gesture of resignation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gesture of resignation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a physical or symbolic action that signifies giving up or accepting defeat in a situation. Example: "With a heavy heart, she made a gesture of resignation, signaling her decision to leave the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

He raised his hands in a gesture of resignation.

The New York Times

"Thanks," Camilo said, with a gesture of resignation.

The New Yorker

"I was very tired," he said, making a gesture of resignation with his slim, expressive hands.

The New York Times - Food

"They may feel they don't have the authority to decide," says Mr Gennaro, the palms of his hands upturned in a gesture of resignation.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The Russian safety video suggested that in case of emergency you ought to clutch a swaddled infant to your enormous bosom before making a melodramatic final gesture of woeful resignation.

The New York Times

What is required is not the public gesture of a high-profile resignation but a strict implementation of punishment so that such appalling acts never occur again.

The Economist

In the four months since the abuses at Abu Ghraib first came to light, some of Mr. Rumsfeld's critics have demanded his resignation, as a gesture of the accountability that the defense secretary himself has promised.

The New York Times

At one point Toni Kroos even turned to gesture at his team-mates; he looked a little lost and his body language spoke almost of resignation.

The Guardian - Sport

His office dismisses talk of resignation.

The Economist

Obama later accepted his offer of resignation.

The Guardian

There was a mood of resignation.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "gesture of resignation" to depict a character's internal state without explicitly stating their feelings. For example, "He offered a "gesture of resignation", shoulders slumping as he accepted the verdict."

Common error

Avoid using "gesture of resignation" when a more active or defiant response is intended. The phrase implies acceptance, not necessarily agreement or approval.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gesture of resignation" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in depicting acceptance of an unavoidable situation.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "gesture of resignation" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe an action indicating acceptance of an undesirable situation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Though relatively rare, it appears most frequently in news and media contexts. When writing, it's best employed to subtly convey a character's internal state or the acceptance of something unavoidable, while being careful not to use it when defiance is intended. Alternatives like "act of surrender" or "sign of giving up" can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resigned attitude

Describes a state of mind characterized by acceptance of something unpleasant.

act of surrender

Focuses on the action of giving up, emphasizing defeat.

sign of giving up

Highlights the indication or signal that someone is ceasing resistance.

expression of defeat

Emphasizes the outward display of acknowledging loss.

acceptance of the inevitable

Focuses on recognizing and agreeing with an unavoidable outcome.

helpless gesture

Focuses on the futility and lack of power in the action.

acknowledgment of failure

Highlights the recognition of not succeeding.

capitulation

A formal term for surrendering, often in a military or competitive context.

bowing to the pressure

Indicates yielding to external demands or stress.

submission

Suggests yielding to authority or control.

FAQs

How can I use "gesture of resignation" in a sentence?

You can use "gesture of resignation" to describe a physical action that conveys acceptance of an unfavorable situation. For instance, "With a shrug and a "gesture of resignation", she accepted the outcome."

What does "gesture of resignation" imply?

A "gesture of resignation" implies acceptance, often reluctant, of something unavoidable or undesirable. It suggests a lack of resistance or further opposition.

What are some alternatives to "gesture of resignation"?

Alternatives include phrases like "act of surrender", "sign of giving up", or "expression of defeat", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "gesture of resignation" formal or informal?

The phrase "gesture of resignation" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the writing.