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an empty gesture vs a token gesture

Both 'an empty gesture' and 'a token gesture' are correct phrases in English. They are comparable as they both refer to a symbolic action that lacks real significance or sincerity. The choice between them depends on the nuance you want to convey.

Last updated: March 15, 2024 • 826 views

an empty gesture

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to describe a symbolic action that lacks sincerity or real significance.

This phrase is used to describe a gesture or action that is devoid of genuine intent or meaning, often done just for show or to fulfill a formality.

Examples:

  • His apology seemed like an empty gesture, as he continued to behave in the same disrespectful manner.
  • The government's promise to address the issue was dismissed as an empty gesture by the public.
  • She offered him an empty gesture of sympathy, knowing she didn't truly care about his problems.
  • Rocky: really? wow no ones ever actually taken us up on our offer before CeCe: yea havent you guys ever heard of an empty gesture? by Mac Is Fresh January ...
  • ... S · T · U · V · W · X · Y · Z · English · English for Learners · French · German · Spanish · Italian. Your search found: an empty gesture; Usage examples; Trends  ...
  • Sep 17, 2009 ... can't make an empty gesture with a funhouser! ... Come on Larry, everyone knows that you can't make an empty gesture to a Funkhouser.
  • Apr 24, 2015 ... Bill Nemitz: Tuition gift for Guard an empty gesture if done on the cheap. A Maine bill would force public colleges to absorb the cost of helping ...

Alternatives:

  • a meaningless gesture
  • a superficial gesture
  • a hollow gesture
  • a insincere gesture
  • a perfunctory gesture

a token gesture

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to describe a symbolic action that is done to make a symbolic effort or to satisfy a requirement.

This phrase is used to describe a gesture or action that is symbolic or minimal, often done to fulfill an obligation or to give the appearance of making an effort.

Examples:

  • The company's donation to the charity was seen as a token gesture, considering their massive profits.
  • The apology felt like a token gesture, lacking genuine remorse or effort to make amends.
  • The government's response was criticized as a token gesture, failing to address the root of the problem.
  • an action or a decision that is so small or inconsequential as to be only symbolic. Offering to pay for my dinner was only a token gesture. That does little to make ...
  • Offering to pay for my dinner was only a token gesture. That does little to make up for my inconvenience. McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal ...
  • ... think somebody/something is important, when really you are not sincere The government has only made a token gesture towards helping the unemployed.
  • ADJECTIVEThe announcement was welcomed as a step in the right direction, but was widely seen as a token gesture. Brazilian Portuguese: simbólico ...

Alternatives:

  • a symbolic gesture
  • a nominal gesture
  • a perfunctory gesture
  • a superficial gesture
  • a gesture of appeasement

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