hedge

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: B2 — Upper-Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a fence formed by a row of closely planted shrubs or bushes
  2. noun any technique designed to reduce or eliminate financial risk; for example, taking two positions that will offset each other if prices change
  3. noun an intentionally noncommittal or ambiguous statement

Etymology

From Middle English hegge, from Old English heċġ, from Proto-West Germanic *haggju, from Proto-Germanic *hagjō, from Proto-Indo-European *kagʰyóm (“enclosure”). Cognate with Dutch heg, German Hecke. Doublet of hey (a choreographic figure) and quay. More at haw.

In classic literature

Synonyms

hedgerow

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