Gesture vs. Posture: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on January 2, 2024
Gesture is a movement of part of the body, especially a hand or the head, to express an idea or meaning. Posture is the way one holds their body when standing or sitting.
Key Differences
A gesture is a movement, typically of the hands or head, used to convey an idea or emotion. Posture, on the other hand, refers to the way an individual carries their body, especially when standing or sitting. Both are forms of non-verbal communication but serve different purposes. Gestures are often intentional and specific, while posture can be both a conscious alignment and an unconscious reflection of mood.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Gestures are dynamic, changing with the context of conversation or emotion. They are expressive actions, like a nod or a wave, used to communicate feelings or instructions. In contrast, posture is relatively static, a physical stance or position that can suggest confidence, openness, or defensiveness. While a gesture is a specific action, posture is a general state of the body.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
The cultural significance of gestures varies greatly, making them context-dependent. A thumbs-up might convey approval in one culture but can be offensive in another. Postures, while also culturally influenced, are more universally understood. A slumped posture generally indicates tiredness or disinterest, irrespective of cultural background.
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Jan 02, 2024
Gestures usually require conscious effort and are actively used in communication. For example, gesturing to come forward invites action. Posture, in contrast, can be both a conscious choice, like standing straight during a presentation, and an unconscious reaction, like slouching in a relaxed setting.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Gestures and postures both contribute to the way we communicate and are perceived by others. A friendly gesture, like a handshake, paired with a confident posture, such as standing upright, can convey a positive impression. Understanding the nuances of both can enhance personal and professional interactions.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Movement to express an idea or emotion
Body alignment when standing or sitting
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Jan 02, 2024
Type of Communication
Dynamic and expressive
Static and indicative of overall state
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Jan 02, 2024
Cultural Variation
High (context-dependent)
Lower (more universally understood)
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Jan 02, 2024
Role in Communication
Specific, enhances verbal communication
General, reflects overall demeanor and attitude
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Jan 02, 2024
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Example
Waving as a greeting
Slouching as a sign of relaxation or disinterest
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Jan 02, 2024
Gesture and Posture Definitions
Gesture
A motion of the limbs or body made to express thought or to emphasize speech.
She gestured towards the door, indicating that we should leave.
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Dec 16, 2023
Posture
The way in which an animal or person behaves or conducts themselves.
The cat's alert posture indicated it had seen something.
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Dec 16, 2023
Gesture
A symbolic action used as a formal way of expressing oneself.
He made a dismissive gesture, signaling his lack of interest.
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Dec 16, 2023
Posture
An affected or unnatural attitude or pose.
His posture during the interview seemed overly formal.
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Dec 16, 2023
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Gesture
An act done to show respect or politeness.
Offering his seat to the elderly woman was a kind gesture.
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Dec 16, 2023
Posture
A stance taken by someone as a reaction to a situation or in relation to others.
She maintained a posture of neutrality in the discussion.
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Dec 16, 2023
Gesture
A movement used to attract attention.
The speaker used broad gestures to keep the audience engaged.
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Dec 16, 2023
Posture
A position of a person's body or body parts
A sitting posture.
The posture of a supplicant.
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Dec 13, 2023
Gesture
A motion of the limbs or body made to express or help express thought or to emphasize speech.
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Dec 13, 2023
Posture
A characteristic way of bearing one's body; carriage
Stooped posture.
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Gesture
The action of making such a motion or motions
Communicated solely by gesture.
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Posture
(Zoology) A position of an animal's body or body parts, especially for the purpose of communication
A dog's submissive posture.
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Dec 13, 2023
Gesture
An act or a remark made as a formality or as a sign of intention or attitude
Sent flowers as a gesture of sympathy.
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Dec 13, 2023
Posture
Relative placement or arrangement
The posture of the buildings on the land.
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Dec 13, 2023
Posture
A condition or state under certain circumstances
The nation's posture in the world economy.
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Dec 13, 2023
Posture
An attitude or way of behaving, especially when adopted to have an effect on others
Assumed a posture of angry defiance.
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Dec 13, 2023
Gesture
A motion of the limbs or body, especially one made to emphasize speech.
The middle-finger gesture is really a nonverbal swear.
This Web browser can be controlled with mouse gestures.
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Dec 13, 2023
Posture
An approach or policy with regard to something
Adjusting the government's defense posture.
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Dec 13, 2023
Gesture
An act or a remark that serves as a formality or as a sign of attitude.
We took flowers as a gesture of sympathy.
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Dec 13, 2023
Gesture
(GUI) A motion made with a pointing device, or on a touchscreen, that is recognised by the system as a command.
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Dec 13, 2023
Posture
To assume a certain attitude or behave in a certain way, especially to make an impression or gain an advantage
"They postured as Southern Loyalists to win the support of ex-Confederates" (James M. Smallwood).
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Dec 13, 2023
Gesture
(obsolete) The manner of carrying the body; position of the body or limbs; posture.
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Posture
(Zoology) To assume a certain position of the body or of body parts, often as part of a display.
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Gesture
(intransitive) To make a gesture or gestures.
My dad told me never to gesture with my hands when I talk.
Never gesture at someone using your middle finger: it may be perceived as an insult.
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Dec 13, 2023
Posture
To put into a specific posture; pose
The photographer postured the model.
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Dec 13, 2023
Gesture
(transitive) To express something by a gesture or gestures.
He gestured his disgust.
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Posture
To place in a certain arrangement or condition
An army that was postured for defense.
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Gesture
Manner of carrying the body; position of the body or limbs; posture.
Accubation, or lying down at meals, was a gesture used by many nations.
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Dec 13, 2023
Gesture
A motion of the body or limbs expressive of sentiment or passion; any action or posture intended to express an idea or a passion, or to enforce or emphasize an argument, assertion, or opinion.
