Gesture
'dʒɛstʃər
Definitions
3 meaningsA movement of the body, usually the hands or head, to express an idea or feeling.
'dʒɛstʃər
A movement of the body, especially a hand or head, to express an idea or meaning.
He made a dismissive gesture with his hand.
💡 Simply: Think about when you wave goodbye or point to something – those are gestures! They're ways we use our bodies to show what we mean.
👶 For kids: A gesture is when you move your body to show what you're thinking or feeling, like waving hello!
More Examples
The teacher used gestures to explain the complex concept.
A simple gesture of kindness can make someone's day.
How It's Used
"The speaker used a wide range of gestures to emphasize his points."
"The artist captured the dancer's graceful gestures in her painting."
To use bodily movements to express or emphasize a feeling or idea.
'dʒɛstʃər
To make a gesture; to express or indicate something by a gesture.
She gestured for him to come closer.
💡 Simply: Think about using your hands to talk! When you gesture, you're showing what you mean with your body, not just your words.
👶 For kids: When you gesture, you're using your hands or body to show what you mean, like pointing or waving.
More Examples
The conductor gestured to the orchestra to begin.
He gestured with a wave of his hand, indicating the way forward.
How It's Used
"He gestured towards the door, indicating it was time to leave."
"The actor gestured dramatically to convey his character's frustration."
An act or action done to convey a particular feeling or intention.
'dʒɛstʃər
An action performed for effect or to express a feeling.
The company's donation to the charity was a generous gesture.
💡 Simply: Sometimes we do things to show how we feel, or to be nice. Like giving someone a gift or sending a get-well card – those are gestures of kindness!
👶 For kids: When you do something nice for someone, like sharing your toys, that's a kind gesture.
More Examples
His apology was seen as a genuine gesture of remorse.
The offer was a gesture of goodwill.
How It's Used
"It was a generous gesture to donate so much money."
"The peace treaty was seen as a goodwill gesture."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
a grand gesture
A large or elaborate action, often intended to impress.
"He made a grand gesture by buying her a diamond necklace."
gesture of goodwill
An action meant to show friendliness or a willingness to cooperate.
"The peace talks began with a gesture of goodwill from both sides."
a peace gesture
an action taken to show that you want to end a disagreement or conflict
"The countries exchanged a peace gesture as a sign of reconciliation."
From Latin *gerere* ('to carry, to do'). Influenced by French *geste*.
The word 'gesture' has been used since the 14th century, initially meaning 'a bodily movement.' It evolved to include actions intended to express feeling.
Memory tip
Imagine someone making big HAND movements to GET a message across.
Word Origin
"to carry, to do"