What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
gesticulation
Example
The speaker's gesticulations were distracting from the content of his speech. [gesticulations: noun]
Example
She gesticulated wildly as she told her story, making it more engaging. [gesticulated: verb]
expression
Example
Her expression showed that she was happy with the news. [expression: noun]
Example
He expressed his gratitude for the help he received. [expressed: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Expression is more commonly used than gesticulation in everyday language. Expression is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while gesticulation is less common and refers to a specific type of nonverbal communication.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between gesticulation and expression?
While gesticulation is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, expression is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.