Hedge (linguistics)

In linguistics, a hedge is like when you use words or phrases that show that you're not sure about something or you're being careful in what you say. It's like a little fence around your words to protect them.

For example, if you say "kind of" or "sort of" before a word, like "I kind of like ice cream," it means you're not completely sure if you like it or not. Or if you say "I think" or "maybe" before a statement, like "I think it might rain today," it means you're not completely certain it will rain.

Hedges are helpful because they can make you sound more polite or respectful, and they can also make your statements less strong or offensive. But too many hedges can also make you sound unsure or wishy-washy, so it's important to use them wisely.