Humble and reverent gestures.
Grace was in all her steps, heaven in her eye,In every gesture dignity and love.
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Dec 13, 2023
Posture
One's attitude or the social or political position one takes towards an issue or another person.
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Dec 13, 2023
Gesture
To accompany or illustrate with gesture or action; to gesticulate.
It is not orderly read, nor gestured as beseemeth.
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Dec 13, 2023
Posture
(rare) The position of someone or something relative to another; position; situation.
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Dec 13, 2023
Gesture
To make gestures; to gesticulate.
The players . . . gestured not undecently withal.
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Dec 13, 2023
Posture
(intransitive) to put one's body into a posture or series of postures, especially hoping that one will be noticed and admired
If you're finished posturing in front of the mirror, can I use the bathroom now?
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Dec 13, 2023
Gesture
Motion of hands or body to emphasize or help to express a thought or feeling
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Dec 13, 2023
Posture
(intransitive) to pretend to have an opinion or a conviction
The politicians couldn't really care less about the issue: they're just posturing for the media.
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Dec 13, 2023
Gesture
The use of movements (especially of the hands) to communicate familiar or prearranged signals
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Dec 13, 2023
Posture
(transitive) To place in a particular position or attitude; to pose.
To posture oneself; to posture a model
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Gesture
Something done as an indication of intention;
A political gesture
A gesture of defiance
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Dec 13, 2023
Posture
The position of the body; the situation or disposition of the several parts of the body with respect to each other, or for a particular purpose; especially (Fine Arts), the position of a figure with regard to the several principal members by which action is expressed; attitude.
Atalanta, the posture of whose limbs was so lively expressed . . . one would have sworn the very picture had run.
In most strange posturesWe have seen him set himself.
The posture of a poetic figure is a description of his heroes in the performance of such or such an action.
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Dec 13, 2023
Gesture
Show, express or direct through movement;
He gestured his desire to leave
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Dec 13, 2023
Posture
Place; position; situation.
His [man's] noblest posture and station in this world.
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Dec 13, 2023
Gesture
An action performed to convey one's feelings or intentions.
Her thumbs-up gesture showed her approval.
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Dec 16, 2023
Posture
State or condition, whether of external circumstances, or of internal feeling and will; disposition; mood; as, a posture of defense; the posture of affairs.
The several postures of his devout soul.
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Dec 13, 2023
Posture
To place in a particular position or attitude; to dispose the parts of, with reference to a particular purpose; as, to posture one's self; to posture a model.
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Dec 13, 2023
Posture
To assume a particular posture or attitude; to contort the body into artificial attitudes, as an acrobat or contortionist; also, to pose.
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Dec 13, 2023
Posture
Position or arrangement of the body and its limbs;
He assumed an attitude of surrender
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Dec 13, 2023
Posture
Capability in terms of personnel and materiel that affect the capacity to fight a war;
We faced an army of great strength
Politicians have neglected our military posture
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Dec 13, 2023
Posture
Behave affectedly or unnaturally in order to impress others;
Don't pay any attention to him--he is always posing to impress his peers!
She postured and made a total fool of herself
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Dec 13, 2023
Posture
Assume a posture as for artistic purposes;
We don't know the woman who posed for Leonardo so often
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Dec 13, 2023
Posture
The position in which someone holds their body when standing or sitting.
He adopted a relaxed posture while listening to music.
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Dec 16, 2023
Posture
A particular way of dealing with or considering something; an approach or attitude.
Her defensive posture during the debate made her seem unapproachable.
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Dec 16, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Are gestures universal?
No, gestures can have different meanings in different cultures.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Can posture affect communication?
Yes, posture can significantly influence how others perceive and interact with you.
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Jan 02, 2024
What is a gesture?
A movement of the body, particularly hands or head, to express an idea or meaning.
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Jan 02, 2024
Are there inappropriate gestures?
Yes, some gestures might be considered offensive in certain contexts or cultures.
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Jan 02, 2024
Does posture impact health?
Yes, good posture is important for physical health, particularly for the spine.
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Jan 02, 2024
Is posture always intentional?
Not always; it can be a natural, often unconscious, bodily stance.
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Jan 02, 2024
Can posture reveal emotions?
Yes, posture often reflects a person's emotions and confidence levels.
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Jan 02, 2024
Is making eye contact a gesture?
Yes, it's a non-verbal gesture indicating attention or respect.
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Jan 02, 2024
What's the difference between gesture and posture?
Gestures are expressive body movements, while posture is the overall body alignment.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
What does posture refer to?
It's the way one holds their body, typically while standing or sitting.
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Jan 02, 2024
Can improving posture benefit communication?
Yes, as it can enhance the perceived confidence and openness.
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Jan 02, 2024
How does posture affect public speaking?
Good posture conveys confidence and engages the audience better.
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Jan 02, 2024
Are gestures learned or innate?
Some are innate, but many are learned and culturally influenced.
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Jan 02, 2024
How do gestures enhance communication?
They add emphasis and clarity to verbal messages.
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Jan 02, 2024
Can you control your posture?
Yes, with awareness and practice, one can improve and control their posture.
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Jan 02, 2024
Can a gesture be misinterpreted?
Absolutely, especially across different cultural backgrounds.
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Jan 02, 2024
Can posture change during a conversation?
Yes, it can change depending on the person's comfort level and engagement.
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Jan 02, 2024
Does everyone use gestures the same way?
No, gesture use varies widely among individuals and cultures.
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Jan 02, 2024
Do gestures need to be big to be effective?
No, subtle gestures can be just as impactful.
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Jan 02, 2024
Why do people use gestures when talking?
To convey additional meaning and add emphasis to their words.
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Jan 02, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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