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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.

Show examples from the web [+]

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.

Show examples from the web [+]

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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