Gesture Meaning
Gesture Definition & Usage
A movement of part of the body, especially a hand or the head, to express an idea or meaning.
Examples
- "She made a gesture of apology with a wave of her hand."
- "He gave a dismissive gesture, signaling that he was not interested in the conversation."
- "The teacher used a gesture to direct the students' attention to the board."
- "In some cultures, a raised hand is a gesture of greeting."
- "His gesture of support was enough to lift her spirits."
An action or gesture that expresses a feeling, intention, or opinion, often without using words.
Examples
- "The peace sign is a well-known gesture of solidarity."
- "His decision to help without being asked was a gesture of kindness."
- "Sending flowers after an argument is often seen as a gesture of reconciliation."
- "Her gesture of gratitude was visible when she hugged the volunteer."
- "The company’s donation was a gesture of goodwill towards the community."
To make a gesture in order to convey a message or meaning.
Examples
- "She gestured towards the door to indicate he should leave."
- "He gestured wildly, trying to explain his point to the confused audience."
- "They gestured for us to follow them into the room."
- "I gestured to the waiter, signaling that we were ready to order."
- "Without saying a word, she gestured for him to sit down."
Cultural Context
Gestures are a universal form of non-verbal communication, but their meanings can vary significantly across cultures. For example, the 'peace' gesture made with a raised hand has different implications in various parts of the world. In some countries, it’s a sign of solidarity, while in others, it might be an insult.
The Unspoken Words
Story
The Unspoken Words
In the small town of Silverbrook, a community event had just come to an end. The townspeople, a close-knit group, gathered around in the park, enjoying the warm evening air. As the last speeches were made and people began to disperse, Laura found herself speaking to Jack, her childhood friend, who had recently returned from the city. There had been tension between them for years, though neither had ever said anything directly. Jack looked at Laura with a mix of uncertainty and old familiarity. 'It's good to be back, Laura,' he said quietly, his eyes searching hers for something unspoken. Laura nodded, then made a gesture with her hand, one that was meant to convey her feelings of welcome. It was a simple gesture, just a soft wave, but to her, it was a gesture of peace, a way to say 'I’m glad you’re here' without the awkwardness of words. Jack returned the gesture, a slight smile forming on his face. The gesture spoke volumes; it was as if their years of silence were being bridged by a single, unspoken moment. 'I’ve missed this,' Jack said, his voice softer now. 'We should catch up sometime, just the two of us.' Later that evening, as the town square emptied, Laura's father made a gesture from across the street, signaling that it was time for her to head home. She waved back, not needing to speak, knowing that he’d be waiting with dinner ready. As she walked away, she thought about how much could be said with gestures, how much of communication is rooted not in the words we use but in the silent movements and expressions that convey our emotions, thoughts, and intentions. In that moment, Laura realized that sometimes, a gesture was all that was needed to bridge the gap between two people, to heal old wounds, and to express feelings too complicated for words to capture.
Related Words
