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shrug

verb C1 Neutral

Meaning

To "shrug" is to raise and lower the shoulders in a gesture that typically signifies indifference, uncertainty, or a lack of knowledge regarding a particular situation or question, often accompanied by a facial expression that conveys a similar sentiment.
💡 While "shrug" can convey a sense of nonchalance, it is important to consider the context, as it may also imply a lack of engagement or responsibility, which can be perceived negatively in formal discussions.

Example Sentences

He decided to shrug off the criticism and focus on growth .
Researchers often shrug off minor errors to focus on main results .

Common Phrases

shrug off criticism shrug one's shoulders shrug in response to questions

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