gesticulation

/dʤes,tikju'leiʃn/
Học thuật
Thân thiện
gesticulation

The speaker used animated gesticulation to emphasize her point.

Definition

Noun: 1. A deliberate and vigorous gesture or motion: The act of making expressive, often energetic, movements with your hands, arms, or body to emphasize speech or to communicate an idea or feeling without words.

Usage
  • Gesticulation is used to describe the physical act of gesturing, especially when it is animated or emphatic.
  • It is often associated with passionate speaking, storytelling, or attempts to communicate across a language barrier.
  • It is typically an uncountable noun referring to the general activity ("much gesticulation"), but can be countable when referring to a specific instance or type of movement ("an elaborate gesticulation").
Examples
  • The politician's speech was accompanied by wild gesticulation.
  • She explained the complex machine part with a lot of gesticulation because she didn't have the technical words.
  • His frantic gesticulations from the shore warned us of the danger in the water.
  • The argument was more a series of shouts and angry gesticulations than a conversation.
Advanced Usage
  • "To make a gesticulation": To perform a specific, noticeable gesture.
    • He made a gesticulation of dismissal with his hand.
  • "Accompanied by gesticulation": Said or done while making gestures.
    • His story, accompanied by lively gesticulation, kept everyone entertained.
Variants and Related Words
  • Gesticulate (verb): To make gestures, especially while speaking.
    • He gesticulated wildly to get their attention.
  • Gesticulatory (adjective): Relating to or characterized by gesticulation.
    • His gesticulatory style is very distinctive.
Synonyms
  • Gesture: A movement of part of the body to express an idea or meaning. (This is the most direct synonym, but "gesticulation" often implies more vigor or a series of gestures.)
  • Signaling: Making gestures to send a message.
  • Motioning: Making a movement, typically with the hand or head, to direct or instruct someone.
Antonyms
  • Stillness: The quality of being motionless.
  • Impassivity: The state of not showing emotion or reaction.
Related Phrases
  • Hand-waving: (Often used figuratively) Making gestures while speaking; can also mean presenting an argument in an emotional rather than logical way.
    • His explanation involved a lot of hand-waving but little substance.
  • Talking with one's hands: (Idiomatic) Habitually using gestures while speaking.
    • In her culture, talking with your hands is very common.
gesticulation

The speaker used animated gesticulation to emphasize her point.

Noun
  1. a deliberate and vigorous gesture or motion