Waft vs. Weft — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 22, 2024
Waft involves the movement of air or scent through space, while weft refers to the horizontal threads woven into fabric.
Difference Between Waft and Weft
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Wafting is primarily associated with the movement of smells or light gases through air, often noticeable due to their gentle or subtle nature. On the other hand, weft specifically denotes the horizontal threads that are interwoven with the warp threads on a loom during the textile manufacturing process.
While wafting can occur naturally or be facilitated by environmental factors, weft requires human intervention and machinery to be created, emphasizing its role in fabric construction.
Whereas wafting can enhance or affect an environment temporarily, weft provides structural integrity and design to fabrics, making it a permanent and essential component of textiles.
Waft is used figuratively to describe light, airy, and sometimes transient experiences. Conversely, weft is a technical term with no metaphorical uses, remaining specific to the context of weaving.
In terms of sensory impact, wafting engages primarily with our sense of smell or sometimes hearing. In contrast, weft appeals to our tactile and visual senses through the textures and patterns it helps create in textiles.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Movement of air or scent through space
Horizontal threads woven into fabric
Usage
Environmental, sensory
Textile manufacturing
Interaction
Natural or facilitated by environmental factors
Requires human intervention and machinery
Metaphorical Use
Often used figuratively
No metaphorical uses
Sensory Impact
Engages smell and sometimes hearing
Appeals to tactile and visual senses
Compare with Definitions
Waft
The movement of scent or air through a space.
The scent of freshly baked cookies wafted through the kitchen.
Weft
Threads that cross the warp in weaving.
She checked the weft to ensure the pattern was consistent.
Waft
To carry lightly and smoothly through the air or over water.
The balloon wafted gently on the breeze.
Weft
A term used in weaving to describe the cross threads.
The weaver adjusted the weft to tighten the fabric.
Waft
Something, such as a scent or smoke, that is carried through the air.
A waft of smoke rose from the fire.
Weft
Integral part of the structural integrity of woven materials.
The strength of the cloth depends on the quality of the weft.
Waft
To cause to go gently and smoothly through the air or over water.
The breeze wafted the fallen leaves along the sidewalk.
Weft
Part of the weaving that goes over and under the warp threads.
Skilled artisans can manipulate the weft to create intricate designs.
Waft
Waft is a term meaning to "carry along gently as through the air." The term is commonly used to describe scents that have diffused into other parts of a room, or to describe smoke as being seen moving through the air. Wafting may be used for everyday substances, to make sure they are fresh, or consumable.
Weft
The horizontal threads in woven fabric.
The weft of the fabric was dyed a vivid blue.
Waft
(with reference to a scent, sound, etc.) pass or cause to pass gently through the air
The smell of stale fat wafted out from the cafe
Each breeze would waft pollen round the house
Weft
The horizontal threads interlaced through the warp in a woven fabric; woof.
Waft
A gentle movement of air.
Weft
Yarn used for the weft.
Waft
A knotted ensign, garment, etc. displayed by a ship as a signal.
Weft
Woven fabric.
Waft
To cause to go gently and smoothly through the air or over water
The breeze wafted the fog through the fields.
Weft
(weaving) The horizontal threads that are interlaced through the warp in a woven fabric.
Waft
To float easily and gently, as on the air; drift
The smell of soup wafted from the kitchen.
Weft
(weaving) The yarn used for the weft; the fill.
Waft
Something, such as an odor, that is carried through the air
A waft of perfume.
Weft
(hairdressing) A hair extension that is glued directly to a person′s natural hair.
Waft
A light breeze; a rush of air
Felt the waft of the sea breeze.
Weft
(obsolete) Something cast away; a waif.
Waft
The act or action of fluttering or waving
The waft of her dress.
Weft
A thing waved, waived, or cast away; a waif.
Waft
(Nautical) A flag used for signaling or indicating wind direction. Also called waif2.
Weft
The woof of cloth; the threads that cross the warp from selvage to selvage; the thread carried by the shuttle in weaving.
Waft
(ergative) To (cause to) float easily or gently through the air.
A breeze came in through the open window and wafted her sensuous perfume into my eager nostrils.
Weft
A web; a thing woven.
Waft
(intransitive) To be moved, or to pass, on a buoyant medium; to float.
Weft
The yarn woven across the warp yarn in weaving
Waft
To give notice to by waving something; to wave the hand to; to beckon.
Waft
A light breeze.
Waft
Something (such as an odor or perfume) that is carried through the air.
Waft
(nautical) A flag used to indicate wind direction or, with a knot tied in the center, as a signal; a waif, a wheft.
Waft
To give notice to by waving something; to wave the hand to; to beckon.
But soft: who wafts us yonder?
Waft
To cause to move or go in a wavy manner, or by the impulse of waves, as of water or air; to bear along on a buoyant medium; as, a balloon was wafted over the channel.
A gentle wafting to immortal life.
Speed the soft intercourse from soul to soul,And waft a sigh from Indus to the pole.
Waft
To cause to float; to keep from sinking; to buoy.
Waft
To be moved, or to pass, on a buoyant medium; to float.
And now the shouts waft near the citadel.
Waft
A wave or current of wind.
In this dire season, oft the whirlwind's wingSweeps up the burden of whole wintry plainsIn one wide waft.
Waft
A signal made by waving something, as a flag, in the air.
Waft
An unpleasant flavor.
Waft
A knot, or stop, in the middle of a flag.
Waft
A long flag; often tapering
Waft
Be driven or carried along, as by the air;
Sounds wafted into the room
Waft
Blow gently;
A breeze wafted through the door
Common Curiosities
What is the function of weft in weaving?
The weft provides horizontal structure and contributes to the overall design and integrity of woven fabrics.
What kind of materials can waft?
Gases, scents, and light materials like smoke or mist can waft.
How does weft impact the quality of fabric?
The quality and arrangement of weft threads significantly impact the durability, texture, and pattern of the fabric.
Can waft be used to describe sounds?
Yes, sounds can be described as wafting when they move gently through the air.
Are there different types of weft?
Yes, weft can vary in material, thickness, and color, influencing the fabric's properties.
Can waft be controlled?
Waft can be influenced by controlling air currents or environmental conditions.
What is the difference between weft and warp?
Weft refers to the horizontal threads, while warp denotes the vertical threads in weaving.
What ensures the strength of weft?
The material, tightness, and method of weaving the weft contribute to its strength.
What does waft mean?
Waft refers to the movement of air, scent, or smoke through space.
Can waft carry physical objects?
It can carry lightweight particles or elements like smells or smoke, not solid objects.
Is weft visible in all woven fabrics?
Yes, weft is typically visible unless obscured by specific weaving techniques.
Does wafting require energy or a source?
Wafting can occur naturally or through slight environmental influences without significant energy.
How is weft integrated during weaving?
Weft threads are interlaced with warp threads using various weaving techniques to create fabric.
Does the type of material affect the waft?
Yes, the density and nature of the material influence how effectively it can waft.
Can the concept of waft be applied in scientific contexts?
Yes, waft is relevant in discussions about gas movements, air quality, and diffusion in scientific studies.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
