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kedge

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /kɛdʒ/

KK: /kɛdʒ/

intransitive verb
Definition

To move using a small anchor to help pull a boat or ship.


Example

The sailors had to kedge the boat closer to the shore.


Tense Forms

Past: kedged

Past Participle: kedged


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you see how they kedge the boat into the dock yesterday?
Sloth B
Yeah, it was impressive how smoothly they did it!
Sloth A
I didn't know you could kedge like that to maneuver a boat.
Sloth B
It’s a handy technique for getting into tight spots!

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
shift
sail
drift
Antonyms
anchor
moor
stay
noun
Definition

A small and light anchor that is used to help move a boat or ship by pulling it in a specific direction.


Example

The sailors used a kedge to maneuver the ship closer to the shore.


Conversation
Sloth A
I heard you got a new boat; do you have a kedge for it?
Sloth B
Yeah, I bought a small kedge anchor to help with maneuvering.
Sloth A
That's smart! I bet it makes docking a lot easier.
Sloth B
transitive verb
Definition

To move a ship by using a small anchor to pull it in a specific direction.


Example

The crew decided to kedge the boat closer to the shore using a small anchor.


Tense Forms

Past: kedged

Past Participle: kedged


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you see how they kedge the boat closer to the shore?
Sloth B
Yeah, it was pretty impressive to watch them do that.
Sloth A
I didn’t realize you could kedge like that to save time.
Sloth B
Root Explanation

The word 'kedge' originates from Middle English 'kedge' (meaning to haul or tow), which is derived from the Old Norse 'kǫðr' (meaning a rope or cord). The term refers to the act of hauling a ship using a rope, particularly in shallow waters.

Memory Tip

Think of using a 'rope' ('kǫðr') to 'haul' a ship — that's why 'kedge' means to tow or haul a vessel.

Visually Confused Words
skedge
edge
wedge
tedge
sedge
ledge
hedge
edger
Is this page helpful?
Definitely! It's a game changer when I need to adjust my position.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
anchor
grapnel
moor
Antonyms
drift
release
unmoor
It's a handy technique when you want to maneuver easily!

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
warp
pull
tow
Antonyms
release
loosen
free