gesture
/'dʤestʃə/
Definition
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.
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.
Noun
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something done as an indication of intention
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a political gesture
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a gesture of defiance
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the use of movements (especially of the hands) to communicate familiar or prearranged signals
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motion of hands or body to emphasize or help to express a thought or feeling
Verb
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show, express or direct through movement
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He gestured his desire to leave
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