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# nod

verb (nod, nods, nodded, nodding); noun (a nod, nods)

«nod» in the English dictionary: everyday and in Jewish tradition — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## Everyday

1. To move your head down and up, usually to say «yes», to agree, or to greet someone. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/N/nod/#m1)
2. A nod: that movement of the head. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/N/nod/#m2)
3. To show or point to something with a small head movement. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/N/nod/#m3)
4. Nod off: to fall asleep, usually without meaning to, especially sitting up. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/N/nod/#m4)
5. Give the nod: to give permission or approval. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/N/nod/#m5)

### In the lessons

In manners and communication lessons, nodding is body language: it shows you are listening, agreeing or saying hello without words. Nodding means «yes» in most English-speaking countries, but not everywhere — in a few cultures head movements mean different things. In stories «nodded» is a useful word instead of «said yes». Phrases: nod your head, nod off, nod at/to, a nod of the head, give the nod.

### Examples

- When I asked if she wanted ice cream, she nodded. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/N/nod/#x1)
- Nod if you can hear me. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/N/nod/#x2)
- The teacher nodded to show we could start. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/N/nod/#x3)
- Grandpa nodded off in his chair after lunch. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/N/nod/#x4)
- He gave me a friendly nod in the corridor. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/N/nod/#x5)
- She nodded towards the door to show where the bathroom was. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/N/nod/#x6)
- Nodding while someone talks shows you are listening. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/N/nod/#x7)
- The wise woman nodded her head. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/N/nod/#x8)

### Note

Past: nodded (double «d»). Opposite gesture: shaking your head = «no». «Nod off» = fall asleep (informal).

## In Jewish tradition

Here it is a place name, the land of Nod, "wandering," where Cain went to live.

**Interpretation.** Tradition links the name to the Hebrew word for wandering, because Cain was sentenced to be a restless wanderer.

### Examples

- And Cain went out from the presence of the LORD, and dwelt in the land of Nod, on the east of Eden. (Torah GEN.4.16, JPS 1917) [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/N/nod/#x1)

### Note

Past: nodded (double «d»). Opposite gesture: shaking your head = «no». «Nod off» = fall asleep (informal).

## On Mova

- [Trees and pragmatics of «nod» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/N/nod/): every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
- [«nod» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/school/w/nod.html) on Mova free.
- [Trees and pragmatics of «nod» in the Judaism dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/N/nod/): every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
- [«nod» in the Judaism dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/judaism/w/nod.html) on Mova free.