Impulse Wave
Elliott Wave Theory glossary · Core Axioms & Motive Wave Rules
Definition
A ve-wave pattern (1-2-3-4-5) that moves in the direction of the trend of the next larger degree. Waves 1, 3, and 5 are motive; waves 2 and 4 are corrective.
Impulse Wave in plain English
An impulse wave is the market's main 'push' in the direction it's actually trending, and it always unfolds in five steps labeled 1-2-3-4-5. Steps 1, 3, and 5 do the real driving forward (called 'motive'), while steps 2 and 4 are little rest-and-pullback moves (called 'corrective') that give back part of the gain before the trend continues. Picture climbing stairs: you step up (1), settle back slightly (2), step up again (3), settle (4), step up once more (5) — net result, you're higher than you started. Spotting this five-part shape is how an analyst confirms a trend is genuinely moving, not just wobbling randomly.
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