gesture

The word “gesture” means a movement of the hands, arms, or body used to express or emphasise a meaning. In plain terms, a meaningful movement of the body, or a symbolic act meant to show an attitude such as kindness or goodwill.

“Gesture” is pronounced JEHS-chuh (/ˈd͡ʒɛs.t͡ʃɚ/ in IPA).

Here is “gesture” used in a sentence: “He waved his hand in a dismissive gesture.”

Depending on how it is used, “gesture” can be a noun and a verb.

The word “gesture” comes from Medieval Latin. From Medieval Latin gestura, "a way of carrying oneself," ultimately from Latin gerere, "to carry, bear, or behave.".

“Gesture” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

“Gesture” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a movement of the hands, arms, or body used to express or emphasise a meaning.

A 'gesture' is a single movement of the hands, arms, or body to express meaning. To 'gesticulate' means to make many lively or dramatic gestures, especially while speaking.

A 'gesture' is usually a spontaneous body movement that expresses or emphasises meaning. A 'sign' is typically a fixed, agreed symbol or movement, as in sign language, with a specific set meaning.

A symbolic gesture is an action done chiefly for its symbolic value, to show goodwill or attitude, rather than for any practical effect. Sending flowers to express sympathy is one example.

As a verb, 'gesture' is often followed by 'to' or 'towards', as in 'she gestured towards the door'. As a noun it commonly takes 'of', as in 'a gesture of goodwill'.