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.
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.