Hedge

Podcast 1 · Introduction

Hedge

A documentary-style narration: origin, meaning, and feel.

Part of speech

noun and verb

Pronunciation

hej  /hɛdʒ/

Definition

As a noun: a boundary of closely planted shrubs or trees; a means of reducing financial or other risk by making offsetting arrangements; a qualifying statement that reduces commitment. As a verb: to surround or bound with a hedge; to protect against financial risk by making balancing investments; to avoid making a definite commitment.

Plain meaning

A hedge is a row of bushes used as a boundary. To hedge is to protect yourself against risk — in finance, this means making investments that offset potential losses. In speech, to hedge means to qualify your statements to avoid being pinned down. Hedge your bets means to reduce risk by supporting more than one option.

Register

Neutral across all three senses. Hedge is standard in agricultural, financial, and linguistic contexts. Hedge fund is a technical financial term. Hedge in speech is standard in linguistics (hedging language). Hedgerow is the compound naming the wild, species-rich boundary hedge.