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gesture
/ˈdʒestʃər/
movement showing feeling
She made a gesture of welcome by waving her hand.
She moved her hand to show she was happy to see him.
general
A movement of part of the body, especially a hand or the head, to express an idea or meaning.
He made a rude gesture at the driver who cut him off.
He moved his hand in an offensive way to show anger.
Often used with 'make' (e.g., make a gesture).
general
An action performed to convey sympathy, goodwill, or appreciation, often without practical benefit.
The gift was just a gesture of friendship.
The present was given to show kindness, not because it was needed.
Used when the symbolic value matters more than the material value.
Collocations
make a gestureto perform a physical movement or symbolic actfriendly gesturean act showing kindness or goodwillgesture of goodwillan action intended to improve relations
Synonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Physical vs. Symbolic
Distinguish between a physical movement (hand wave) and a symbolic act (gift). Both are 'gestures', but the context changes the meaning.
Gold Rule
Collocation Rule
Always use 'make a gesture', never 'do a gesture'.
Word Origin
From Old French 'geste' meaning 'deed, action, history', from Latin 'gesta' meaning 'deeds, actions', from 'gerere' meaning 'to carry, perform'.
Usage Notes
Can be a physical movement (nodding) or a symbolic act (buying flowers). Use 'make a gesture' for physical movements.
Word Breakdown
gest-
deed, action
root-ure
act, process
suffixEnglish Dictionary