non-verbal
Expressed through gestures
Non-verbal describes communication that doesn't use words—gestures, facial expressions, body language, tone of voice.
A non-verbal cue might be a raised eyebrow or crossed arms.
In clinical contexts, non-verbal describes someone who doesn't speak, whether due to developmental conditions, trauma, or choice: Their child is non-verbal but communicates through sign language.
Unspoken physical expression
- facial expressionsVisible emotional displays
- eye contactDirect visual connection
- gesturesExpressive body movements
- postureBody position, alignment
kinesics · haptics · paralanguage · microexpressions · intonation · pitch · volume · silence
Visual-gestural communication system
- mimeWordless expressive performer
- pantomimeDrama through gesture alone
- semaphoreFlag-based signaling system
- signalsConveyed indications
symbols · pictograms · icons · flags · hand signals · mudras · emblems · visual cues
Oscillating motion through medium
- nodBrief head tilt
- shrugShoulder gesture of uncertainty
- winkBrief one-eyed closure
- saluteGestural sign of honor
bow · curtsy · pointing · beckoning · thumbs-up · high-five · fist-bump · handshake
Not verbally expressed
- wordlessLacking spoken content
- voicelessHaving no voice
- speechlessUnable to talk
- muteWithout voice or sound
tacit · implicit · unexpressed · unuttered · unvoiced · quiet · soundless · inarticulate
body language
Unspoken physical expression
- facial expressionsVisible emotional displays
- eye contactDirect visual connection
- gesturesExpressive body movements
posture · kinesics · haptics · paralanguage · microexpressions · intonation · pitch · volume · silence · touch
sign language
Visual-gestural communication system
- mimeWordless expressive performer
- pantomimeDrama through gesture alone
- semaphoreFlag-based signaling system
signals · symbols · pictograms · icons · flags · hand signals · mudras · emblems · visual cues · directional signs
wave
Oscillating motion through medium
salute · bow · curtsy · pointing · beckoning · thumbs-up · high-five · fist-bump · handshake · hug
unspoken
Not verbally expressed
- wordlessLacking spoken content
- voicelessHaving no voice
- speechlessUnable to talk
mute · tacit · implicit · unexpressed · unuttered · unvoiced · quiet · soundless · inarticulate · gestural
expression
Conveyed thought or feeling
vibes · aura · warmth · affection · hostility · tension · enthusiasm · boredom · anxiety · comfort
non-verbalverbal
Of or in words
wordy · eloquent · articulate · talkative · loquacious