wale
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /weɪl/
KK: /weɪl/
noun
Definition
A raised mark on the skin caused by a whip or similar object, or a ridge in fabric like corduroy.
Example
After the fall, he had a painful wale on his arm.
Conversation
I just bought some new corduroy pants; they have such a nice wale.
That sounds cool! I love the texture of corduroy.
Yeah, the wale is really prominent; it makes them look unique.
Definitely! I should get myself a pair like that.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
ridge
weal
strake
Antonyms
flat
smooth
plain
transitive verb
Definition
To create raised marks on the skin, often as a result of whipping or striking.
Example
The punishment left a wale across his back.
Tense Forms
Past: waled
Past Participle: waled
Conversation
Did you hear about that old story where they used to wale people for punishment?
Yeah, it's pretty harsh to think about it now.
I can't believe they actually did that; it sounds so cruel.
Root Explanation
The word 'wale' originates from Old English 'walu', meaning a ridge or a raised line. It refers specifically to the raised lines or ridges found on the surface of certain materials, such as fabric or skin.
Memory Tip
Think of the Old English word for a 'ridge' — that's what a 'wale' refers to, a raised line or ridge on a surface.
Visually Confused Words
whale
wanle
twale
swale
dwale
wae
ale
wraxle