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body language — the process of communicating what you are feeling or thinking by the way you place and move your body rather than by words

Part of speech: NOUN

Definition: the process of communicating what you are feeling or thinking by the way you place and move your body rather than by words

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈbɑːdi ˈlæŋɡwɪdʒ/

Example Sentences

  • The detective could tell the suspect was lying just by reading his body language.
  • My cat's body language clearly says 'feed me now or I'll knock everything off your desk.'
  • During job interviews, positive body language is just as important as your answers.

body language

NOUN

[/ˈbɑːdi ˈlæŋɡwɪdʒ/]

the process of communicating what you are feeling or thinking by the way you place and move your body rather than by words

His crossed arms and frown showed his body language said 'no' before he spoke.
💡 Concept

His crossed arms and frown showed his body language said 'no' before he spoke.

His body language speaks louder than words about that sandwich!
🎵 Rhyme

His body language speaks louder than words about that sandwich!

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈbɑːdi ˈlæŋɡwɪdʒ/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈbɒdi ˈlæŋɡwɪdʒ/

🌳Etymology

Rootbody + language

Origin

Body language is a modern compound term that emerged in the 20th century, combining Old English 'bodig' (body) with Latin 'lingua' (tongue, language). The phrase describes non-verbal communication expressed through physical gestures, posture, and facial expressions rather than spoken words.

Breakdown

body (from Old English 'bodig', meaning the physical form) + language (from Latin 'lingua', meaning tongue or system of communication), creating a compound noun meaning communication through physical movement and gesture.

🎵Rhyme

language
sandwich

🔗Collocations

read body language
positive body language
negative body language
body language expert
interpret body language
confident body language

📝Examples

“The detective could tell the suspect was lying just by reading his body language.”

😄 Fun example

“My cat's body language clearly says 'feed me now or I'll knock everything off your desk.'”

“During job interviews, positive body language is just as important as your answers.”

😄 Fun example

“His body language screamed 'I don't want to be here' even though he kept saying 'This is great!'”

📚Related Words

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