gestures
gestures — noun
1. a movement of part of your body, especially your hands or head, that communicate
a movement of part of your body, especially your hands or head, that communicates a feeling, an idea, or an instruction without using spoken words
Mei made a gesture to show she did not know the answer.
The teacher used a hand gesture to tell the class to be quiet.
collocation: hand gesture
Ahmed nodded, and his small gesture meant he agreed with the plan.
In Japan, a bow is a common gesture that shows respect toward others.
Olga's thumbs-up gesture let everyone know the test results were good.
文法句型
make + a gesture
with + a + [adjective] + gesture
用法筆記
The uncountable form refers to the general practice of using body movements to communicate (e.g. 'Gesture is an important part of how people talk in Italy.').
常見錯誤
2. something you do that shows how you feel toward someone, even if the action itse
something you do that shows how you feel toward someone, even if the action itself has little practical effect — for example, sending flowers to say sorry or donating money as a show of support
Sending a birthday card is a simple gesture that can make someone feel loved.
collocation: simple gesture
The company made a gesture of goodwill by donating to the local school.
collocation: gesture of goodwill
José brought coffee for his colleagues — a small gesture that everyone appreciated.
Offering to help was a kind gesture, even though Fatima said she could manage alone.
The landlord lowered the rent — a generous gesture toward the tenants.
- token
emphasises the symbolic, not practical, nature of the action
- expression
broader — can be a word or look, not necessarily an action
- tribute
more formal and specific to showing respect or admiration
文法句型
[adjective] + gesture
gesture + of + [noun]
as a gesture + of + [noun]
用法筆記
Often paired with an adjective that names the feeling behind the action (kind, generous, empty, symbolic). The 'little practical effect' part distinguishes this sense from noun sense 1 — here the focus is on the intention, not the physical movement.
常見錯誤
gestures — verb
1. to move your hand, head, or another part of your body in order to communicate a
to move your hand, head, or another part of your body in order to communicate a message, a feeling, or an instruction to someone
Wei gestured toward the empty seat, inviting his friend to sit down.
gesture + toward + [noun]
The police officer gestured for the cars to stop at the crossing.
gesture + for + person + to-infinitive
When the singer finished, the crowd gestured wildly for her to return to the stage.
Amina gestured to the waiter that she wanted the bill.
Diego gestured across the table, signalling that the discussion was over.
文法句型
gesture + to/at + person
gesture + for + action
gesture + that-clause
gesture + [noun] (rare)
用法筆記
The thing being communicated is usually made clear from context or expressed in a separate clause — e.g. 'She gestured for them to wait' rather than 'She gestured waiting.' The transitive use (e.g. 'He gestured his approval') is possible but less common.