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hedging
This term describes a protective barrier, whether physical, financial, or linguistic. In communication, it manifests as cautious language used to soften a claim or avoid a definitive stance, often to protect the speaker from being proven wrong or appearing overly aggressive.
In financial and horticultural contexts, the word evokes the image of a fence or boundary. Financial hedging creates a safety net against loss, while horticultural hedging refers to the literal creation of a living wall. Because it functions as a gerund derived from the verb hedge, it typically behaves as an uncountable noun when referring to the general practice or strategy.
Meanings
The act of avoiding a direct statement or commitment to avoid risk or offense.
His hedging during the interview made it clear he did not want to commit to a specific date.