a gracious gesture

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a gracious gesture" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an act of kindness or politeness that is thoughtful and considerate. Example: "Her decision to help the struggling family was truly a gracious gesture that touched everyone in the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

At least one new teammate made him feel welcome with a gracious gesture.

The New York Times - Sports

It was a gracious gesture, considering P. J. Carlesimo, the coach Sprewell choked at Golden State, is Popovich's assistant.

The New York Times

Perched above the celebrations stood the Leicester fans applauding their hosts, a gracious gesture considering the club had sunk to England's third tier for the first time.

The Guardian - Sport

Manuel made a gracious gesture by taking out his two stars, Jose Reyes and David Wright, in the top of the ninth to let them hear a round of applause from the paltry crowd of 30,849.

The New York Times - Sports

I disagreed with a lot of her husband's policies, but that didn't mean that I couldn't accept a gracious gesture from her. Has it been at all inconvenient for you to travel since 9/11?

The New York Times - Magazine

Mrs. A., as she is often called, was in town for the torch procession, which in a gracious gesture has touched corners of the earth, like Africa and South America, that may never be able to afford the Games.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Castle Village does not even have a fence at the sidewalk line, an unusually gracious gesture.

The New York Times

The "giver's greed" phenomenon of sabotaging an otherwise gracious gesture by putting illogical and constrictive earmarks on donations is all too common.

Huffington Post

"A very smart and gracious gesture!" Trump had responded in a tweet, on Saturday.

The New Yorker

Less than two weeks ago, Mr. Trump welcomed North Korea's plans to dismantle the test site as a "very smart and gracious gesture" ahead of what would have been the first face-to-face meeting between leaders of the two countries.

The New York Times

A true "geste d'estime" (gracious gesture) from someone with Rubin's public profile, would be to return the full $100 million.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When emphasizing the sincerity of the gesture, follow it with an explanation of its positive impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a gracious gesture" to describe actions that are merely polite but lack genuine thoughtfulness or kindness. The phrase implies a deeper level of consideration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a gracious gesture" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As shown by Ludwig, it describes an act of kindness or politeness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sport

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a gracious gesture" is a noun phrase used to describe acts of kindness and thoughtfulness. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for various contexts, though more frequently encountered in news and media sources. When using this phrase, ensure the action you're describing goes beyond mere politeness and reflects genuine consideration. Synonymous alternatives include "a kind act" or "a thoughtful deed". Avoid using the phrase to describe actions that are only superficially polite. Be mindful of context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a kind act

Focuses on the kindness inherent in the gesture.

a thoughtful deed

Emphasizes the consideration behind the action.

a generous act

Highlights the magnanimity of the gesture.

an act of goodwill

Stresses the positive intentions behind the gesture.

a polite action

Underscores the courteous nature of the gesture.

a charitable contribution

Implies a helpful donation or assistance.

a benevolent action

Highlights the act's well-meaning and kindly nature.

a magnanimous act

Focuses on the act being forgiving and generous, especially towards a rival or someone less powerful.

a courteous favor

Emphasizes the polite and helpful nature of the deed.

an obliging gesture

Underscores the willingness to assist or comply.

FAQs

How can I use "a gracious gesture" in a sentence?

You can use "a gracious gesture" to describe an act of kindness or politeness that is thoughtful and considerate. For example, "Her offering to help with the project was a "gracious gesture" that everyone appreciated."

What are some synonyms for "a gracious gesture"?

Alternatives to "a gracious gesture" include "a kind act", "a thoughtful deed", or "a generous act", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a gracious gesture" in formal writing?

Yes, "a gracious gesture" is suitable for formal writing. It conveys a sense of respect and appreciation, making it appropriate for business correspondence, academic papers, and other professional contexts.

What distinguishes "a gracious gesture" from a simple act of politeness?

"A gracious gesture" implies a level of thoughtfulness and kindness that goes beyond basic politeness. It suggests a genuine desire to make someone feel comfortable, appreciated, or supported.