Thumbs: meaning, definitions and examples

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thumbs

[θʌmz ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

gesture

The part of the hand next to the wrist where the thumb starts.

Synonyms

digit, finger.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
thumbs	Used to refer specifically to the short, thicker digits on each hand, particularly when emphasizing their unique function or role. She gave me a thumbs up to show her approval. He injured his thumbs while playing basketball.
digit	A more formal or technical term for fingers and toes. Often used in scientific or medical contexts. Humans have 20 digits in total, 10 fingers and 10 toes. The doctor checked all her digits for any signs of injury.
finger	Commonly refers to the other four digits of the hand apart from the thumb. Used in everyday language. He wears a ring on his middle finger. She pointed her finger at the sign.

Word

Description / Examples

thumbs

Used to refer specifically to the short, thicker digits on each hand, particularly when emphasizing their unique function or role.

She gave me a thumbs up to show her approval.
He injured his thumbs while playing basketball.

digit

A more formal or technical term for fingers and toes. Often used in scientific or medical contexts.

Humans have 20 digits in total, 10 fingers and 10 toes.
The doctor checked all her digits for any signs of injury.

finger

Commonly refers to the other four digits of the hand apart from the thumb. Used in everyday language.

He wears a ring on his middle finger.
She pointed her finger at the sign.

Examples of usage

She held the cup with her thumbs.
He gave her a thumbs-up gesture.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

approval

An upward movement of the thumb to signal approval, agreement, or satisfaction.

Synonyms

agreement, approval, satisfaction.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
thumbs	Best used in casual or informal situations to quickly show approval or agreement, especially in digital communication like social media or messaging. He gave a thumbs up emoji to show he liked the idea
approval	Used in both formal and informal situations to express a positive judgment or endorsement. Approval often requires a level of authority or expertise. She received approval from her boss to start the new project
agreement	Formal or neutral contexts where you want to indicate that all parties have a mutual understanding or consensus. It is often used in discussions, meetings, or written communication. We reached an agreement on the terms of the contract
satisfaction	Appropriate for situations where you want to express contentment or fulfillment, often in customer service, reviews, or personal reflection. The customer's satisfaction with the service was evident in her positive feedback

Examples of usage

He gave a thumbs-up to show his approval.
She raised her thumb in a thumbs-up gesture.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

approve

To express approval or agreement by raising one's thumb.

Synonyms

agree, approve, endorse.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
thumbs	Use 'thumbs' when showing approval or disapproval with hand gestures. This term is often informal and visual. He gave a thumbs up to signal his agreement She showed a thumbs down to the bad performance
endorse	Use 'endorse' when publicly supporting or recommending something, often used in commercial or political contexts. The celebrity endorses the new product The politician endorses the new policy
approve	Use 'approve' when giving formal permission or expressing satisfactory judgment, often in a professional or official setting. The manager approves the budget She needs her parents to approve the trip
agree	Use 'agree' when two or more people come to a mutual decision or share the same opinion on a topic. Suitable for both formal and informal contexts. They agree on the terms of the contract I agree with what you said

Examples of usage

She thumbs each proposal individually.
He thumbs every comment in the meeting.

Interesting Facts

Anatomy

Thumbs have a unique ability to move opposite to the other fingers, allowing for better grip and dexterity.
Humans typically have an opposable thumb, which means it can touch the tips of other fingers, a key feature in tool use.

Cultural Significance

The thumbs-up gesture is widely recognized as a symbol of approval in many cultures.
In some cultures, a thumbs down can be considered rude, while in others, it signifies disapproval.

Blindness and Perception

Research shows that people who are blind often develop heightened sensitivity in their thumbs, aiding in touch communication.
Thumbs play a significant role in sign language, allowing users to form specific signs and convey meanings.

History and Evolution

The evolution of the thumb has been pivotal in human progress, allowing for the use of tools that shaped civilizations.
Ancient art often depicts thumbs as symbols of power and authority in ruling figures.

Technology and Innovation

Smartphones and tablets use touchscreens where the thumb often serves as the primary means of interaction.
Many design ergonomics focus on how thumbs interact with devices, emphasizing comfort and usability.

Translations

Translations of the word "thumbs" in other languages:

🇵🇹 polegares

🇮🇳 अंगूठे

🇩🇪 Daumen

🇮🇩 jempol

🇺🇦 великі пальці

🇵🇱 kciuki

🇯🇵 親指 (oyayubi)

🇫🇷 pouces

🇪🇸 pulgares

🇹🇷 başparmaklar

🇰🇷 엄지손가락 (eomji songarak)

🇸🇦 إبهام

🇨🇿 palce

🇸🇰 palce

🇨🇳 拇指 (mǔzhǐ)

🇸🇮 palci

🇮🇸 þumlar

🇰🇿 бас бармақтар

🇬🇪 ცერა თითები

🇦🇿 baş barmaqlar

🇲🇽 pulgares

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,593, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
15590 saluted
15591 esoteric
15592 ruptured
15593 thumbs
15594 clown
15595 dismantled
15596 flu
...