C1verbinformal3K

UK/["/ʃrʌɡ/","/ʃrʌɡz/","/ʃrʌɡd/","/ˈʃrʌɡɪŋ/"]/US/["/ʃrʌɡ/","/ʃrʌɡz/","/ʃrʌɡd/","/ˈʃrʌɡɪŋ/"]/

Meaning of Shrug

to raise your shoulders and then drop them to show that you do not know or care about something

In simple words: To lift your shoulders up and down to show you don't know or care.

Shrug in a sentence

  • Sam shrugged and said nothing.
  • ‘I don't know,’ Anna replied, **shrugging her shoulders**.

How to use Shrug

Used in casual conversations to express indifference or lack of knowledge. Not appropriate in formal situations or serious discussions.

Grammar pattern

standalone gesture

Memory hint

Imagine someone literally shrugging, as if saying, 'I don't know!'

Related words

Collocations with Shrug

Synonyms for Shrug

Opposites of Shrug

Common mistakes with Shrug

  • Confused with 'shrug off' which means to dismiss something.
  • Using it in formal writing or settings.
  • Misunderstanding the gesture's meaning across different cultures.

Compare Shrug with Dismiss, Ignore, Abandon

Shrug appears in

Shrug in other languages

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Frequently asked questions about Shrug

What does Shrug mean?

To lift your shoulders up and down to show you don't know or care.

What is the definition of Shrug?

to raise your shoulders and then drop them to show that you do not know or care about something

How do you use Shrug in a sentence?

Sam shrugged and said nothing.

Can you give another example of Shrug?

‘I don't know,’ Anna replied, **shrugging her shoulders**.

What are synonyms for Shrug?

Common alternatives include dismiss, ignore, abandon, brush off, wave away.

What is the opposite of Shrug?

Opposite meanings include acknowledge, accept, consider.

What words go with Shrug?

It commonly pairs with lightly, slightly, carelessly.

What are common mistakes when using Shrug?

Confused with 'shrug off' which means to dismiss something. Using it in formal writing or settings. Misunderstanding the gesture's meaning across different cultures.

How do you pronounce Shrug?

US: /["/ʃrʌɡ/","/ʃrʌɡz/","/ʃrʌɡd/","/ˈʃrʌɡɪŋ/"]/, UK: /["/ʃrʌɡ/","/ʃrʌɡz/","/ʃrʌɡd/","/ˈʃrʌɡɪŋ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

Is Shrug formal or informal?

"Shrug" is informal, so it fits casual conversation with friends and family.

When should I use Shrug?

Used in casual conversations to express indifference or lack of knowledge. Not appropriate in formal situations or serious discussions.

What CEFR level is Shrug?

"Shrug" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.