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gesture

noun

/ˈdʒɛs tʃər/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of gesture

A form of nonverbal communication that involves the use of physical movements, postures, or actions to convey meaning or express emotions.
"She made a subtle gesture, raising her eyebrow, to indicate her disbelief."

Detailed meaning of gesture

It is a powerful tool for human interaction, allowing individuals to communicate and connect with others without relying solely on words. Gestures can vary widely across cultures, and their significance and interpretation can differ from one context to another. Common gestures include waving to greet someone, nodding to indicate agreement or understanding, or pointing to draw attention to something. Additionally, gestures can also be symbolic, such as a thumbs-up signifying approval or a raised middle finger conveying disdain. Through gestures, people can convey emotions, intentions, and messages, making them an essential aspect of human communication and expression.

Example sentences containing gesture

1. The politician's gesture of shaking hands with the crowd won him many supporters.
2. The teacher used hand gestures to help illustrate her point during the lecture.
3. He made a sweeping gesture with his arm, inviting everyone to join him on the dance floor.
4. The child's innocent gesture of offering a flower melted her grandmother's heart.
5. The CEO's generous gesture of donating a large sum of money to charity gained public admiration.
6. With a simple gesture, he brushed her hair away from her face, revealing her smile.

History and etymology of gesture

The noun 'gesture' has its etymological origins in the Latin word 'gestura,' which means 'bearing' or 'carrying.' It is derived from the verb 'gerere,' which means 'to bear' or 'to carry.' In ancient Rome, 'gestura' was used to describe the physical movements and postures that accompanied spoken language, often used by orators and speakers to emphasize their words and convey emotions. Over time, 'gesture' evolved to encompass a broader range of nonverbal communication, including any physical movement, posture, or action used to convey meaning or express emotions. The etymology of 'gesture' highlights its historical connection to the idea of carrying or bearing meaning through physical actions, emphasizing the significance of nonverbal cues in human communication.

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Further usage examples of gesture

1. The conductor's precise gestures guided the orchestra through a flawless performance.
2. The team captain's fist-pumping gesture after scoring the winning goal ignited the crowd's excitement.
3. The diplomat's diplomatic gesture of offering peace negotiations was met with skepticism.
4. The sculptor's hands gracefully shaped the clay, forming a beautiful gesture of love.
5. His clumsy gesture of spilling his drink caused an awkward silence in the room.
6. A warm smile is a universal gesture of friendliness.
7. His gesture of gratitude touched everyone's heart.
8. She made a subtle gesture to signal her approval.
9. Nonverbal gestures can convey more than words.
10. His hand gesture indicated a desire to stop the conversation.
11. The gesture of shaking hands is a common greeting.
12. A nod can be a simple yet powerful gesture.
13. Her gesture of kindness made a difference in their lives.
14. The gesture of clapping shows appreciation.
15. Crossed arms can be a defensive gesture.
16. A thumbs-up gesture signifies approval or agreement.
17. He used exaggerated gestures to emphasize his point.
18. A well-timed gesture can defuse tension.
19. The gesture of raising a glass is a toast to celebration.
20. She made a dismissive gesture to end the discussion.
21. His romantic gesture swept her off her feet.
22. The gesture of holding hands signifies intimacy.
23. In some cultures, a bow is a sign of respect.
24. The politician's gestures conveyed confidence and charisma.
25. Misinterpreting gestures can lead to communication breakdowns.