welcoming gesture

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "welcoming gesture" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action or sign that conveys friendliness or hospitality towards someone. Example: "The host made a welcoming gesture by offering drinks to all the guests as they arrived."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

It was a welcoming gesture more than anything (welcome to our world, to our way of being) which, unfortunately, the European invader never understood.

Vice

Whatever it was, it seemed like a quaint welcoming gesture aimed at us personally.

The New York Times

A welcoming gesture to all Americans, no matter their cultural background.

The New York Times - Arts

What was supposed to be a welcoming gesture has now become controversy in the West Godavari district of Hyderabad.

Independent

Frequently in "Napoli" Bournonville has groups leap forward with arms extended in what resembles a welcoming gesture.

The New York Times - Arts

The café is, in itself, a lovely thing, but its placement makes the doorway feel so squeezed and mean that it undoes the welcoming gesture to the street.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Shelley Sanctis, whose husband is Acclaim's new president, said that despite many welcoming gestures from her neighbors, she still felt something was missing, though she found it hard to explain.

The New York Times

The Smart Museum's exhibition Feast explores hospitality and welcoming gestures.

University of Chicago

The grinning, gnome-like little figure, whose purpose is not known for sure, seems to pantomime welcoming gestures.

Los Angeles Times

He's made several welcoming gestures ― including reportedly telling a gay sex-abuse survivor in May that "God made you this way".

Huffington Post

Instead of welcoming the gesture, she shot up from the pose and told him to get lost.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formally, ensure that the "welcoming gesture" is appropriate for the context and audience. In some situations, it may be better to explicitly define what constitutes the gesture to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming that all "welcoming gestures" are universally understood. Be mindful of cultural differences, as some gestures may be misinterpreted or offensive in certain contexts. Consider the recipient's background when choosing a "welcoming gesture".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "welcoming gesture" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "welcoming" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "gesture". According to Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

14%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "welcoming gesture" is a versatile and commonly used expression to describe acts of friendliness and hospitality. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and appears across various contexts, from news and media to academic discussions. When using this phrase, remember to consider cultural nuances and ensure the gesture is appropriate for the intended audience. Alternatives such as "friendly gesture" or "hospitable act" can be used to add nuance. By understanding its function and purpose, you can effectively use "welcoming gesture" in your writing to convey a sense of warmth and acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

friendly gesture

Emphasizes the friendliness aspect of the gesture.

hospitable act

Highlights the hospitality involved in the gesture.

gracious greeting

Focuses on the politeness and elegance of the welcome.

warm reception

Stresses the warmth and positive feeling associated with the welcome.

cordial welcome

Highlights the friendliness and sincerity of the greeting.

embracing action

Suggests an inclusive and accepting form of welcome.

inviting approach

Focuses on how the gesture invites interaction.

open arms

A more figurative and emphatic way to express a welcoming sentiment.

pleasant introduction

Highlights the positive nature of introducing someone or something.

kindly overture

Emphasizes the kindness and thoughtfulness behind the gesture.

FAQs

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

You can use "welcoming gesture" to describe an action or sign that conveys friendliness or hospitality. For example, "The host made a "welcoming gesture" by offering drinks to all the guests as they arrived."

What are some alternatives to "welcoming gesture"?

You can use alternatives like "friendly gesture", "hospitable act", or "gracious greeting" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "welcoming gesture" and "welcome gesture"?

"Welcoming gesture" implies an action or sign that is intended to make someone feel welcome. "Welcome gesture", while understandable, is less common and may sound slightly less natural. "Welcoming" acts as an adjective, emphasizing the intent behind the gesture.

Is "welcoming gesture" formal or informal?

"Welcoming gesture" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the specific gesture being described and the overall tone of the communication.