body language
Silent physical communication
Body language is the nonverbal communication people convey through posture, gestures, facial expressions, and physical movements.
Reading someone's body language means interpreting these cues to understand their feelings or intentions beyond what they say aloud.
Her body language told me she wasn't interested, even though she said yes.
Body language can be conscious or unconscious, and its interpretation varies across cultures—crossed arms might signal defensiveness in one context but simply comfort in another.
Oscillating motion through medium
- nodBrief head tilt
- shrugShoulder gesture of uncertainty
- pointExact location or meaning
- handshakeMutual palm-gripping gesture
bow · salute · thumbs-up · high-five · fist-bump · beckon · curtsy · clap
Pleased facial expression
- frownDisapproving facial expression
- grimaceTwisted expression of displeasure
- scowlAngry facial expression
- grinBroad, toothy smile
smirk · sneer · pout · gape · eye roll · eyebrow raise · glare · stare
Standing posture or viewpoint
- slouchDrooping, lazy posture
- bearingPosture or orientation
- poiseGraceful, unshakable calm
- deportmentManner and conduct
alignment · upright · erect · hunch · stoop · recline · crossed arms · open stance
Restless minor movements
shuffle · mirroring · synchrony · stillness · restlessness · foot tapping · leg bouncing · hand wringing
Science of touch feedback
- handshakeMutual palm-gripping gesture
- patGentle palm stroke
- embraceHold closely in arms
- shoulder touchLight contact on upper arm
hand-holding · grooming · stroking · firm grip · limp handshake · fist bump · back slap · cheek kiss
Fixed, intent look
- stareProlonged fixed gaze
- glanceBrief, casual look
- avertPrevent or deflect
- eye contactDirect visual connection
looking away · downcast eyes · locked eyes · shifty eyes · winking · pupil dilation
Comfort distance around oneself
- social distanceMaintained interpersonal gap
- closenessState of proximity
- invasionForcible entry into territory
- leaning inTilting body forward
stepping back · crowding · territorial · orientation · facing · approach · retreat
wave
Oscillating motion through medium
handshake · bow · salute · thumbs-up · high-five · fist-bump · beckon · curtsy · clap · prostrate
smile
Pleased facial expression
- frownDisapproving facial expression
- grimaceTwisted expression of displeasure
- scowlAngry facial expression
grin · smirk · sneer · pout · gape · eye roll · eyebrow raise · glare · stare · squint
stance
Standing posture or viewpoint
deportment · alignment · upright · erect · hunch · stoop · recline · crossed arms · open stance · closed stance
fidgeting
Restless minor movements
swagger · shuffle · mirroring · synchrony · stillness · restlessness · foot tapping · leg bouncing · hand wringing · hair touching
haptics
Science of touch feedback
shoulder touch · hand-holding · grooming · stroking · firm grip · limp handshake · fist bump · back slap · cheek kiss · personal boundaries
gaze
Fixed, intent look
eye contact · looking away · downcast eyes · locked eyes · shifty eyes · winking · pupil dilation
personal space
Comfort distance around oneself
- social distanceMaintained interpersonal gap
- closenessState of proximity
- invasionForcible entry into territory
leaning in · stepping back · crowding · territorial · orientation · facing · approach · retreat
- communicatingtalking, speaking, telling, sharing, expressing
- animal behavioranimal behavior, instincts, learned behavior, conditioning, social behavior
- social skillssocial skills, conversation, sharing, helping, listening
- animal signalsbird songs, tail wagging, mating calls, whale song, wolf howl
- behavioral cuesfacial expression, eye contact, posture, gestures, tone of voice
- communication skillspersuasion, active listening, empathy, storytelling, tone of voice
body languageverbal communication
Exchange through spoken language
spoken language · speech · words · verbal expression · written language
body, language, bodily, embody, languages, bodies, languid, embodiment, bodied