What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
miming
Example
The actor did an excellent job of miming the emotions of the character. [miming: verb]
Example
Miming is a popular form of street performance in many cities around the world. [miming: noun]
gesticulation
Example
The politician's gesticulations during the speech were distracting and over-the-top. [gesticulations: noun]
Example
Gesticulation can be an effective way to communicate with people who speak a different language. [gesticulation: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Gesticulation is more commonly used than miming in everyday language. Gesticulation is a natural part of communication and is used by most people in some form, while miming is less common and is typically associated with performance art or language learning.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between miming and gesticulation?
While miming is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, gesticulation can be used in both formal and informal contexts. In formal settings, such as public speaking or business meetings, gesticulation can be used to enhance the delivery of a message and add emphasis to important points.
