Gesture: meaning, definitions and examples

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gesture

[ ˈdʒestʃər ]

^{Context #1}

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

Examples of usage

She made a rude gesture with her hand.
His gestures were full of warmth and kindness.

^{Context #2}

communication

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

Synonyms

indicate, motion, signal

Examples of usage

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

Translations

Translations of the word "gesture" in other languages:

🇵🇹 gesto

🇮🇳 इशारा

🇩🇪 Geste

🇮🇩 gerakan

🇺🇦 жест

🇵🇱 gest

🇯🇵 ジェスチャー

🇫🇷 geste

🇪🇸 gesto

🇹🇷 jest

🇰🇷 제스처

🇸🇦 إيماءة

🇨🇿 gesto

🇸🇰 gesto

🇨🇳 手势

🇸🇮 gib

🇮🇸 geisli

🇰🇿 ишара

🇬🇪 ჟესტი

🇦🇿 jest

🇲🇽 gesto

Word origin

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.