gesture

A movement of your hands, head, or body that shows a feeling or sends a message.

• She made a small gesture with her hand.
• His gestures helped us understand the directions.
• What does that gesture mean in your country?

Similar words: movement, signal, sign

Common phrases: hand gesture, rude gesture, make a gesture

An action that shows your feelings or intentions towards someone.

• Sending flowers was a kind gesture.
• They offered free meals as a gesture of goodwill.
• Her apology seemed like an empty gesture.

How to use it: a gesture of something (He sent a card as a gesture of thanks.)

Similar words: sign, token

Common phrases: gesture of goodwill, kind gesture, symbolic gesture

To move your hands or body to communicate or support what you are saying.

• He gestured towards the door.
• She gestured with both hands while explaining.
• The driver gestured angrily at the other car.

How to use it: gesture towards something (The guide gestured towards the castle.); gesture with something (She gestured with her hands as she spoke.)

Similar words: signal, gesticulate

Common phrases: gesture with something, gesture towards something, gesture wildly

To move your hand or body to send a friendly message to someone.

• She gestured to her friend across the street.
• The host smiled and gestured us inside.
• He gestured for us to join him.

How to use it: gesture to someone (I gestured to my neighbor from the balcony.); gesture for someone to do something (She gestured for us to come closer.)

Similar words: signal, wave, beckon

Common phrases: gesture to someone, gesture someone over

To show a feeling or message through a movement of your body.

• She gestured her approval with a nod.
• He gestured his disgust by turning away.
• The guard gestured a warning to the approaching visitors.

Similar words: signal, indicate

Common phrases: gesture approval, gesture something to someone