Nudge
/nʌdʒ/
Definitions
4 meaningsTo touch or push someone or something gently, typically with an elbow, to attract attention or prompt an action.
/nʌdʒ/
To gently push or poke someone or something, usually with an elbow.
She nudged him awake when the movie ended.
💡 Simply: It's like a tiny push to get someone's attention or to get them to do something, like when you tap your friend on the arm.
👶 For kids: To give a little tap or push to someone or something.
More Examples
He nudged the door open with his foot.
I nudged the book closer to myself.
How It's Used
"He nudged her to get her attention."
"She gently nudged the cat away from the food."
To encourage or persuade someone to do something, often subtly.
/nʌdʒ/
To gently encourage or persuade someone to do something.
The government uses advertising to nudge people towards healthier lifestyles.
💡 Simply: It's like giving someone a little push in the right direction, encouraging them to do something without being too bossy. Like reminding them to recycle.
👶 For kids: To help someone or something do something.
More Examples
She nudged her friend to apply for the job.
The teacher nudged the student to answer the question.
How It's Used
"The marketing campaign was designed to nudge customers towards a specific product."
"Behavioral economists study how to nudge people towards better decisions."
A slight push or poke, especially with the elbow.
/nʌdʒ/
A gentle push or poke.
She gave him a nudge to remind him of the meeting.
💡 Simply: A small push, usually with your elbow, to get someone's attention. Like a little tap.
👶 For kids: A little tap or push.
More Examples
The dog gave her a nudge with its nose.
I felt a gentle nudge on my shoulder.
How It's Used
"He gave her a gentle nudge to get her attention."
"A quick nudge was all it took to wake him up."
A subtle prompt or encouragement.
/nʌdʒ/
The sign at the recycling center was a nudge for people to recycle.
💡 Simply: A little encouragement or a hint to do something, like leaving a reminder on the fridge.
👶 For kids: A little help to do something.
More Examples
He needed a nudge to get started on his homework.
The teacher provided a nudge, not a shove, for her students.
How It's Used
"The program was designed to be a nudge towards healthy eating."
"The ad was designed to be a nudge to improve sales."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
give someone a nudge
To gently prompt or encourage someone to do something.
"I had to give her a nudge to remind her about the deadline."
From Middle English *knoggen* or *noggen*, from a Germanic source related to Norwegian *knugga* ('to nudge').
The word 'nudge' has been used since the 16th century, initially referring to a physical push with the elbow, and later expanding to include the idea of subtle encouragement.
Memory tip
Imagine a gentle push with your elbow – that's a nudge!
Word Origin
"To push or poke gently"