nod
B1Neutral - used in both formal and informal contexts.
Definition
Meaning
To lower and raise one's head slightly and briefly, typically as a gesture of greeting, agreement, or acknowledgement.
To let one's head fall forward involuntarily due to drowsiness; to signify approval or choice by nodding (e.g., 'nod something through'); to make a mistake or oversight (in the phrase 'a nod is as good as a wink').
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a voluntary, deliberate gesture of communication (agreement, greeting) but can also be an involuntary physiological response (sleepiness). Can imply casual or tacit approval, especially in bureaucratic contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant semantic differences. 'Nod off' (fall asleep) is common in both. 'A nod is as good as a wink' is a primarily British idiom.
Connotations
In both varieties, a 'nod' can imply informal, unspoken agreement, sometimes with a hint of collusion.
Frequency
Equally common and used identically in both dialects.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[S] + nod (intransitive)[S] + nod + [O] (transitive, e.g., 'He nodded his head.')[S] + nod + at/to + [O]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “nod off (fall asleep)”
- “a nod is as good as a wink (a hint is sufficient)”
- “get the nod (be chosen or approved)”
- “on the nod (approved without discussion)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Informal approvals: 'The proposal got the nod from the board.'
Academic
Rare in formal writing; may appear in descriptions of behaviour in psychology or sociology.
Everyday
Very common for greeting, agreeing, or showing listening: 'She nodded as I explained.'
Technical
In computing/robotics: 'The avatar can nod in response to user input.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He nodded his assent without saying a word.
- The chair nodded the motion through.
- I tend to nod off during long meetings.
American English
- She nodded in agreement with the plan.
- The bill was nodded through committee.
- He nodded off while watching the movie.
adverb
British English
- He answered nod wisely. (incorrect/non-standard)
- She listened, head moving nod slowly. (incorrect/non-standard)
American English
- He gestured nod in agreement. (incorrect/non-standard)
- It was decided nod unanimously. (incorrect/non-standard)
adjective
British English
- A nod agreement was all that was needed. (rare, as in 'nod agreement' as a compound)
- There was a nod of approval from the director.
American English
- With a nod gesture, he signalled us to begin. (rare)
- She gave a nod response to the question.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- She nodded hello.
- The baby nodded to sleep.
- He nodded yes.
- I asked if he understood, and he nodded.
- They nodded in agreement with the speaker.
- She gave a polite nod to her neighbour.
- The chairman nodded his approval for the project to proceed.
- He could only manage a weary nod after the long journey.
- The legislation was nodded through parliament without debate.
- The committee gave the innovative scheme the nod, despite some initial reservations.
- His insightful comment was met with sage nods from the senior members of the audience.
- The diplomat's barely perceptible nod signalled the beginning of a complex negotiation phase.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a door NOB that moves up and down when you push it — a NOB that goes up and down is like a head NODding.
Conceptual Metaphor
AGREEMENT IS A DOWNWARD MOTION (contrast: disagreement is a sideways motion, 'shaking' the head).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'кивать' which is correct, but avoid using 'nod' for a deep, formal bow (поклон). 'Nod' is a small, quick movement.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'nod' without 'head' when a direct object is needed (e.g., 'He nodded yes' is more natural than 'He nodded his head yes'). Overusing in writing where 'agreed' or 'indicated assent' might be more precise.
Practice
Quiz
What does the idiom 'get the nod' typically mean?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while it is often a deliberate gesture, the phrase 'nod off' and the act of 'nodding' from tiredness describe involuntary, physiological reactions.
Yes, it's very common. For example, 'She nodded in agreement.' The object 'head' is implied and usually omitted unless specified for emphasis ('He nodded his heavy head').
A nod is a small, quick up-and-down movement of the head. A bow is a deeper, more formal gesture from the waist or neck, showing respect, submission, or gratitude.
It can be, but often in descriptive passages. For abstract concepts of agreement, words like 'approve', 'concur', or 'assent' are more formal. 'Nod' implies a visual, often informal, gesture.