nod
part of speech
verb (nod, nods, nodded, nodding); noun (a nod, nods)
meaning for a pupil
1) To move your head down and up, usually to say «yes», to agree, or to greet someone. tree →
2) A nod: that movement of the head. tree →
3) To show or point to something with a small head movement. tree →
4) Nod off: to fall asleep, usually without meaning to, especially sitting up. tree →
5) Give the nod: to give permission or approval. tree →
sense in the lessons
In manners and communication lessons, nodding is body language: it shows you are listening, agreeing or saying hello without words. Nodding means «yes» in most English-speaking countries, but not everywhere — in a few cultures head movements mean different things. In stories «nodded» is a useful word instead of «said yes». Phrases: nod your head, nod off, nod at/to, a nod of the head, give the nod.
examples
- When I asked if she wanted ice cream, she nodded. tree →
- Nod if you can hear me. tree →
- The teacher nodded to show we could start. tree →
- Grandpa nodded off in his chair after lunch. tree →
- He gave me a friendly nod in the corridor. tree →
- She nodded towards the door to show where the bathroom was. tree →
- Nodding while someone talks shows you are listening. tree →
- The wise woman nodded her head. tree →
note
Past: nodded (double «d»). Opposite gesture: shaking your head = «no». «Nod off» = fall asleep (informal).
In the corpora
- Let's just be sorry for them." Nan nods: "You're right, love."
- Badger «nodded gravely at intervals as the animals told their story», and did not seem surprised or shocked at anything.
- The Rat is starving, but he nods and says «wonderful» — he knows what his friend needs.
- He nods hard, but he is sure it means the great Chief is surrounded by enemies with spears.
- I'm sorry I hurt you.» Chloe read it and nodded.
Trees and pragmatics
Every meaning and example of «nod» parsed by Mova, each sentence with its dependency tree and frames.