Gesture vs Posture
What’s the difference between them?
Gesture
Meaning:
A gesture is a form of nonverbal communication in which visible bodily actions are used to communicate important messages, either in place of speech or together and in parallel with spoken words.
Examples:
1. She made a gesture of goodbye as she left the room.
2. He made a dismissive gesture with his hand.
3. He welcomed us with a friendly gesture.
Posture
Meaning:
The position or bearing of the body when standing or sitting; the carriage of the body as a whole.
Examples:
1. Maintaining good posture while sitting in front of the computer is important to avoid backaches.
2. The dancer adjusted her posture, straightening her back and arching her neck with grace.
3. Good posture can help reduce fatigue and improve your overall appearance.
Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference
Synonyms
Antonyms
Gesture
1. Motion
2. Sign
3. Demonstration
4. Action
5. Expression of opinion
1. Inaction
2. Inertia
3. Stillness
4. Refrain
5. Non-movement
Posture
1. Stance
2. Position
3. Carriage
4. Deportment
5. Bearing
1. Slouch
2. Sag
3. Collapse
4. Hunch
5. Slump
Tricks for mastery
Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "Gesture", "Posture".
1. Gesture refers to specific physical movements made with the body.
2. Posture refers to the overall position of the body when sitting or standing.
3. 'Posture Perfect' - This phrase can help you remember the importance of good posture when standing or sitting.
4. 'Gestures Get the Message Across' - This phrase can help you remember the importance of using gestures when communicating.
Practice English with the Promova app and avoid misusing confusing words
Frequently asked questions
When should 'gesture' be used?
Gesture should be used to communicate nonverbally without speaking. It is a form of communication that can be done intentionally or unintentionally, which can convey feelings or messages. Examples of gestures can include waving, pointing, nodding, shrugging, or handing someone an item.
When is the appropriate context for using 'posture'?
Posture is the position or bearing of the body when standing or sitting. It is the way that someone carries themselves and is usually subconsciously done. Proper posture can help with breathing and digestion, as well as improve one's self-confidence. Poor posture can be corrected by paying attention to how your body is aligned and implementing exercises to help improve it.
Do 'gesture' and 'posture' share the same pronunciation?
No, the two words do not share the same pronunciation. Gesture is pronounced as /ˈdʒɛstʃər/. Posture is pronounced as /ˈpɑːʃtʃər/.
What are some common mistakes people make when using these words?
One common mistake people make is using the words interchangeably. While there are similarities, they have different meanings and uses. Another common mistake is assuming that posture only refers to how people physically stand or sit, when it is also about the way one carries themselves. Additionally, people may forget to consider the importance of posture as it relates to their overall health and well-being.
Fill in the gaps to check yourself
1. Good ___________ is important for making a good first impression.
2. Many people subconsciously use ___________ to express their feelings in a conversation.
3. A persons ___________ can give clues to their mood.
4. A casual ___________ can be an invitation to approach.
5. It is important to be aware of our own ___________ and how it is interpreted by others.
6. ___________ can be used to indicate agreement or disagreement.
1. Good posture
Explanation: Posture refers to a persons positioning and the way they are holding themselves while standing or sitting. Good posture is important for making a good first impression because it conveys confidence and professionalism.
2. Gestures
Explanation: Gesture is a physical movement made by the body such as hand or head movements. Many people subconsciously use gesture to express their feelings in a conversation as a way to add emphasis or show emotion.
3. Posture
Explanation: Posture can give clues to a persons mood. For example, someone who is slumped over or has their head down may be perceived as sad or depressed.
4. Posture
Explanation: A casual posture can be interpreted as an invitation to approach. This could be seen in someone who is leaning back with their arms open or legs crossed.
5. Posture
Explanation: It is important to be aware of our own posture and how it is interpreted by others. For example, someone who is sitting with their arms crossed may come off as being uninterested or closed off.
6. Gestures
Explanation: Gesture can be used to indicate agreement or disagreement. An example of this is nodding your head to show agreement or shaking your head to show disagreement.
Get a gift by subscribing to our newsletter!
Download the PDF with a list of commonly confused words made as flashcards for comfortable learning.
List of Commonly Confused Words
Finding your way around the English language can be hard, especially since there are so many confusing words and rules. So, a list of the most confusing words in English is an extremely useful tool for improving language accuracy and sharing the ideas clearly.