Gestic

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /ˈd͡ʒɛstɪk/

Definitions

1. Marked by the frequent use of gestures to communicate intent
2. Communicating or behaving with noticeable use of hand or body movements to convey meaning
3. Involving animated physical motions that emphasize speech or emotion

Etymology: "Gestic" is a plain formation: the noun "gest," meaning a deed or exploit, with the adjective-forming suffix "-ic" attached. The "gest" it builds on is the older English word for a notable deed, and it is closely related to "gesture," which came into English later through a Latin route. Those two words are sometimes confused, but "gestic" draws directly on the older "gest" rather than on the gesture side of the family. The adjective therefore describes something that is characterised by gesturing, using physical movement of the body or hands to convey meaning or intent. Because the base sense is about performed actions, the adjective's meaning fits the idea of a deliberate, visible act more naturally than it might first appear.

Synonyms: gestural, signaling, motioning, indicative, expressive