Hedge
Word: hedge (noun, verb)
Associations
The word "hedge" has two main uses: as a noun and as a verb.
As a noun, a "hedge" is a row of bushes or small trees planted close together, often used to mark a boundary or fence in a garden or field.
- Example 1: The garden was surrounded by a tall green hedge. (Here, "hedge" means the bushes around the garden.)
- Example 2: Birds often nest in hedges during the spring. (Hedge is the natural home for birds.)
- Example 3: The farmer trimmed the hedge to keep the field neat.
As a verb, "to hedge" means to protect yourself against possible loss or risk, especially in business or finance.
- Example 1: Investors hedge their bets by buying stocks and bonds. (Here, "hedge" means to reduce risk.)
- Example 2: She hedged her statement by saying she wasn’t sure. (Means she avoided giving a direct answer.)
- Example 3: The company hedged against currency fluctuations.
Synonym note: As a verb, "hedge" is similar to "protect" or "avoid risk," but "hedge" often implies a careful or partial protection rather than full safety.
Substitution
Noun: Instead of "hedge," you can say "bushes," "shrubbery," or "fence" (if it’s about marking a boundary). Verb: Instead of "hedge," you can say "protect," "guard," "insure," or "avoid risk," depending on the context.
Deconstruction
The noun "hedge" comes from Old English "hecg," meaning a fence or enclosure made of bushes. As a verb, it evolved from the noun, meaning to surround or protect by a hedge, then later to mean protecting oneself from risk.
Inquiry
- Can you think of a place near you that has a hedge? What does it look like?
- Have you ever tried to "hedge" your options when making a decision? How did you do it?
- How is a hedge (the plants) different from a fence made of wood or metal? Why might someone choose one over the other?