gesture

US: /ˈdʒɛstʃɝ/
UK: /d‍ʒˈɛst‍ʃɐ/


English Vietnamese dictionary


gesture /'dʤestʃə/
  • danh từ
    • điệu bộ, cử chỉ, động tác
    • hành động dễ gợi sự đáp lại; hành động để tỏ thiện ý
      • his speech is a gesture of friendship: lời nói của anh ta là một biểu hiện của tình hữu nghị
  • động từ
    • làm điệu bộ, diễn tả bằng điệu bộ, khoa tay múa chân

Advanced English dictionary


noun, verb
+ noun
1 [C, U] a movement that you make with your hands, your head or your face to show a particular meaning: He made a rude gesture at the driver of the other car. + She finished what she had to say with a gesture of despair. + They communicated entirely by gesture.
2 [C] something that you do or say to show a particular feeling or intention: They sent some flowers as a gesture of sympathy to the parents of the child. + It was a nice gesture (= it was kind) to invite his wife too. + We do not accept responsibility but we will refund the money as a gesture of goodwill. + His speech was at least a gesture towards improving relations between the two countries. + The government has made a gesture towards public opinion (= has tried to do sth that the public will like).
+ verb
~ (for / to sb) (to do sth) to move your hands, head, face, etc. as a way of expressing what you mean or want: [V] [usually +adv./prep.] 'I see you read a lot,' he said, gesturing at the wall of books. + He gestured to the guards and they withdrew. + She gestured for them to come in. + [V that] He gestured (to me) that it was time to go. + They gestured that I should follow. [also VN]

Thesaurus dictionary


n.
1 movement, motion, gesticulation, signal, indication, action, Colloq US high sign:
She made a gesture of dismissal.
2 formality, move; gambit, ploy; token, indication, symbol:
Sending her flowers was a friendly gesture. Their burning the flag was a gesture of defiance.
v.
3 motion, gesticulate, signal, sign, indicate, Colloq US give (someone) the high sign:
He gestured for me to step forward.

Collocation dictionary


1 movement that expresses sth

ADJ.

dramatic, expansive, expressive, extravagant, flamboyant, melodramatic, sweeping, theatrical
She made an expansive gesture with her arms.
| abrupt | careless, vague
He responded with a vague gesture in the direction of the pub.
| obscene, rude | angry, defiant, threatening | dismissive, impatient, irritable | helpless | imperious | placatory

VERB + GESTURE

make
The children made rude gestures at them.

PREP.

by ~
They communicate entirely by gesture.
| in a ~
He waved his arms in a melodramatic gesture.
| with a ~
She waved us away with an impatient gesture.
| ~ of
a gesture of despair

2 sth that shows other people what you think/feel

ADJ.

nice
I thought it was a nice gesture to send everyone a card.
| bold
a bold gesture of reconciliation
| dramatic, extravagant, grand
He had the respect of his people without the need for grand gestures.
| conciliatory, friendly, goodwill | charitable, philanthropic | empty, small, symbolic, token
Words and empty gestures are not enough?we demand action! a token gesture of their good intentions
| futile | political

PREP.

as a ~
Several hostages were released as a goodwill gesture.
| in a ~
In a dramatic gesture, the prime minister refused to attend the meeting.
| ~ against
The invasion attempt was intended as a political gesture against his opponents.
| ~ of
His gift was a gesture of friendship.
| ~ towards
The president's speech was seen as a conciliatory gesture towards former enemies.

ADV.

vaguely | wildly | expansively | abruptly, impatiently | helplessly

PREP.

at
She gestured at him to step back.
| about/around
He gestured around the room, lost for words.
| for
He gestured abruptly for Virginia to get in the car.
| to
Mrs Davis gestured to the waiter.
| towards
He gestured vaguely towards the house.
| with
gesturing wildly with her hands


Concise English dictionary


gestures|gestured|gesturing'dʒestʃə(r)
noun
+motion of hands or body to emphasize or help to express a thought or feeling
+the use of movements (especially of the hands) to communicate familiar or prearranged signals
+something done as an indication of intention
verb
+show, express or direct through movement