meaningful gesture

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "meaningful gesture" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action that holds significance or conveys an important message, often in a social or emotional context. Example: "Sending flowers to her after the argument was a meaningful gesture that showed he truly cared about their relationship."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

As for his pension, a 30% reduction is a meaningful gesture.

The Guardian - Business

Jeb Bush, the former governor of Florida, said that the fact that Mr. Romney addressed the conference was a meaningful gesture.

The New York Times

It was a meaningful gesture, Pelfrey said, and he was grateful the organization brought him to the majors and stuck with him for so long.

The New York Times - Sports

But with every game he sets up and every lead he keeps for Rodriguez, Isringhausen is making a far more meaningful gesture.

The New York Times - Sports

Some Cuban exiles, however, argue that Mr. Obama has gone far enough and that it is Cuba's turn to make a meaningful gesture.

The New York Times

I don't believe that Republicans would take anything Obama did (or does) as a meaningful gesture that they would return in kind.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Here we used the social game of charades to investigate the neural basis of gestural communication by having participants produce and interpret meaningful gestures while their brain activity was measured using functional magnetic resonance imaging.

Plosone

There have been endless acknowledgments of the atrocity, and meaningful gestures of restitution.

The New York Times

For every major cash donation, there were dozens of smaller but still meaningful gestures.

The New York Times

He stood there in his empty flat, frozen somewhere in between meaningful gestures.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The mime – meaningful gestures making intermittent sense – is spot on, and the corps de ballet's pratfalls and sight gags are timely.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "meaningful gesture", consider the context to ensure the gesture's significance is clear to the audience. A small act can be a "meaningful gesture" if it conveys deep emotion or intent.

Common error

Avoid using "meaningful gesture" for trivial actions. The gesture should genuinely hold significance, not just be a polite formality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "meaningful gesture" functions as a noun phrase, where 'meaningful' modifies 'gesture'. It describes an action that is significant or expressive. Examples from Ludwig show its use in describing actions with emotional or symbolic importance.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

6%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "meaningful gesture" effectively describes an action that carries significant emotional or symbolic weight. Ludwig's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage in various contexts, particularly in news and media. When writing, ensure the gesture's significance aligns with the intended message and avoid overstating its importance. Alternatives like "significant action" or "symbolic act" can provide nuance depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant action

Emphasizes the importance and impact of the action.

symbolic act

Highlights the representative or allegorical nature of the action.

expressive movement

Focuses on the communicative aspect of the physical action.

important signal

Stresses the message conveyed by the action.

telling sign

Underscores the indicative or revealing nature of the action.

considerate deed

Highlights the thoughtfulness and kindness behind the action.

impactful demonstration

Emphasizes the powerful and influential nature of the action.

substantial measure

Focuses on the weight and significance of the action taken.

genuine expression

Highlights the sincerity and authenticity of the action.

noteworthy indication

Emphasizes that the action is worth paying attention to.

FAQs

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

You can use "meaningful gesture" to describe an action that conveys a significant message or emotion. For example: "His donation to the charity was a "meaningful gesture" of support".

What are some alternatives to "meaningful gesture"?

Alternatives include "significant action", "symbolic act", or "expressive movement", depending on the specific context.

What makes a gesture "meaningful"?

A gesture is considered "meaningful" when it carries substantial weight or significance beyond its literal action, often conveying emotions, intentions, or important messages.

Is "meaningful gesture" formal or informal?

"Meaningful gesture" is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts, but the perceived impact of the gesture may vary depending on the situation.