nicken
Translation
to nod
Examples
Er nickte zustimmend.
He nodded in agreement.
Sie nickte ihm freundlich zu.
She gave him a friendly nod.
Grammar Patterns
(( )) to nod He just nodded.
((to sb.)) to nod to sb. She gave him a friendly nod.
Similar Words
Synonyms: to agree, to assent; Antonyms: to shake one's head
Etymology
Derived from Old High German 'hnicchen,' meaning 'to bow' or 'to bend.' It signifies the forward tilting motion of the head.
Memory Tips
Imagine your neck making a little 'nick' movement when you nod. The word's sound mimics the action.