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Gesture Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ‘Œ
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gesture

[หˆdส’estสƒษ™r ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

body language

A movement of part of the body, especially a hand or the head, to express an idea or meaning.

Synonyms

motion, sign, signal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
gesture

Used to describe a movement of the body, especially of the hands or head, to express an idea or meaning.

  • He made a gesture to indicate that he wanted to leave.
  • She thanked him with a small gesture of gratitude.
sign

Typically used to refer to an object, quality, or event whose presence or occurrence indicates the probable presence or occurrence of something else.

  • A red octagon is a sign for stopping.
  • She gave him a sign to keep quiet.
signal

Often refers to a gesture, sound, or action used to convey information or instructions.

  • The coach gave a signal to start the game.
  • He raised his hand as a signal for silence.
motion

Refers to a movement or change of position. Often used in formal or scientific contexts.

  • The motion of the car was smooth and steady.
  • He studied the motion of the planets.

Examples of usage

  • She made a rude gesture with her hand.
  • His gestures were full of warmth and kindness.
Context #2 | Verb

communication

To make a movement with your hand, arm, or head to express an idea or feeling.

Synonyms

indicate, motion, signal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
gesture

Used when referring to a movement of the hand or body to express an idea or feeling

  • She made a gesture of approval.
  • He responded with a friendly gesture.
indicate

Used for showing, pointing out, or making something known in a more explicit or direct manner

  • The sign indicates the entrance to the museum.
  • He indicated the correct direction with his hand.
signal

Used when sending a message or information without words, often involving technology or agreed upon cues

  • He gave the signal to start the operation.
  • The traffic light signals us to stop or go.
motion

Used when describing a specific movement, often in a formal or scientific context

  • The teacher made a motion for the students to sit down.
  • The motion of the planets is studied in astronomy.

Examples of usage

  • He gestured towards the door to indicate that it was time to leave.
  • She gestured for him to be quiet.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Research shows that gestures can enhance memory and comprehension; people remember information better when it's accompanied by hand movements.
  • Certain gestures can convey universal emotions, like a smile or a frown, transcending language barriers.
  • Mirror neurons in our brain enable us to understand othersโ€™ actions, which explains why we often mimic the gestures of those around us.

Cultural Differences

  • In some cultures, a nod indicates agreement, while in others, it may mean the opposite, highlighting the importance of context in gestures.
  • The thumbs-up gesture is considered positive in many countries but can be offensive in places like Greece or the Middle East.
  • Gestures like the 'peace' sign can vary in meaning across cultures; in the U.S. itโ€™s a sign of peace, but in countries like Australia, it can be considered rude.

Art and Performance

  • In dance and theater, gestures are crucial for storytelling, helping convey emotion and intent without spoken words.
  • The famous artist Henri Matisse often used gestures in his cut-out artworks to represent movement and life.
  • In sign language, gestures are the primary means of communication, demonstrating the power of body language in conveying complex ideas.

Technology

  • In recent years, gesture recognition technology has developed, allowing devices to respond to hand movements, enhancing user interaction.
  • Smartphones and tablets use gestures for navigation, such as swiping and pinching, making them user-friendly.
  • Virtual reality environments often rely on gestures to create immersive experiences, allowing users to interact naturally with digital content.

Origin of 'gesture'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'gestura', meaning 'to carry or bear', showing its link to movement.
  • In Middle French, ' geste' referred to a deed or action, evolving into the modern meaning related to body movements.
  • Originally, gestures were an essential part of communication before the development of complex languages.

The word 'gesture' originated from the Latin word 'gestus', which means 'a carrying out, execution, action, or movement'. In the late 16th century, it came to be used in the sense of a movement of the body or limbs as a means of expression or communication. Gestures have been an integral part of human communication since ancient times, often conveying emotions and intentions non-verbally.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,017 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.