who waves is making an ever-fluctuating movement; hence, waver is indecision while the other waiver is the legal document.


Resources
Merrium Webster: waver
Merrium Webster: waiver
Merriam Webster: waive
Wikipeida: waiver