a perfunctory gesture

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a perfunctory gesture" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action that is done merely as a routine or obligation, without genuine interest or effort. Example: "His apology was just a perfunctory gesture, lacking any real sincerity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Buy from Amazon.co.ukWHEN China sent swift condolences to Pakistan after the slaughter of over 130 schoolchildren in a terror attack in Peshawar last month, it was more than a perfunctory gesture.

The Economist

But, instead of disposing of it in a perfunctory gesture, he made it the basis of his address, devoting the first half of the speech to what he called the challenge of "reconciling these two seemingly irreconcilable truths — that war is sometimes necessary, and war at some level is an expression of human folly".

The New Yorker

There's nothing wrong with sending apology texts, or using technology to connect with those far away, but for many the High Holidays tradition of apologizing to those we have wronged has largely become a perfunctory gesture and that's a shame.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

With the gesture completed, the master put on his glasses, checked the watch beside him and saw that an hour had passed, gave what could be called a perfunctory final gesture, and was finished.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

As such, Instagram's policies might come off as more a perfunctory PR gesture (and a cover-your-ass move) than a committed strategy to police graphic content, though admittedly the problem feels like an unstoppable plague.

The Guardian - Opinion

After a perfunctory hug, he gestured upstage--or, rather, to a spot between the opened glass lobby door and the inner box office window--and said "Do you know Neil?" There, standing alone in the crowd, looking pale and ashen, was the man they used to call Doc Simon.

Huffington Post

A perfunctory greeting.

The Guardian - Opinion

Ouellet wrote a perfunctory letter.

The Guardian

Mr. Kramer gave it a perfunctory glance.

The New York Times

Giuliani made not even a perfunctory show of sympathy.

The New Yorker

George Bush has pledged support, but in a perfunctory way.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a perfunctory gesture" when you want to emphasize that an action is carried out without real interest or effort, often as a matter of routine or obligation.

Common error

Avoid using "a perfunctory gesture" excessively in formal writing. While grammatically correct, overuse can make your writing sound cynical or dismissive. Consider stronger, more nuanced language to convey your message effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a perfunctory gesture" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an object or subject complement in a sentence. It describes an action that is carried out routinely and without genuine enthusiasm or effort. Ludwig examples confirm its role in illustrating insincere or obligatory actions.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a perfunctory gesture" describes an action performed routinely and without genuine interest. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and usable, though relatively rare. It often appears in news and academic contexts, highlighting a lack of sincerity or effort behind an action. While generally neutral in tone, overuse can be perceived as cynical. Alternatives like "a cursory action" or "a token effort" can offer more specific nuances. Using this phrase effectively involves understanding its subtle critical undertones and choosing it when you want to emphasize the lack of genuine feeling behind an act.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A cursory action

This alternative focuses on the lack of thoroughness in the action itself.

A superficial act

Highlights the lack of depth or genuine feeling behind the action.

A routine formality

Emphasizes the adherence to procedure without real engagement.

A token effort

Stresses the minimal and symbolic nature of the action.

A halfhearted attempt

Focuses on the lack of enthusiasm and commitment.

A mechanical response

Implies the action is performed automatically, without thought or feeling.

A passive compliance

Highlights the submissive aspect without active participation.

A dismissive wave

Specific to gestures, implying a lack of interest or care.

An indifferent nod

Another gesture-specific alternative, suggesting a lack of concern.

A begrudging acknowledgement

Suggests reluctance and a lack of genuine approval.

FAQs

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

You can use "a perfunctory gesture" to describe an action done without genuine interest or effort. For example: "His apology was just "a perfunctory gesture", lacking any real sincerity."

What are some alternatives to "a perfunctory gesture"?

Alternatives include "a cursory action", "a superficial act", or "a token effort", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a perfunctory gesture" formal or informal?

The phrase "a perfunctory gesture" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it is more commonly found in written communication than in casual conversation.

What does "perfunctory" really mean in the phrase "a perfunctory gesture"?

In this context, "perfunctory" means done routinely and with little interest or care. Therefore, "a perfunctory gesture" suggests an action performed out of habit or obligation rather than genuine feeling.