Body Language and Gestures: English Vocabulary List

to hold someone tightly in one's arms, especially to show affection

"The mother hugged to embrace her child."

"The two old friends ran toward each other and embraced warmly after not seeing one another for a decade."

to take someone's hand and move it up and down, mainly for greeting

"Let's shake hands."

"The two leaders agreed to a truce and decided to shake hands as a sign of peace."

to raise one's hand and move it from side to side to greet someone or attract their attention

"The queen will wave to the crowd."

"The queen waved gracefully to the cheering crowd from the balcony of the royal palace."

to make happy sounds and move our face like we are smiling because something is funny

"The joke made everyone laugh loudly."

"The comedian told such a funny joke that everyone in the audience began to laugh uncontrollably."

to drop one's eyebrows, chin, or gaze to express sadness, disapproval, or shame, or to show less intensity or hostility in a facial expression

"He will lower his eyes."

"The teacher began to lower her gaze, disappointed by the student's lack of effort."

to bend one's head downward, particularly as an act of agreement, greeting, etc.

"He will incline his head."

"The student chose to incline her head in acknowledgment of the teacher's praise for her excellent work."

to hit someone or something gently, often with a few quick light blows

"Tap the door gently."

"She tapped her fingers impatiently on the desk while waiting for the meeting to finally begin."

to give someone a message, instruction, etc. by making a sound or movement

"Use your arm to signal a turn."

"The cyclist used his arm to signal that he was going to turn left at the next intersection."

to meet and greet someone who has just arrived

"We welcome you here."

"The hotel staff warmly welcomed the guests with cold drinks and refreshing towels after their long journey."

to show the place or direction of someone or something by holding out a finger or an object

"Point to the map location."

"It is rude to point at people with your finger especially when they are standing close to you."