Definition

The act of fixing or securing something in place, often used in psychology to describe how initial information influences subsequent judgments or decisions.

Example

The anchoring effect can lead people to make biased decisions based on the first piece of information they receive.

Conversation

I was reading about anchoring in decision-making yesterday.

Oh really? What did you find out?

It said that our first impressions can really influence our choices.

That makes sense; it's interesting how our minds work like that.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

To secure or fix something in place, often using a device or method that prevents movement.

Example

The team is anchoring the boat to the dock to keep it from drifting away.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Have you ever tried anchoring your goals to stay focused?

I haven’t, but it sounds interesting!

It really helps to keep your mind set on what you want to achieve while anchoring your thoughts.

Root Explanation

Anchoring → It is formed from "anchor" (from Old English "ancor", meaning a heavy object used to moor a vessel) and "-ing" (a suffix used to indicate the action or process of). The word "anchoring" refers to the action of securing something in place, much like how an anchor secures a ship.

Memory Tip

Think of an 'anchor' that keeps a ship in place — the '-ing' shows it's the action of securing something.

Visually Confused Words