Meaning & use

small gestures

noun·Everyday

Last updated

UK/ˌsmɔːl ˈdʒestʃəz/
US/ˌsmɔːl ˈdʒestʃərz/

Meaning

  1. nounplural

    Small acts of kindness or thoughtfulness that show you care about someone.

    Grammar: Plural noun phrase; the singular is 'a small gesture'. It is often used with verbs like appreciate, mean, or make.

    Patterns

    • small gestures of something
    • small gestures mean something
    • appreciate small gestures

    He always remembers my birthday, and I love these small gestures.

    Small gestures like holding the door open can brighten someone's day.

    Their relationship is built on small gestures of love and respect.

Word forms

singularsmall gesture

Common combinations

small gestures of kindness
Small gestures of kindness can make a big difference.
appreciate small gestures
I really appreciate the small gestures you make.
small gestures mean a lot
To her, small gestures mean a lot.
make small gestures
He makes small gestures to show he cares.

Synonyms and how they differ

little things
This is more informal and general; it can refer to any small details, not only kind acts.
kindnesses
This is more formal and focuses on the quality of being kind rather than the action itself.

Opposites

grand gestures

Word family

gesture noun
A movement of the hands or body, or an action that shows feeling.
gesture verb
To make a movement with your hands or head to show something.

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