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kinesics

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /kɪˈniːsɪks/

KK: /kɪˈniːsɪks/

noun
Definition

The study of body movements that do not involve words, including gestures and facial expressions, used to communicate.


Example

Kinesics plays an important role in understanding how people express emotions without speaking.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever heard about kinesics in communication studies?
Sloth B
Yeah, it's pretty interesting how our body language can convey so much.
Sloth A
Exactly! I think understanding kinesics could really help in social situations.
Sloth B
Definitely! It would make conversations feel more natural and engaging.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
gestures
bodylanguage
nonverbal
Antonyms
speech
verbal
linguistics
Root Explanation

Kinesics → It is formed from "kinesis" (from Greek "kinesis", meaning movement) and the suffix "-ics" (meaning the study of). The word "kinesics" refers to the study of body movements and gestures as a form of communication.

Memory Tip

Think of 'kinesis' which means movement, and remember that 'kinesics' is the study of how we communicate through our body movements.

Visually Confused Words
akinesis
akinesic
ookinesis
kinless
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