Words / B2

NUJ/nʌdʒ/

To nudge is to push gently, or to influence behaviour with a small prompt: nudge the sample; a policy nudge. Push is stronger; prompt is the exam twin. A nudge towards the salad bar featured in the case. Noun: a nudge. Mix-up: nurse is a job (already in the dictionary). Do not write nudge for a ban or a fine.

Meaning

To push gently; also to influence behaviour with a small prompt (a nudge).

Examples

• “A nudge towards the salad bar featured in the public-health case, not a ban.”
• “Nudge the slide until the meniscus is level, which is the gentle-push sense.”

Good to know

nudge + object; a nudge towards / into. Stronger: push / ban. Noun: a nudge. Psychology, policy, and practicals. A gentle prompt, not a punishment.

Near in meaning

prompt

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