nod
/nɒd/ (bre, ipa) · /nɑːd/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈnäd/ (ame, mw)
nod — verb
- nodpresent simple I / you / we / they
- nodshe / she / it
- noddedpast simple
- nodding-ing form
1. If you nod, you briefly drop your chin and raise it again, using this motion to
If you nod, you briefly drop your chin and raise it again, using this motion to greet someone, show agreement or understanding, or indicate that you are ready or willing.
Kenji nodded when the teacher asked if everyone understood the instructions.
nodded + when-clause for agreement
Soraya smiled and nodded at her neighbour as they passed in the hallway.
nod at + person for greeting
The committee members all nodded in agreement after the proposal was presented.
When the waiter asked if he wanted more water, Tomás simply nodded.
Élise nodded her head slowly while her friend described the problem.
- shake one's head
moving the head side to side to show disagreement or refusal
文法句型
nod
nod at/to + person
nod + head
nod + that-clause
用法筆記
This is the only sense of 'nod' used for deliberate social communication. When transitive, the only natural object is 'head' — you cannot 'nod a person' or 'nod a greeting' directly. Use 'nod at someone' or 'nod to someone' for the person being greeted.
常見錯誤
2. If your head drops forward because you are very sleepy and beginning to fall asl
If your head drops forward because you are very sleepy and beginning to fall asleep, especially while seated in a chair or on a bus.
Layla began to nod during the long afternoon lecture on ancient history.
begin to nod + during + activity
The old man sat in his armchair and nodded, his book slipping to the floor.
Henrik could not stop nodding by the fire after hiking all day in the mountains.
Ayesha's head nodded forward as she struggled to stay awake on the night train.
The baby finally nodded in its mother's arms after crying for nearly an hour.
- wake up
the opposite state — becoming alert rather than drowsy
文法句型
nod
begin to nod
nod + preposition (during, over, at)
nod off
用法筆記
The phrasal verb 'nod off' is far more common than the bare 'nod' for the meaning 'fall asleep'. Bare 'nod' typically describes only the head-dropping motion, whereas 'nod off' implies the person actually falls asleep briefly. Use the continuous form (was nodding / nodding off) naturally.
常見錯誤
3. to gently move the top part up and down or from side to side, as flowers, leaves
to gently move the top part up and down or from side to side, as flowers, leaves, or lightweight objects do when pushed by moving air.
The tall grasses nodded gently in the evening breeze near the river.
nod in + breeze (nature)
Bright red poppies nodded among the wheat as the wind swept across the field.
The old willow tree's branches nodded over the calm surface of the lake.
Daffodils nodded in the garden when the spring wind passed through.
The bamboo stalks nodded softly against the grey morning sky.
- stand still
remaining motionless, the opposite of the gentle movement described
文法句型
nod in/with + wind/breeze
nod + adverb (gently, softly)
用法筆記
This is a literary or descriptive sense, more common in poetry and nature writing than in everyday speech. The subject is almost always a plant, tree, flower, or lightweight flexible object. Not used for mechanical or violent movement.
nod — noun
- nodsingular
- nodsplural
1. a single quick movement of the head up and then down, used to greet someone, sho
a single quick movement of the head up and then down, used to greet someone, show agreement or understanding, or give permission.
Christopher gave a quick nod to show that he understood the plan.
give + a nod
Naoko greeted the guests with a friendly nod and a warm smile.
with a nod + smile (paired gestures)
A single nod from the judge was enough to begin the competition.
Sirin acknowledged the compliment with a small nod of her head.
The director's nod told the actors that the rehearsal was finished.
- head shake
moving the head side to side to mean no or disagreement
文法句型
give + a nod
with a nod
a nod of + noun (agreement, greeting, thanks)
用法筆記
This is the most common noun sense and corresponds directly to verb sense 1. It often appears in two common phrases: 'give a nod' (to do the gesture) and 'with a nod' (describing how something is done or communicated).
常見錯誤
2. a formal suggestion that someone should receive a prize, honor, or position; a n
a formal suggestion that someone should receive a prize, honor, or position; a nomination, especially in entertainment contexts such as film or music awards.
The film received a nod from the academy for best documentary.
receive + a nod + for + category (awards context)
Maeve was surprised to get a nod for the position of team leader.
Several actors earned a nod in this year's award ceremony.
His latest novel got a nod from the literary prize committee.
The young scientist received a nod for the national research award.
- nomination
formal equivalent; 'nod' is the informal, shortened version
- selection
implies the person actually got the position/prize, not just nominated
文法句型
get + a nod
receive + a nod
a nod for + noun (prize, award, position)
用法筆記
This sense is informal and especially common in American entertainment journalism. In formal writing, use 'nomination' instead. The phrase 'get the nod' can also mean 'be selected', not just 'be nominated'.
常見錯誤
3. an indication or decision that shows approval, permission, or recognition has be
an indication or decision that shows approval, permission, or recognition has been given, often from someone in authority.
The project went ahead only after getting the manager's nod.
get + the nod (approval from authority)
Eitan waited for his father's nod before accepting the job offer.
The chief executive gave the nod to launch the new product line.
With a nod from the coach, the player stepped onto the field.
The committee's nod was all they needed to begin construction work.
- approval
more formal and can be written or spoken; 'nod' specifically implies quick, often non-verbal, permission
- green light
informal, implies full permission to proceed; 'nod' can be more tentative
- go-ahead
more common in British English; 'nod' is common in both American and British English
文法句型
get + the nod
give + the nod
wait for + the nod
用法筆記
Often uses the definite article ('the nod') rather than 'a nod', because it refers to a specific approval decision. This sense does not involve an actual head movement — it is a figurative extension of verb sense 1.