Word
nudging
Phoneticsnudg·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈnədʒɪŋ/
UK/nˈʌdʒɪŋ/
Definition
v. to push someone or something gently, often with your elbow to get attention. You use this when you want someone to notice something without using many words.
v. to push or touch someone lightly, typically with the elbow to attract attention or signal something. Extends metaphorically to gentle encouragement toward a decision or action.
Examples
“She is nudging me to look at the funny dog.”
“During the meeting he keeps nudging his colleague to remind her that it is her turn to speak.”
“The documentary succeeds by gently nudging viewers toward uncomfortable questions about consumption, rather than lecturing them with statistics and moral judgments.”
Examples
simple
“She is nudging me to look at the funny dog.”
contextual
“During the meeting he keeps nudging his colleague to remind her that it is her turn to speak.”
complex
“The documentary succeeds by gently nudging viewers toward uncomfortable questions about consumption, rather than lecturing them with statistics and moral judgments.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “nudging” in context.
Verb
01. feel nudge
“I felt a nudge on my shoulder during the play.”
verb + noun
02. give nudge
“He gave me a nudge when the teacher looked over.”
verb + noun
03. nudge aside
“He nudged the chair aside to make more space.”
verb + adv
04. nudge awake
“She nudged her husband awake when the baby cried.”
verb + adj
05. nudge forward
“They nudged the boat forward into the water.”
verb + adv
Adjective
06. gently nudge
“She gently nudged him and pointed to the door.”
adv + verb
07. lightly nudge
“He lightly nudged my arm to get my attention.”
adv + verb
Noun
08. nudge on shoulder
“He nudged me on the shoulder and winked.”
verb + prep + noun
09. nudge with elbow
“She nudged him with her elbow to stop talking.”
verb + prep + noun
10. give someone a nudge
“She gave me a nudge when it was my turn to speak.”
11. nudge someone awake
“He nudged his son awake for school.”
12. nudge someone with your elbow
“He nudged me with his elbow to look at the screen.”
Usage
The verb is transitive and takes a direct object; often followed by 'toward' or 'into' for the metaphorical sense.
Real-World Examples
“Bryan Mbuemo might have equalised for the visitors, nudging the ball through Cristian Romero’s legs but firing just wide.” “In the next sessions, the organizers tried in vain to nudge the talks back toward the realities of climate change.” “Sorba Thomas capitalised on a mistake from Maitland-Niles and fed Gelhardt, who coolly nudged the ball beyond Pickford in the 48th minute.” “Framing matters when interacting with an AI system too, as these systems can be nudged into giving you answers you prefer.” Synonyms
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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