Word: hedges (noun)

Associations

Hedges are usually bushes or shrubs that form a boundary or fence. They can also refer to a way of avoiding direct answers or making statements less certain.

• In gardening, hedges are often used to create privacy in a yard. For example, "They planted tall hedges around their garden for privacy."
• In conversation, someone might hedge their bets by saying, "I think it might rain tomorrow, but I’m not sure." This means they are not completely confident in their prediction.
• In finance, hedges can refer to strategies that protect against losses, like "Investors often use hedges to reduce risk in their portfolios."

A synonym for 'hedges' in the context of plants is 'fence,' but a fence is usually a solid barrier, while hedges can be more natural and allow for some visibility.

Substitution

Instead of 'hedges,' you might use:

• "bushes" when referring to plants, but this does not imply a boundary.
• "fence" when talking about a structure, which is solid and does not grow.
• "qualifiers" when referring to hedging in conversation, which indicates a cautious or uncertain statement.

Deconstruction

The word 'hedges' comes from the Old English word 'hēg(e),' which means a fence or boundary made of bushes. It has roots in the idea of protection and separation.

Inquiry

• Can you think of a time when you used hedges in a conversation to be less direct?
• How do hedges help in creating a private space in your home or garden?
• What are some other ways to express uncertainty in your speech?