hedgingly
- adverb
- /ˈhɛdʒɪŋli/
- She hedgingly suggested that the project might be delayed.
Examples
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The spokesperson answered hedgingly, careful not to make any promises.
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He replied hedgingly when asked about his plans for the future.
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She answered the question hedgingly.
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He spoke hedgingly during the interview.
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She answered the question hedgingly, unsure of how her opinion would be received.
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The politician spoke hedgingly during the interview, avoiding any commitment to a specific policy.
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In response to the challenging inquiry, he replied hedgingly, indicating he needed more time to think.
Synonyms
In a way that shows hesitation or not being sure
In a slow, unsure way because of doubt
Act or speak in a way that shows you are not sure
In a way that shows no clear opinion or decision
In a way that avoids giving a direct answer or admitting the truth
In a slow, unsure way that shows doubt
In a way that avoids clear answers or direct information
In a way that shows someone is not sure
Antonyms
How Direct
Surface Forms
Morphology
hedgingly = hedging (transparent) = hedge + ing + ly
The adverb is formed by attaching the productive adverbial suffix '-ly' to 'hedging' (hedge + -ing), yielding the expected meaning 'in a hedging manner'.
Etymology
Hedgingly comes from the simple word hedge, like the row of bushes you plant to protect a garden. To 'hedge' also means to protect yourself by not giving a clear answer, as in 'hedge your bets', so speaking hedgingly is a cautious way to avoid a definite yes or no.