gesture

/'dʤestʃə/

Thân thiện

She gave a friendly gesture by waving from across the street.

Definition

1. Noun:

   • A movement of part of the body, especially a hand or the head, to express an idea or meaning: A "gesture" is a physical action, typically made with the hands or face, used to communicate something without words.
   • An action performed to convey one's feelings or intentions: A "gesture" can also be a symbolic act or deed intended to express a particular attitude or to have a specific effect on others.

2. Verb:

   • To make a movement, especially with the hands or arms, to express an idea or feeling: To "gesture" means to use a bodily motion, often a hand movement, to communicate, direct, or emphasize something.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • A nod is a common gesture of agreement.
  • Sending flowers was a kind gesture.
  • He made a rude gesture with his hand.

• Verb:

  • She gestured for me to sit down.
  • He gestured wildly while telling the story.
  • The police officer gestured the driver to stop.

Advanced Usage

• A token gesture: A small or symbolic action taken to show intention, often without substantial commitment or effect.

  • The apology was seen as nothing more than a token gesture.

• In a gesture of...: Used to describe an action that symbolizes a particular feeling (e.g., goodwill, defiance, solidarity).

  • In a gesture of goodwill, the company offered a full refund.

Variants and Related Words

• Gestural (adj): Relating to or consisting of gestures.

  • The actor's performance was highly gestural.

• Gesticulate (verb): To gesture, especially dramatically or emphatically.

  • He gesticulated frantically to get their attention.

Synonyms

• Noun: Signal, motion, sign, indication, action.
• Verb: Signal, motion, sign, indicate.

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

• Gesture toward(s): To make a movement in the direction of something or someone; to indicate something symbolically.
  • He gestured toward the door, suggesting we leave.

Related Idioms

• An empty gesture: An action that is intended to look meaningful but has no real value or sincerity.

  • The promise of reform, without a plan, was an empty gesture.

• A grand gesture: A large, impressive, or dramatic action intended to express strong feelings.

  • He won her back with a grand gesture, filling her office with roses.

Học thuật

Noun

1. something done as an indication of intention
   • a political gesture
   • a gesture of defiance
2. the use of movements (especially of the hands) to communicate familiar or prearranged signals
3. motion of hands or body to emphasize or help to express a thought or feeling

Verb

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

Từ đồng nghĩa

• motion
• gesticulate