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hedge
/hɛdʒ/
a row of bushes or small trees planted closely together
The garden had a beautiful hedge of roses along the fence.
The garden had a neatly trimmed row of rose bushes along the fence.
formal
a row of bushes or small trees planted closely together, often used as a boundary or screen
The neighbors installed a tall hedge to block the view of the street.
The neighbors planted a tall row of bushes to create privacy from the street.
Hedges are commonly used for landscaping, privacy, or decorative purposes.
Finance
technical
a financial strategy to reduce risk by making investments that offset potential losses in other investments
The company used hedging strategies to protect against currency fluctuations.
The company made investments to offset potential losses from changes in exchange rates.
In finance, hedging involves taking offsetting positions to minimize risk.
informal
to avoid giving a direct answer or commitment, often by being vague or evasive
When asked about the project's timeline, the manager hedged his response.
When asked about the project's timeline, the manager gave a vague answer to avoid committing to a specific date.
This usage is common in business and political contexts.
Collocations
hedge funda type of investment fund that uses complex strategies to generate high returnshedge your betsto take precautions to reduce risk in an uncertain situation
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Context Matters
The meaning of 'hedge' depends heavily on the context. In gardening, it refers to a row of bushes, while in finance, it refers to risk management.
Gold Rule
Avoid Confusion
When using 'hedge' in financial contexts, ensure the audience understands the technical meaning to avoid misunderstandings.
Word Origin
From Middle English 'hegge,' meaning a fence or enclosure, from Old English 'hecg,' meaning a hedge or boundary.
Usage Notes
The word 'hedge' can refer to both a physical boundary in gardening and a financial or strategic concept in business.
Word Breakdown
hedge
a boundary or screen made of bushes or small trees
rootEnglish Dictionary