wane
wane
UK[weɪn]US[weɪn]
v
(of the moon) to have a progressively smaller part of its visible surface illuminated, so that it appears to decrease in size.
v
to decrease in vigor, power, or extent; to become weaker or diminished.
Etymology
the word 'wane' originates from the old english verb 'wanian', meaning 'to lessen or diminish'. this old english term is itself descended from the proto-germanic 'wanōną', sharing a root with the old norse 'vana' and the old high german 'wanōn', all conveying a sense of decrease or deficiency. the semantic journey is direct, moving from a general sense of diminishing to its specific application to the moon's phases and, by metaphorical extension, to any decline in power, intensity, or size. its core logic has remained remarkably consistent from its ancient germanic origins to its modern abstract meanings.
Analysis
this word is a simplex form derived from old english. it is not productively composed of smaller, separable morphemes in modern english.
Examples
the moon will wane over the next two weeks until it becomes a new moon.
his enthusiasm for the project began to wane after the initial setbacks.
the empire's influence started to wane in the 5th century.