Hedges
/ˈhɛdʒɪz/
nounverbB1plural (for noun), third person singular present (for verb)
Definition
As a noun, "hedges" are lines of plants that grow close together to make a natural fence or border around a garden or field. They can protect areas, mark limits, or provide privacy. As a verb, "hedges" means to avoid saying something clearly or to protect yourself from possible problems by being careful or unclear.
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See It in Action
Noun: A row of bushes or small trees used as a fence or boundary
- •The garden was surrounded by tall hedges.
- •Birds often build nests in hedges.
- •The hedges provide privacy from the road.
Verb: To avoid giving a clear answer or to protect oneself from risk
- •She hedges when asked about her future plans.
- •Investors hedge their money to avoid big losses.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "hedges" like "fences," but made of plants instead of wood or metal
- ✓Picture a green wall of bushes around a house or garden that blocks the view or wind
- ✓It's like the feeling of safety you get behind a fence or wall that keeps things out or in
- ✓Sounds like "hedge" → imagine someone cutting or trimming bushes carefully to keep them neat and protective
- ✓In stories, hedges often appear as natural borders in gardens or magical places (like "Through the Looking-Glass" by Lewis Carroll)
- ✓As a verb, NOT like "say" (clear and direct), "hedge" means to speak carefully to avoid commitment or risk
- ✓As a verb, NOT like "risk" (to face danger directly), "hedge" means to protect yourself by avoiding full exposure
Try Other Words
- •Bushes: plants growing close together (Use when focusing on the plants themselves, not their use as a boundary)
- •Barrier: something that blocks or stops movement (Use when emphasizing the function of stopping or protecting)
- •Avoid: to stay away from or not do something (Use when "hedge" means to avoid clear answers)
- •Protect: to keep safe from harm or risk (Use when "hedge" means to guard against danger)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "hedge" (a fence of bushes) + "s" (plural noun or third person verb ending)
- •Etymology: Old English "hecg," meaning a fence or enclosure made of bushes
- •Historical development: Used since Old English times to mean a living fence; later also used as a verb meaning to protect or avoid risk
- •Modern usage: Commonly used in gardening and finance; as a verb in conversation to mean avoiding clear answers or protecting investments
Reflect & Connect
•How do natural hedges compare to man-made fences in your country or culture?
•When is it helpful to "hedge" your words, and when can it cause confusion or problems?
Fill in the blanks
1.The garden was surrounded by tall hedges to ___ the area from wind and noise.
2.When asked about the project, she hedges her answers because she is not ___ to share details.
3.Unlike a solid fence, hedges are living plants that can ___ and grow over time.
4.Investors often hedge their money to protect themselves from ___ losses.
5.He hedges when speaking about his plans, using careful words to avoid ___ commitment.
6.The birds built their nests deep inside the ___ to stay safe from predators.
7.To keep the yard private, they planted thick hedges ___ the property line.