Gesticulate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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gesticulate

[dส’ษ›หˆstษชkjสŠleษชt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

motion expression

To gesticulate means to use gestures or movement of the body, especially hands and arms, to express ideas or feelings while speaking. This often involves a variety of movements to emphasize or replace verbal communication. Gesticulation can enhance storytelling and help convey emotions more effectively.

Synonyms

gesture, motion, signal.

Examples of usage

  • He tends to gesticulate wildly when he gets excited.
  • During her speech, she gesticulated to emphasize her points.
  • They gesticulated enthusiastically to convey their message.
  • The professor gesticulated during the lecture, making complex ideas clearer.

Translations

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Origin of 'gesticulate'

The word 'gesticulate' originates from the Latin term 'gesticulatus', which is the past participle of 'gesticulare', meaning 'to gesture'. This Latin word is derived from 'gestus', meaning 'gesture or action'. The first known use of 'gesticulate' in English dates back to the early 19th century. The evolution of the term reflects the increasing recognition of non-verbal communication's importance in expression and interpersonal interactions. Over time, gesticulation has been studied in various fields, including linguistics, psychology, and communication, highlighting its significance in enhancing verbal messages and overall discourse.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,957, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.