hedge
Pronunciation: [hɛdʒ]
Context: “gardening”
(noun) a type of plant or bush that is grown close to each other to form a boundary or fence. People plant hedges in their gardens to create privacy or to help keep animals away.
Example
The hedge in our yard is thick and green, providing a nice barrier from the street.
Example
The hedge around the house was too sparse, offering no protection at all.
Example
How tall does the hedge need to be for it to block the view?
Context: “finance”
(verb) to make an investment or a decision that reduces the risk of losing money. It's like putting a safety net under you when you're trying something a little risky.
Example
The investor decided to hedge her investments by buying stocks in both companies and bonds.
Example
He didn’t hedge his bets and lost all his money on that risky project.
Example
How can I hedge my investments to protect against losses?
Context: “communication”
(verb) to avoid giving a clear answer or to be cautious about making a promise. It's like dancing around the question instead of saying 'yes' or 'no' directly.
Example
She hedged her response, saying she would think about it before making a decision.
Example
He did not hedge his words and gave a definite answer right away.
Example
Why did you hedge your answer instead of being straight with me?