gesture
gb/d͡ʒˈɛst͡ʃɚ/ us/d͡ʒˈɛst͡ʃɚ/
A2
English
~ 1300
gesztus, intés, mozdulat, figyelmesség, jelképes gesztus, int, jelez, mutat
NOUN
A2
1
Usage pattern:
[someone] makes [a gesture]
She made a welcoming gesture with her hands.
A kezével üdvözlő mozdulatot tett.
The driver gave me a rude gesture when I cut in.
A sofőr durva kézmozdulatot tett felém, amikor bevágtam elé.
He raised his hand in a gesture of surrender.
Her gesture indicated that we should be quiet.
The teacher used a hand gesture to call the students over.
Learner examples
He made a small gesture with his hand.
Egy apró mozdulatot tett a kezével.
She gave a friendly gesture to her friend.
Barátságos kézmozdulattal intett a barátjának.
The man used a gesture to say goodbye.
I saw his gesture and understood.
She made a gesture to show she was happy.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'gesture' with 'posture'. 'Gesture' is a movement, while 'posture' is the position you hold your body in.
Meaning
movement to express meaning
Collocations
make a gesture
|hand gesture
|facial gesture
|rude gesture
|friendly gesture
Synonyms
signal (More general; can include sounds, lights, or other indicators beyond body movement.)
|
motion (Focuses on physical movement without necessarily implying communication.)
Antonyms
stillness (Lack of movement, therefore no expressive action.)
Themes
communication
|emotions
|daily life
|body
|core_vocabulary
Definition
A movement of your hand, arm, or head that shows what you mean or how you feel.
A movement of the hands, head, or other part of the body that expresses an idea, emotion, or command.
NOUN
B1
2
Usage pattern:
[something] is a gesture of [feeling]
They sent flowers as a gesture of sympathy.
Virágot küldtek az együttérzésük jeléül.
Shaking hands is a common gesture of friendship.
A kézfogás a barátság gyakori gesztusa.
Offering to pay was just a token gesture.
It was a kind gesture to invite her along.
His apology was seen as a genuine gesture of goodwill.
Learner examples
He gave me a gift as a nice gesture.
Kedves gesztusként ajándékot adott nekem.
She sent a card as a gesture of thanks.
Képeslapot küldött köszönete jeléül.
Saying hello is a friendly gesture.
He opened the door as a polite gesture.
They brought food as a kind gesture.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this meaning with the physical movement sense; here it refers to any symbolic act, not just body movement.
Meaning
symbolic act of politeness
Collocations
gesture of goodwill
|token gesture
|kind gesture
|symbolic gesture
Synonyms
token (Emphasizes the symbolic nature and possible lack of practical value.)
|
courtesy (A polite act, sometimes formal, often expected in social situations.)
Antonyms
insult (An action that conveys disrespect, the opposite of a polite or respectful gesture.)
Themes
social
|emotions
|etiquette
|communication
|relationships
|core_vocabulary
Definition
An action you do to show you care or are polite, not because it is needed.
Something said or done to convey respect, gratitude, friendliness, or another sentiment, often without practical effect.
VERB
B1
3
Usage pattern:
[someone] gestures [toward/to/for someone]
He gestured toward the exit.
A kijárat felé intett.
She gestured for me to sit down.
Intett nekem, hogy üljek le.
The coach gestured angrily at the referee.
I gestured to him to be quiet.
They gestured at the map to explain their route.
Learner examples
He gestured to the chair for me.
A székre mutatott nekem.
She gestured for me to come in.
Intett nekem, hogy jöjjek be.
The man gestured toward the car.
I gestured to my friend to stop.
She gestured with her hand.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use 'gesture' without 'to' or 'toward' when indicating direction; the preposition helps clarify the meaning.
Meaning
move body part to express meaning
Collocations
gesture toward the door
|gesture for someone to come closer
|gesture wildly
Synonyms
signal (Can be done with body movements but also other means like lights or sounds.)
|
motion (Suggests indicating direction or instruction through movement.)
Antonyms
ignore (Not signaling or communicating physically at all.)
Themes
communication
|emotions
|body
|core_vocabulary
Definition
To move your hand, arm, or head to show what you mean or feel.
To move part of your body, especially your hands or head, to express an idea or feeling.
Grammar
Dictionary form
gesture
IPA
GB/d͡ʒˈɛst͡ʃɚ/
US/d͡ʒˈɛst͡ʃɚ/
Syllables & stress
ges - ture (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (ges)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: gesture
- Plural: gesture, gestures
Verb
- Base: gesture
- 3rd Person Singular: gestures
- Present Participle: gesturing
- Past: gestured
Word family
Forms
gestures
noun
gesturing
verb
gestured
verb
Related words
gestural
adjective
Advanced or less common
gesticulate
verb
gesticulation
noun
Expressions
make a rude gesture
1/mˈeɪk ə ɹˈud d͡ʒˈɛst͡ʃɚ/
fixed phrase
informal
do an offensive movement
To move your hands or body in a way that is not polite and can make someone angry.
Examples
- He made a rude gesture at the driver who cut him off.
- Making a rude gesture can get you in trouble.
token gesture
1/tˈoʊkən d͡ʒˈɛst͡ʃɚ/
fixed phrase
symbolic act without real impact
An action that is meant to show you care but does not really change anything.
Examples
- Giving them one free ticket was just a token gesture.
- The apology felt like a token gesture rather than something sincere.
gesture of goodwill
1/d͡ʒˈɛst͡ʃɚ əv ɡˈʊdwˈɪl/
fixed phrase
act showing kindness or intent
An action you do to show you want to be friendly or helpful.
Examples
- They offered free drinks as a gesture of goodwill.
- As a gesture of goodwill, the hotel upgraded us to a better room.
- As a gesture of goodwill, the company fixed the problem for free.
- The company sent replacement products as a gesture of goodwill after the mistake.