gesture of respect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gesture of respect" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an action or behavior that demonstrates honor or esteem towards someone or something. Example: "He offered a gesture of respect by bowing his head during the ceremony."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The obvious solution, to Hughes, was a gesture of respect.

The New Yorker

But these portraits are also a gesture of respect, a mutual respect for our work.

The New York Times

"It's more than just a gesture of respect for the teams.

The New York Times

It was, they said, a gesture of respect on a day when Shavuot traditions prohibit speeches.

The New York Times

He said he planned to telephone Mr. Kirch as a gesture of respect.

The New York Times

The Pilgrims took their black hats with the buckles from their heads in a gesture of respect for Rabbi Squanto.

The New Yorker

It's a gesture of respect for the past, and perhaps a reminder of the importance of honoring your origins.

The New York Times - Food

She wore high-heeled sandals; although her hair was uncovered, she had pinned it up as a gesture of respect.

The New Yorker

When a man is buried, those who are still alive crave some gesture of respect that cannot help the cadaver.

The Guardian

Lee Sedol started with a bow, a traditional Korean gesture of respect for an opponent who could neither see him nor sense his presence.

The Guardian - Tech

"We thought of the restoration of this major historic landmark as a significant gesture of respect to the Bronx," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gesture of respect" when you want to emphasize a specific action taken to show honor or esteem, especially in situations involving cultural traditions or formal interactions. For example, "bowing is often a gesture of respect in many Asian cultures."

Common error

Avoid using "gesture of respect" to describe actions that are merely superficial or lack genuine intent. A true gesture of respect should be sincere and appropriate to the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gesture of respect" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject complement, direct object, or object of a preposition, describing a specific action or behavior intended to convey honor or esteem. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Academia

14%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "gesture of respect" is a commonly used and grammatically correct noun phrase that signifies an action intended to show honor or esteem. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and prevalence across various sources. It is most frequently found in news and media, followed by academic contexts, indicating its relevance in formal and informative communication. Related phrases include "sign of respect" and "token of respect". When using the phrase, ensure the action is sincere and appropriate, avoiding superficial formalities. The phrase serves the purpose of acknowledging and conveying esteem, and its usage ranges from neutral to formal registers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sign of respect

Replaces "gesture" with "sign", indicating a more general indication of respect.

token of respect

Substitutes "gesture" with "token", suggesting a symbolic act of reverence.

expression of respect

Uses "expression" instead of "gesture", focusing on the outward communication of respect.

act of reverence

Replaces "respect" with "reverence", intensifying the level of esteem conveyed.

show of deference

Employs "deference" to highlight submission or yielding to another's judgment.

mark of honor

Shifts the focus to conferring honor or recognition.

symbol of esteem

Highlights the symbolic nature of the act as a representation of high regard.

courtesy

Conveys a more general act of politeness or consideration.

formal salutation

Implies a traditional or prescribed greeting demonstrating respect.

respectful acknowledgement

Focuses on the act of recognizing someone with respect.

FAQs

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

You can use "gesture of respect" to describe an action that shows honor or esteem. For example: "The queen removed her shoes as a "gesture of respect" when entering the mosque."

What are some alternatives to "gesture of respect"?

Some alternatives to "gesture of respect" include "sign of respect", "token of respect", or "expression of respect", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "gesture for respect" or "gesture of respect"?

"Gesture of respect" is the correct and idiomatic phrasing. "Gesture for respect" is grammatically incorrect.

What is the cultural significance of a "gesture of respect"?

A "gesture of respect" can vary widely across cultures, encompassing actions like bowing, removing shoes, or presenting gifts. These actions are intended to demonstrate honor, esteem, and understanding of cultural norms.