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gesticulate

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /dʒɛˈstɪk.jʊ.leɪt/

KK: /dʒɛˈstɪk.jə.leɪt/

intransitive verb
Definition

To use hand movements to express ideas or emotions while talking.


Example

She tends to gesticulate a lot when she is excited about a topic.


Tense Forms

Past: gesticulated

Past Participle: gesticulated


Conversation
Sloth A
I noticed you really like to gesticulate when you talk about your favorite movies.
Sloth B
Yeah, I think it helps me express how excited I am.
Sloth A
It definitely makes your stories more entertaining to listen to.
Sloth B
Thanks! I feel like it adds a little flair to my storytelling.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
gesture
signal
motion
Antonyms
remain
stay
still
transitive verb
Definition

To express something using hand movements or body language instead of words.


Example

During the presentation, she began to gesticulate to emphasize her points.


Tense Forms

Past: gesticulated

Past Participle: gesticulated


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you notice how he likes to gesticulate when he talks?
Sloth B
Yeah, it really makes his stories more engaging!
Sloth A
I wonder if that helps him express his emotions better.
Sloth B
Root Explanation

Gesticulate → It is formed from "gestus" (meaning gesture) and "-culare" (a suffix used to form verbs). The word describes the act of using gestures to express or emphasize something while speaking.

Memory Tip

Think of making 'gestures' ('gestus') with your hands to express your thoughts — that's what gesticulate means.

Visually Confused Words
testiculate
testiculated
vesiculate
reticulate
geniculate
estipulate
vestibulate
vesiculatae
Is this page helpful?
Definitely! It adds a lot of energy to the conversation.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
signal
motion
indicate
Antonyms
ignore
neglect
overlook