gesture
Wordless body communication
A gesture is a movement of part of the body, especially the hands or head, that expresses an idea or feeling.
People gesture while speaking to emphasize points or convey meaning without words: She gestured toward the door.
Beyond physical movement, gesture extends to any action intended to express goodwill or make a symbolic point: The donation was a gesture of solidarity.
Such gestures may be sincere or merely for show: an empty gesture.
Oscillating motion through medium
- nodBrief head tilt
- shrugShoulder gesture of uncertainty
- beckonSignal to approach
- pointExact location or meaning
flick · sweep · twirl · flourish · salute · bow · curtsy · wink
Oscillating motion through medium
- handshakeMutual palm-gripping gesture
- bowRespectful forward inclination
- namasteRespectful Indian greeting
- saluteGestural sign of honor
curtsy · fistbump · nod · embrace · hug · kiss · kowtow · salaam
Communication through gestures
- nonverbalNot using speech
- body-languagePhysical signals conveying meaning
- expressionConveyed thought or feeling
- conveyCommunicate or transport
signal · indicate · semiotics · pantomime · charades · deaf · signing · ASL
Ceremonial set of actions
- ceremonialRelating to formal rites
- sacredWorthy of reverence
- blessingPrayer seeking divine favor
- prayerAddress to deity
mudra · genuflection · prostration · liturgical · sacramental · reverent · devotional · consecration
Representative placeholder
- offeringSomething presented or given
- olive-branchSymbol of reconciliation
- peaceFreedom from disturbance
- reconciliationRestoration of friendly relations
conciliatory · magnanimous · diplomatic · overture · appeasement · rapprochement · outreach · symbolic
Grossly offensive to decency
- offensiveCausing displeasure or attack-oriented
- vulgarCrude or indecent
- tauntInsulting provocation
- snubDeliberate dismissive rejection
dismissive · eye-roll · sneer · mock · crude · lewd · provocative · contemptuous
Showing good manners
- chivalrousHonorably courteous and brave
- gallantCourageously attentive and refined
- graciousPleasantly kind and courteous
- deferentialShowing humble submission
considerate · respectful · gentlemanly · courtly · ceremonious · formal · decorous · civil
wave
Oscillating motion through medium
point · flick · sweep · twirl · flourish · salute · bow · curtsy · wink · thumbs-up
wave
Oscillating motion through medium
- handshakeMutual palm-gripping gesture
- bowRespectful forward inclination
- namasteRespectful Indian greeting
salute · curtsy · fistbump · nod · embrace · hug · kiss · kowtow · salaam · genuflect
sign-language
Communication through gestures
- nonverbalNot using speech
- body-languagePhysical signals conveying meaning
- expressionConveyed thought or feeling
convey · signal · indicate · semiotics · pantomime · charades · deaf · signing · ASL · mudra
ritual
Ceremonial set of actions
- ceremonialRelating to formal rites
- sacredWorthy of reverence
- blessingPrayer seeking divine favor
prayer · mudra · genuflection · prostration · liturgical · sacramental · reverent · devotional · consecration · benediction
token
Representative placeholder
- offeringSomething presented or given
- olive-branchSymbol of reconciliation
- peaceFreedom from disturbance
reconciliation · conciliatory · magnanimous · diplomatic · overture · appeasement · rapprochement · outreach · symbolic
obscene
Grossly offensive to decency
snub · dismissive · eye-roll · sneer · mock · crude · lewd · provocative · contemptuous · derisive
polite
Showing good manners
- chivalrousHonorably courteous and brave
- gallantCourageously attentive and refined
- graciousPleasantly kind and courteous
deferential · considerate · respectful · gentlemanly · courtly · ceremonious · formal · decorous · civil · propriety
- social interactiongreeting, hello, goodbye, hi, bye
- storytellingstorytelling, story, tale, narrative, narrator
- expressionexpress, convey, communicate, verbal, nonverbal
- ways to communicatechat, announcement, gossip, broadcast, small talk
- actingacting, act, performing, playacting, actor
- animal signalsbody language, bird songs, tail wagging, mating calls, whale song
gesturespeech
Oral communication ability
spoken word · verbal communication · speak · words · vocalization
gesturestillness
Complete lack of motion
immobility · motionlessness · stasis · inaction · rigidity
gesturefollow-through
Completing what you began
implementation · substance · action · material support · deed
- hand gestureMotion made with fingers
- romantic gestureAct expressing affection
- thumbs up gesture
- empty gestureInsincere symbolic act
- grand gestures
- token gestureInsincere symbolic action