1 B2 idiomatic neutral
To dismiss an objection, concern, or idea as unimportant or not worth addressing.
"The manager waved aside all concerns about safety and pushed ahead with the project."
separable
wave aside
B2 neutral separable transitive
To dismiss something as unimportant or irrelevant, often with a physical or metaphorical gesture.
In plain English
To act like something doesn't matter and refuse to deal with it.
What does "wave aside" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 neutral
To physically gesture for someone to move out of the way.
"He waved aside the security guard and walked straight into the meeting."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To physically wave your hand to move someone or something to the side.
Actually means
To act like something doesn't matter and refuse to deal with it.
Usage tip
Often used in formal or journalistic contexts to describe how a person in authority dismisses objections, concerns, or suggestions. The literal gesture (waving a hand to the side) underpins the figurative meaning.
Words that pair with "wave aside"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
concerns objections criticism suggestion question warning protests
How to conjugate "wave aside"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
wave aside
I/you/we/they
3rd person
waves aside
he/she/it
Past simple
waved aside
yesterday
Past participle
waved aside
have + pp
-ing form
waving aside
continuous
Hear "wave aside" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "wave aside" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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