gesture

Everyday

1. A movement of your hand, head or body that shows a meaning, like waving, nodding or pointing. tree →
2. Something you do to show a feeling, especially kindness: «a kind gesture». tree →
3. (verb) To move your hand or head to show something: «She gestured to the door». tree →

In the lessons

In lessons on communication: gestures are body language; some gestures (like a thumbs up) mean different things in different countries, so be careful. In stories they tell the reader what a character feels without words. Phrases: «a kind/nice gesture», «a friendly gesture», «hand gestures», «gesture towards/to».

Examples

• She waved goodbye – a friendly gesture. tree →
• Nodding is a gesture that means "yes" in many countries. tree →
• Bringing flowers to the new neighbour was a kind gesture. tree →
• The teacher gestured to us to sit down. tree →
• He made a rude gesture and got into trouble. tree →
• Sign language uses many gestures. tree →
• Some gestures mean something different in other countries. tree →
• With a hasty gesture he tried to hide it, but he was too late. tree →

Note

Countable. Verb: gestured, gesturing (drop e). Spelling: «-ture» like picture. Do not confuse with «jester» (a clown at a royal court).