noun a gesture involving the raising of one's shoulders, often expressing uncertainty or indifference
To show a lack of interest or understanding by lifting one's shoulders in a gesture of indifference.
To indicate indifference or lack of concern by raising one's shoulders in a nonchalant manner.
To express uncertainty or lack of knowledge by raising one's shoulders and turning the palms of the hands upwards.
To convey a sense of ambiguity or uncertainty by physically shrugging one's shoulders.
To demonstrate confusion or uncertainty by raising one's shoulders in a shrug gesture.
In a professional setting, a writer may use 'shrug' in dialogue to convey a character's nonchalant attitude or lack of concern. For example, 'I don't know,' she said with a shrug.
A psychologist may use 'shrug' as a nonverbal cue to assess a client's body language and emotional state during a therapy session. For instance, a client's shrug could indicate uncertainty or a lack of confidence in discussing a particular topic.
A teacher may use 'shrug' to encourage students to think critically and consider different perspectives. For instance, a teacher might respond to a student's question with a shrug to prompt them to further explore the topic on their own.
In a legal context, a lawyer may use 'shrug' to downplay the significance of a particular piece of evidence or testimony during a trial. For example, a lawyer might shrug in response to a witness's statement to suggest that it is not relevant to the case.
A doctor may use 'shrug' to communicate uncertainty or a lack of definitive answers in a medical consultation. For instance, a doctor might shrug when discussing potential treatment options with a patient to indicate that there is no clear-cut solution.
In a business setting, a business executive may use 'shrug' to demonstrate flexibility and adaptability in response to changing market conditions or unexpected challenges. For example, an executive might shrug off a failed project as a learning opportunity for future success.