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gesto

gesture

noun JEH-stoh Less Common

Origin: Latin gestus, from gerere (to carry, to perform)

Also means

act

Usage Note

Gesto covers both a physical hand/body movement and a figurative act or deed: un gesto di gentilezza (a gesture of kindness). Italians are famously expressive with gesti, and many Italian hand gestures have fixed cultural meanings. Do not confuse with gusto (taste/flavour), which sounds similar.

Examples

"Ha fatto un gesto gentile verso il vecchio."

Natural Translation

He made a kind gesture towards the old man.

Literal Translation

He-has made a gesture kind towards the old-man.

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