Gest

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /d͡ʒɛst/

Definitions

1. A significant act or deed that carries intent or importance within a context
2. An action performed with meaning or purpose that reflects emotions or thoughts
3. A meaningful act or deed that conveys intention or significance in a given situation

Etymology: Before it meant a heroic deed in English, the French word "geste" meant a deed itself, and then a tale recounting deeds. English borrowed it from Middle French in that sense, and it came to describe the long narrative poems of heroic exploits. The same French word is also the source of "jest," making the two a doublet: related words from one source that took different routes into English. "Gest" has another connection too, as a variant of "gist," an old word for a resting-place or a stage of a journey.

Synonyms: gesture, sign, motion, action, expression

Antonyms: inaction, stillness, quiet