gesticulate

USAGE SUMMARY

"gesticulate" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is a verb that means to use gestures or motions while speaking, usually to emphasize a point or make a story more vivid. For example, "The storyteller gesticulated passionately to make sure the audience understood her point."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Ms Knapp thinks that you have to meet people first: "it is important to gesticulate".

The Economist

In the ketjak, or monkey dance, as many as 150 village men, sitting in concentric circles around a flaming lamp, chant and gesticulate in unison until, in trance, they appear to have become ecstatically possessed by the spirits of monkeys.

Encyclopedia Britannica

With me, if the passion for football decrease and i stop to get angry, stop yelling and gesticulate on the pitch, then i don't care for the football or the team i am playing for.

Independent

The London Metal Exchange – which sets the rules for the global aluminium trade – is one of the few modern markets to retain "open outcry" trading, in which brokers shout and gesticulate to make their buy and sell orders.

Independent

Ainslie seemed to gesticulate towards the Dane's boat at the end of the race after cutting his lead at the top down to three points.

Independent

The clip also highlights just how many times the Labour leader likes to gesticulate at the same time as he says "together" – it's almost like an involuntary, complementing dance move, a political boy band solo if you will.

Independent

This is because backpacks are great tools: they're roomy and accommodating and you can carry all your stuff in them, plus gesticulate during conversations and eat a pretzel.

The New Yorker

She hoisted her window & began to gesticulate & holler.

The New Yorker

The man went to the station, but nobody got off the train, so he ran up and down the platform peering in windows, looking for the guest, then triumphantly proceeded to bang on the glass and gesticulate.

The New Yorker

I know you can do better than that.' " The more introverted robots were programmed to stay farther away from the user, to gesticulate less, and to speak with a slightly lower pitch and at a slower tempo.

The New Yorker

While talking animatedly on their cellphones or smoking cigarettes or even while downshifting their tiny cars through rush-hour traffic, they gesticulate with enviably elegant coordination.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing dialogue, use "gesticulate" to vividly show a character's emotions or intentions, adding depth and visual interest to the scene. For example: "Frustrated, he began to "gesticulate" wildly, trying to explain his point without raising his voice."

Common error

Avoid using "gesticulate" excessively in formal or academic writing, as it can sometimes be perceived as overly descriptive or dramatic. Opt for more neutral terms like 'indicate' or 'demonstrate' when appropriate to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "gesticulate" is as an intransitive verb, meaning it describes an action performed by the subject without acting directly on an object. Ludwig examples show its use in describing how people communicate.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gesticulate" is a grammatically correct and frequently used verb that means to make gestures, especially when speaking. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage across various contexts, predominantly in News & Media. While generally neutral in register, it can sometimes be seen as overly descriptive in formal writing. When using "gesticulate", consider its potential impact on the tone and choose it when you want to vividly depict someone's actions and emotions. Alternatives include "motion", "signal", and "indicate with movements".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gesture emphatically

Emphasizes the forcefulness and intensity of the gestures.

make expressive gestures

Highlights the expressiveness of the movements, emphasizing their communicative intent.

use hand gestures

Focuses specifically on hand movements rather than broader body language.

indicate with movements

Focuses on the act of pointing out or showing something through physical actions.

animate actions

Highlights how actions can bring a certain energy.

signal with gestures

Implies a more deliberate and communicative use of gestures, as in signaling.

make signs

This is related to the act of using gestures, such as in sign language, but may imply a coded or conventional set of movements.

use body language

A broader term encompassing all forms of non-verbal communication, not just hand or arm movements.

communicate non-verbally

A broad description of conveying a message without speech.

motion

A single word, which means to signal or direct with a gesture.

FAQs

How can I use "gesticulate" in a sentence?

You can use "gesticulate" to describe someone making gestures while speaking, often to emphasize a point. For example, "The speaker began to "gesticulate" emphatically to underscore his argument."

What's the difference between "gesticulate" and "gesture"?

"Gesticulate" is a verb that describes the act of making gestures, whereas "gesture" is a noun that refers to the movement itself. You "gesticulate" by using "gestures".

What can I say instead of "gesticulate"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "motion", "signal", or "indicate with movements".

Is it appropriate to use "gesticulate" in formal writing?

While "gesticulate" is a correct word, it can sometimes be perceived as overly descriptive for formal writing. Consider more neutral alternatives like "indicate" or "demonstrate" if the context requires a more subdued tone.