This is the 5795th most frequent Japanese word.
のま
"のま" is a particle-like repetition indicating consumption, engulfing, or being enclosed, often used figuratively or in compound forms.
The word 'のま' in this context comes from the verb '飲む' (to swallow) and reflects a passive form '飲まれる', indicating being swallowed by an external force (in this case, '波' or wave).
彼は波に飲まれた。
He was swallowed by the wave.
Here, 'のまま' represents the condition of something remaining unchanged; 'まま' means 'as is' or 'remaining as', which gives the sense of the text staying true to the original story.
ストーリーのまま映画が作られた。
The movie was made exactly as the story was.
In this example, the context of '飲む' renders the meaning closer to 'comprehend' or 'accept', as metaphorically 'swallowing' a concept like '現実' (reality).