Waif-like

Characterized by a thin, fragile, and often undernourished appearance, suggestive of a lost, neglected, or vulnerable person, often evoking a sense of pity or helplessness. This appearance is often associated with poverty, hardship, or trauma, giving the individual a delicate and almost ethereal quality. It can describe both physical attributes and the impression one conveys, encompassing both a visual and emotional impact. The term typically implies a lack of robustness and a certain degree of isolation or disadvantage, highlighting a perceived vulnerability.

Waif-like meaning with examples

• The child, lost and alone in the bustling city, had a waif-like quality, her oversized coat swallowing her small frame. Her large, tear-filled eyes amplified the sense of vulnerability, making her seem even more delicate as she clutched a worn teddy bear. Passersby instinctively slowed, their faces reflecting a mixture of concern and pity, compelled to offer assistance to this forlorn figure.
• She possessed a waif-like grace on the stage, moving with an ethereal lightness that belied her powerful voice. The simplicity of her costume and her slender figure enhanced this delicate image. This was her carefully cultivated persona, a way of projecting the emotions she was feeling through her voice and physicality. It captivated the audience with a sense of ethereal beauty.
• The elderly woman, her skin stretched thinly over bone and her grey hair wispy, had a waif-like presence as she navigated the crowded marketplace. Her threadbare clothing and gentle demeanor only intensified her vulnerability. Despite her physical fragility, she carried herself with a quiet dignity, and had an enduring resilience.
• The artist painted the subject with waif-like features, emphasizing the model's pale skin, sunken cheeks, and wide eyes. These visual cues conveyed the emotional weight of the story she sought to portray. This deliberate choice created a striking contrast between her appearance and the defiant spirit captured in the subject's posture and expression.