gesticulate

/dʤes'tikjuleit/
Học thuật
Thân thiện
gesticulate

He began to gesticulate wildly as he told the story.

Definition
  1. Verb:
    • To use gestures, especially dramatic movements of the hands and arms, to express ideas or feelings while speaking, or to emphasize speech.
Usage
  • The verb "gesticulate" describes the action of making expressive movements, typically with the hands and arms, as a form of non-verbal communication. It is often used when someone is speaking animatedly or trying to convey something without words. It is an intransitive verb (it does not take a direct object) when describing the act itself. It can be used transitively in a less common, more formal construction meaning "to express or direct through gesture."
Examples
  • Intransitive use:
    • The speaker began to gesticulate wildly to emphasize his point.
    • She gesticulated towards the door, signaling for us to leave quietly.
  • Transitive use (less common):
    • He gesticulated his disagreement with a sharp wave of his hand. (This means he expressed his disagreement through a gesture.)
Advanced Usage
  • "to gesticulate at someone/something": To make gestures directed towards a person or thing.
    • The tour guide gesticulated at the ancient statue while explaining its history.
  • "to gesticulate wildly/frantically/vigorously": These adverbs are commonly used with "gesticulate" to describe the manner or intensity of the gesturing.
    • Lost in a foreign country, he gesticulated frantically to ask for directions.
Variants and Related Words
  • Gesticulation (n): The act of gesticulating; a gesture, especially an elaborate one.
    • His speech was accompanied by dramatic gesticulations.
  • Gesticulative (adj): Characterized by gesticulation. (This is a rare, formal adjective).
Synonyms
  • Gesture (v): To move a part of the body to express an idea or meaning. ("Gesture" is more common and general; "gesticulate" often implies more animation.)
  • Signal (v): To communicate using a sign or gesture.
  • Motion (v): To direct or guide by a movement.
Antonyms
  • Remain still: To not move.
  • Be motionless: To be without movement.
Related Phrases
  • Talk with one's hands: (Idiomatic phrase) To gesture frequently while speaking.
    • In Italian culture, it's common to talk with your hands.
  • Use body language: To communicate through physical behaviors rather than words. (This is a broader term that includes gesticulation.)
gesticulate

He began to gesticulate wildly as he told the story.

Verb
  1. show, express or direct through movement
    • He gestured his desire to leave

Từ đồng nghĩa