WordGarden.iogesture
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /dʒˈɛstʃə/
US
- /ˈdʒɛstʃər/
Meanings
Noun
a movement of the hands, head, or body that communicates something
an action done to show a feeling, attitude, or intention
a touch or motion used to control a digital device or interface
Verb
to move the hands, head, or body to communicate something
Beyond the definition
A gesture is a movement of your body – a wave, a nod, a shrug – used to communicate something without words. Think of a chef giving a thumbs-up to the waitstaff, or a conductor leading an orchestra with sweeping arm movements. Gestures can be intentional signals, like waving goodbye, or unconscious expressions of feeling, like crossing your arms when you're defensive. Sometimes, a small gesture can speak volumes!
Imagine yourself lost in a foreign country, unable to understand the language. Suddenly, someone points down a street with an encouraging smile – that's a gesture bridging the communication gap. A gesture is any bodily movement that conveys meaning, whether it's deliberate or instinctive. It's how we often supplement our speech, emphasize our feelings, and connect with others non-verbally.
Gestures can be incredibly diverse. They range from simple actions like a wave of the hand (a common greeting) to more complex movements like a dramatic flourish during a theatrical performance. Some gestures are culturally specific; what's polite in one country might be offensive in another! A thumbs-up, for example, is positive in many Western cultures but considered rude in parts of the Middle East.
The word "gesture" also extends beyond physical movement to include acts or offerings as symbols. You might make a gesture of goodwill by offering help to someone in need, or a peace treaty can be seen as a grand gesture towards reconciliation.
From the subtle tilt of your head to the expansive sweep of an arm, gestures are woven into the fabric of human interaction – silent signals that enrich our communication and reveal what words sometimes cannot. They're a universal language, spoken with the body instead of the voice.
Examples
- 1
Nonverbal instruction
The teacher made a gesture for everyone to sit down.
- Patterngesture for someone to do something
make a movement that tells them what to do
- 2
Greeting
He lifted his hand in a friendly gesture of greeting.
- 3
Workplace kindness
Bringing coffee for the whole team was a nice gesture.
- 4
Public support
The company donated books as a gesture of support for the library.
- Patternas a gesture of + feeling/intention
as a way of showing it
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Politics
Voters saw the announcement as an empty gesture.
- Phrasean empty gesture
something that looks helpful but has little real effect
- 6
Restaurant request
She gestured to the waiter for the bill.
- 7
Silent direction
He gestured toward the door without saying a word.
- 8
Seat offer
"Sit here," Maya said, gesturing at the chair beside her.
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- gesturenounverb
Forms
- gesturespluralnounverb
- gesturing-ing formverbnoun
- gesturedpast tenseverbnoun