What does nudging mean?
Nudging means giving someone or something a small push, usually with the intention of setting it in motion. The word can describe a physical action, as when someone nudges a door or another person, and also a figurative one, meaning to encourage someone to make progress or take a decision. A nudge is deliberately gentle: it may be a touch with the elbow, a quiet reminder, or a subtle influence. In economic and statistical contexts, nudging can mean causing a value to move upward gradually, as when a company nudges prices higher. The word is common in both formal and informal English and is often used to suggest that someone is being guided or persuaded without being forced. Its everyday meaning conveys persistence and subtlety rather than force.
verbGiving someone or something a slight push, or gently encouraging someone to act. It can also mean making something increase gradually, such as a price or rate.
- Giving someone or something a slight push.
- Gently encouraging or persuading someone to act.
- Causing something to rise or increase gradually, especially a price, rate, or figure.
"She nudged the door open and peered into the hallway."
"He nudged his bicycle forward and set off down the lane."
"The company nudged prices upward in response to increased costs."
A nudge is small enough to be gentle but strong enough to make something move.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does nudging come from?
The verb derives from the noun nudge, which comes from the late Middle English word nucge, probably related to the Old English word pnucgan, meaning to push or pull. In modern English, nudge has broadened from a physical push to mean a gentle prompt or encouragement. The present-participle form nudging is formed by adding the usual inflectional ending.
How nudging is actually used
The expression is generally informal but widely accepted. In the figurative sense, it often suggests a subtle or indirect influence rather than forceful persuasion.