Meaning & use
prodded
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“prodded” is a form of “prod”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
verbtransitive
Past tense of prod: pushed or poked someone or something with a finger or a pointed object.
Grammar: Takes an object: she prodded the fire with a stick.
Patterns
- prodded someone with something
- prodded something with something
She prodded the fire with a stick.
The doctor prodded his stomach and asked where it hurt.
He prodded the cake to see if it was done.
verbtransitivefigurative
Past tense of prod: urged or pressed a person to act or respond.
Grammar: Often with into or to: prodded him into replying.
Patterns
- prodded someone into something
- prodded someone to do something
My friends prodded me into applying for the job.
The reporter prodded the senator for an answer.
A gentle reminder prodded him to call his mother.
Word forms
| base form | prod |
|---|---|
| third person singular | prods |
| present participle | prodding |
Common combinations
- prodded gently
- She prodded him gently awake.
- prodded into action
- The deadline prodded the team into action.
- prodded with a stick
- The boy prodded the pond with a stick.
- prodded for answers
- Reporters prodded the mayor for answers.
- prodded someone's memory
- The old photo prodded her memory.
Synonyms and how they differ
- poked
- Poked is the everyday word for jabbing, while prodded often suggests pushing for a purpose.
- nudged
- Nudged is gentler and usually done with an elbow, whereas prodded can be sharper.
- urged
- Urged is only about encouraging, without physical contact.
- goaded
- Goaded suggests provoking someone, which is more hostile than prodded.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: prodded or prodding?
prodded vs prodding
Prodding is the -ing form, so use it after be or as a noun, not as the simple past tense.
Practice
My sister finally ____ me into signing up for the race by sending daily reminders.
Choose one answer.
Prodded is the past tense that fits the sentence. Prodding, prods and prod do not match the past time.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “prodded”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.