Gesture: A Movement of the Hand, or a Movement That Costs Nothing
A gesture is a movement that communicates. It is also a small action meant to show goodwill, which is why empty gesture is such a cutting phrase.
A gesture is a movement of the hands, head or body that carries meaning. English then uses it for symbolic acts: a gesture of goodwill, a gesture of support. Because such acts are cheap, the word attracts hostile company — *empty gesture*, *token gesture*, *gesture politics*.
- A communicative movement. *A gesture of the hand.*
- A symbolic action. *A gesture of solidarity.*
- To make such a movement. *He gestured towards the door.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | gesture | A small gesture. |
| Plural | gestures | Broad gestures. |
| Verb | gesture | She gestured at the map. |
| Related | gesticulate | Gesticulating wildly. |
| Adjective | gestural | Gestural language. |
How it is used in a sentence
- He gestured for us to sit down.Gesture for someone to do something.
- The apology was a gesture, nothing more.Meaning symbolic and insufficient.
- A rude gesture got him sent off.Physical and specific.
Gestures across borders
- Thumbs up — approval in many places, an insult in some
- Nodding — yes in most cultures, no in parts of the Balkans and Greece
- Beckoning — palm up in Europe, palm down across much of Asia
- Pointing — with the finger in Europe, with the whole hand elsewhere
- Handshake — firmness expectations vary widely by country
From Medieval Latin *gestura*, bearing or behaviour, from Latin *gerere*, to carry or conduct — the same verb behind *gesture*, *digest*, *register* and *belligerent*.
Gesture or gesticulate?
Gesture is neutral. Gesticulate suggests large, energetic movements, and often a loss of composure.
What is gesture politics?
Actions taken for their appearance rather than their effect. The phrase is always a criticism.