gesticulate: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal, literary, academic (in descriptions of communication).
Quick answer
What does “gesticulate” mean?
To use gestures, especially dramatic ones, instead of speaking or to emphasize one's words.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To use gestures, especially dramatic ones, instead of speaking or to emphasize one's words.
To make expressive movements of the hands, arms, or body as an accompaniment to speech, often to convey strong feeling, emphasize points, or compensate for a language barrier.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The word is equally formal and descriptive in both varieties.
Connotations
Slightly dramatic or theatrical, possibly even mildly comical if the gestures are overly frantic.
Frequency
Low frequency in both varieties, but used in similar contexts (e.g., describing public speakers, people in heated arguments).
Grammar
How to Use “gesticulate” in a Sentence
intransitive verb (gesticulate)gesticulate at/to/towards someonegesticulate wildlygesticulate with one's handsVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gesticulate” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He began to gesticulate frantically to warn us of the oncoming lorry.
- The politician gesticulated broadly, trying to connect with the crowd in the park.
American English
- She gesticulated wildly at the server to bring the check.
- The tour guide gesticulated toward the historic monument, explaining its significance.
adverb
British English
- He spoke gesticulatingly, his hands never still.
American English
- He spoke gesticulatingly, his hands never still.
adjective
British English
- A gesticulatory display
American English
- A gesticulatory display
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might describe an overly emphatic presenter: 'He gesticulated wildly to drive home his point about the quarterly losses.'
Academic
Used in linguistic, anthropological, or theatrical studies describing nonverbal communication: 'The subjects gesticulated more when discussing abstract concepts.'
Everyday
Descriptive, used to paint a vivid picture: 'We could see him through the window, gesticulating angrily on the phone.'
Technical
Used in fields like animation, film direction, or neurology to describe specific motor behaviour.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gesticulate”
- Using it transitively (e.g., 'He gesticulated his point' – incorrect; it should be 'He made his point by gesticulating').
- Confusing it with 'gesture' (which is more general and can be a noun or verb).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it's a C1/C2 level word used primarily in descriptive or formal writing and speech. In everyday conversation, people are more likely to say 'he was waving his arms around' or 'making big gestures'.
'Gesture' is a broader term. It can be a single, controlled movement (noun: a hand gesture; verb: he gestured for quiet). 'Gesticulate' is a verb that implies continuous, animated, and often emphatic gesturing, usually accompanying speech.
It's contradictory to the core meaning. 'Gesticulate' inherently suggests a degree of animation, energy, or emphasis. Calm, slow movements would typically be described as 'gesturing' or 'making gestures'.
Yes, 'gesticulation' (e.g., 'His frantic gesticulations were distracting.') and the less common 'gesticulator' for a person who does it.
To use gestures, especially dramatic ones, instead of speaking or to emphasize one's words.
Gesticulate is usually formal, literary, academic (in descriptions of communication). in register.
Gesticulate: in British English it is pronounced /dʒeˈstɪk.jə.leɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /dʒeˈstɪk.jə.leɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'JEST-er-ticulate'. A jester (or clown) uses exaggerated gestures (ticulations) to communicate without words.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMMUNICATION IS PHYSICAL ACTION; EMOTION IS PHYSICAL AGITATION.
Practice
Quiz
Which scenario best illustrates someone gesticulating?