gesticulation: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1formal, academic, descriptive
Quick answer
What does “gesticulation” mean?
An energetic movement of the arms, hands, or head used to express or emphasise what you are saying.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An energetic movement of the arms, hands, or head used to express or emphasise what you are saying.
1. The act of using gestures, especially dramatic or emphatic ones, as a method of non-verbal communication. 2. An expressive body movement that accompanies or substitutes for speech, often conveying emotion or urgency.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or semantic difference. The word is used in the same sense in both varieties.
Connotations
Slightly more formal/literary in both varieties. The potential connotation of 'uncontrolled' or 'excessive' movement is equally present.
Frequency
Relatively low frequency in both, but slightly more likely to be encountered in British academic or literary contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “gesticulation” in a Sentence
[VERB] with gesticulationaccompanied by gesticulationa gesticulation of (surprise/anger/frustration)[ADJECTIVE] gesticulationreduce/cut out/avoid gesticulationVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gesticulation” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He gesticulated wildly, trying to hail a black cab in the rain.
- The politician gesticulated emphatically towards the figures on the whiteboard.
American English
- She gesticulated frantically to get the truck driver's attention.
- He gesticulated broadly while telling the story at the backyard barbecue.
adjective
British English
- He was known for his gesticulative style of lecturing, pacing and waving his arms.
- The gesticulative nature of the argument made it hard to ignore.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in advice on presentations (e.g., 'Avoid excessive gesticulation during client pitches.').
Academic
Used in linguistics (non-verbal communication), theatre/drama studies, anthropology, and psychology.
Everyday
Low-frequency, used to describe someone who is speaking very animatedly or angrily.
Technical
Used in semiotics, communication studies, and performance arts to analyse non-verbal behaviour.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “gesticulation”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “gesticulation”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gesticulation”
- Incorrect spelling: 'gesticulation' (confusion with 'gesture'), 'jesticulation'. Incorrect use as a verb (it's a noun; the verb is 'gesticulate').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are closely related. A 'gesticulation' is usually a more energetic, animated, or dramatic type of gesture, often part of a series. 'Gesture' is the broader, more neutral term.
Yes, it sometimes can, implying that the movements are excessive, uncontrolled, distracting, or a sign of agitation, rather than effective communication.
The verb is 'to gesticulate'. For example: 'He gesticulated wildly to make his point.'
No, it is a relatively formal or descriptive word. In everyday conversation, people are more likely to say 'waving his arms around', 'talking with his hands', or simply 'gesturing'.
An energetic movement of the arms, hands, or head used to express or emphasise what you are saying.
Gesticulation is usually formal, academic, descriptive in register.
Gesticulation: in British English it is pronounced /dʒeˌstɪk.jʊˈleɪ.ʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /dʒeˌstɪk.jəˈleɪ.ʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None directly containing the word; the concept is involved in idioms like 'talk with one's hands']”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'JESTER' (sounds like 'gest') who 'ticulates' (articulates) with his body. A Jester communicates through wild GESTICULATION.
Conceptual Metaphor
GESTURE IS COMMUNICATION (a physical act substitutes for or amplifies verbal language).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following sentences uses 'gesticulation' most accurately?