gesticulation
/dʤes,tikju'leiʃn/
Học thuậtThân thiện
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.
Noun
- a deliberate and vigorous gesture or motion