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Gesticulation - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Gesticulation refers to the use of hand or body movements, often while speaking, to express ideas or emotions more vividly. It helps emphasize or clarify verbal communication.

gesticulation

/ˌdʒɛstɪkjəˈleɪʃən/ /ˌdʒestɪkjʊˈleɪʃən/

Definition:

Expressive hand or body movements used to emphasize speech or convey meaning.

Synonyms:

Gesturing, signaling, motioning, pantomiming

Part of Speech:

Noun

Antonyms:

Stillness, silence

Common Collocations:

Wild gesticulation, animated gesticulation, exaggerated gesticulation

Derivatives:

Gesticulate, gesticulatory

Usage Tips:

Use "gesticulation" to describe deliberate hand or body movements that accompany speech for emphasis or clarity.

Common Phrases:

Wild gesticulations, frantic gesticulation, dramatic gesticulation

Etymology:

From Latin *gesticulatio*, meaning "mimic gesture," derived from *gestus* (action, gesture).

Examples:

  • 1. His frantic gesticulation made the story more dramatic.
  • 2. She used exaggerated gesticulation to explain the directions clearly.
  • 3. The speaker’s constant gesticulation distracted the audience from his words.
  • 4. Without words, his gesticulation conveyed his frustration perfectly.
  • 5. The teacher’s lively gesticulation kept the students engaged in the lesson.

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