Waist vs Waste: What's the Difference?
What's the Difference?
Waist" means the part of the body around the stomach, while "waste" refers to something that is discarded or the act of using something carelessly.
Memory Tip: waist = belt area, waste = trash or squander
waist has /eɪ/, waste has /eɪst/
waist /weɪst/
nounThe part of the body between the ribs and hips, often narrower than the areas above and below.
Example:
She wore a belt around her waist to make the dress fit better.
Common patterns:
waist size
waist belt
waist circumference
waste
verbTo waste means to use something carelessly or without purpose, especially time or resources.
Example:
If we don't finish the food we bought, we will waste money and resources.
Common patterns:
waste time
waste money
waste energy
Common Mistakes
She wore a belt around her waste to keep her pants up.
She wore a belt around her waist to keep her pants up.
Waist refers to the part of the body around the stomach where a belt is worn.
Don't waste your time worrying about things you can't change.
Don't waist your time worrying about things you can't change.
Waste refers to using something carelessly, such as time in this context.
Quick Practice
0/2 correct1. She wore a belt around her ____ to make the dress fit better.
2. If we don't finish the food we bought, we will ____ money and resources.
Other Confusing Words
Never confuse waist / waste again
Practice confusing word pairs with your daily goal in the Vocab5000 app and learn them for good with a scientifically proven repetition system. Start for free now.
