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View synonyms for gesture

gesture

[ jes-cher ]

noun

  1. a movement or position of the hand, arm, body, head, or face that is expressive of an idea, opinion, emotion, etc.:

    the gestures of an orator; a threatening gesture.

  2. the use of such movements to express thought, emotion, etc.
  3. any action, courtesy, communication, etc., intended for effect or as a formality; considered expression; demonstration:

    a gesture of friendship.

  4. Digital Technology. a particular movement of the body, typically the fingers or hand, used to control or interact with a digital device (often used attributively):

    a gesture command;

    Use a two-finger pinching gesture on your touchscreen to zoom in or out.



verb (used without object)

, ges·tured, ges·tur·ing.
  1. to make or use a gesture or gestures.

verb (used with object)

, ges·tured, ges·tur·ing.
  1. to express by a gesture or gestures.

gesture

/ ˈdʒɛstʃə /

noun

  1. a motion of the hands, head, or body to emphasize an idea or emotion, esp while speaking
  2. something said or done as a formality or as an indication of intention

    a political gesture

  3. obsolete.
    the manner in which a person bears himself; posture


verb

  1. to express by or make gestures; gesticulate

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Derived Forms

  • ˈgestural, adjective
  • ˈgesturer, noun

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Other Words From

  • gestur·al adjective
  • gestur·er noun
  • un·gestur·al adjective
  • un·gestur·ing adjective

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Word History and Origins

Origin of gesture1

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Medieval Latin gestūra “mode of action, manner, bearing,” from Latin gest(us) “conducted” (past participle of gerere “to carry, conduct, display”) + -ūra -ure

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Word History and Origins

Origin of gesture1

C15: from Medieval Latin gestūra bearing, from Latin gestus, past participle of gerere to bear

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Example Sentences

They could, after all, have just been trying to make a gesture toward inclusiveness.

Induction would be a fitting gesture, even now when the honor would be posthumous.

Warren makes one clearly recognizable gesture to the center, and the centrists make one recognizable gesture to the left.

But the President could easily reposition it as a friendly “pro-gun rights” gesture by outgoing Attorney General Eric Holder.

Several of them make direct eye contact with Tompkins while others gesture suggestively toward their crotches.

But, when the car came thundering down, it was crammed to the step; with a melancholy gesture, the driver declined her signal.

She was growing a little stout, but it did not seem to detract an iota from the grace of every step, pose, gesture.

There was no vivacity in his putty-coloured features, but there were promptitude and decision in every abrupt gesture.

He even fancied that something of challenge flashed from her, though without definite words or gesture.

In dramatic interpretation the voice is a much more significant feature relatively than is the detail of gesture in pantomime.

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gesticulationGesualdo