Body Language and Gestures

to hold someone tightly in one's arms, especially to show affection

She was thrilled to see her long-lost friend and rushed to embrace her with a warm hug.

a movement of the hands, face, or body used to express an idea, feeling, or intention

She made a gesture of approval with her thumb.

to move one's head up and down as a sign of agreement, understanding, or greeting

He nodded to greet his neighbor as he walked by.

to move from side to side or up and down

The cat climbed the tree, causing the branches to shake with every agile movement.

to make our mouth curve upwards, often in a way that our teeth can be seen, to show that we are happy or amused

She couldn't help but smile when she received a compliment.

a raised body of water that moves along the surface of a sea, river, lake, etc.

The children ran towards the shoreline, excited to play in the waves crashing on the beach.

to tightly and closely hold someone in one's arms, typically a person one loves

She rushed to hug her friend upon seeing her after a long time.

to touch someone else's lips or other body parts with one's lips to show love, sexual desire, respect, etc.

Every morning, he kisses his wife before leaving for work.

a gesture of greeting or elation; one person's upraised palm slaps the upraised palm of another person

to make happy sounds and move our face like we are smiling because something is funny

Your reaction was so funny, I laughed for minutes.

to give someone a sign of welcoming or a polite word when meeting them

People commonly greet each other with a friendly "hello" or a warm smile.

to bring your eyebrows closer together showing anger, sadness, or confusion

He tends to frown when concentrating deeply on his work.

not extending far upward

A low hedge bordered the pathway.

to have a positive or favorable inclination or willingness towards a particular action, idea, or person

After reviewing the details, she inclined to support the new policy.

to hit someone or something gently, often with a few quick light blows

The drummer taps the snare drum softly during the ballad.

an instance or gesture that indicates approval or satisfaction

The team leader gave a thumbs up to the new project proposal, indicating approval and support.

used to indicate failure or disapproval

The movie received thumbs down from most critics for its weak plot and uninspired acting.

to draw back involuntarily, often in response to fear, pain, embarrassment, or discomfort

The loud thunder made the dog cringe in fear and seek shelter.

to make a kissing gesture with one's hand or lips and send it toward another person as a sign of affection

On their wedding day, the bride and groom blew kisses to the guests as they walked down the aisle.

to laugh in a light, silly, or often uncontrollable way as a result of nervousness or embarrassment

The schoolgirls couldn't help but giggle when their teacher told a funny story.

to press one's teeth against the lip as a reaction to emotion, pain, or to prevent oneself from saying something

She had to bite her lip to prevent herself from saying something hurtful during the argument.

to unexpectedly open one's mouth wide and deeply breathe in because of being bored or tired

As the lecture dragged on, students began to yawn in boredom.

to link hands with someone as an expression of affection, unity, or support

The couple walked along the beach, happily holding hands.

to give someone a message, instruction, etc. by making a sound or movement

The coach signaled the players to execute a specific play using hand gestures.

to cause surprise, curiosity, or mild shock among people due to something unconventional, unexpected, or controversial

Her irreverent chatter during the ceremony raised many people's eyebrows.

a word that we use to greet someone when they arrive

Welcome, Come on in and make yourself at home.

the most important thing that is said or done which highlights the purpose of something

The professor made a crucial point about the importance of environmental conservation.