hedging
0 antonyms and opposites of hedging, grouped by meaning.
Noun — The practice of making an additional investment or trade designed to offset losses on another position, so that a fall in one is cushioned by a gain in the other.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun finance
The practice of making an additional investment or trade designed to offset losses on another position, so that a fall in one is cushioned by a gain in the other.
“The airline uses hedging to protect itself against a spike in fuel prices.”
2. noun linguistics
The use of cautious language that softens a claim and avoids full commitment, such as may, tends to or arguably.
“Academic writing relies on hedging: results suggest rather than results prove.”
How to Use Hedging
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
The finance sense dominates in news; the language sense appears in academic guidance.
Etymology
From hedge, Old English hecg 'a boundary of bushes'; the financial and evasive senses come from the idea of putting a protective fence around oneself.
Full origin of hedging →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between hedging and speculation?
Hedging is designed to reduce exposure to a risk you already carry. Speculation takes on new risk in the hope of profit. The same instrument, such as an option, can be used for either; the difference is the intention behind it.
What does it mean to hedge your bets?
To spread your commitment across more than one option so that you are protected whichever way things turn out. Outside finance it often carries a mild criticism of indecisiveness.
Is hedging in writing a bad thing?
Not in academic or scientific writing, where it is expected: it signals honestly how strong the evidence is. In persuasive writing it weakens the argument, because piling up words like somewhat and possibly makes the writer sound unsure.