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bodily action

[/ˈbɒdɪli ˈækʃən/]
nounpl: bodily actions
ação corporal
1. Movement or physical activity performed by the body; any motion or gesture executed by the human body
The dancer's bodily actions were graceful and precise.
As ações corporais do bailarino eram graciosas e precisas.
2. In legal or philosophical contexts, a physical deed or movement as opposed to speech or thought
Bodily actions can sometimes speak louder than words.
As ações corporais podem às vezes falar mais alto do que as palavras.
3. Physical gestures or movements used to communicate or express emotion
His bodily actions revealed his anxiety despite his calm tone.
Suas ações corporais revelaram sua ansiedade apesar de seu tom calmo.
Synonyms
physical actionbodily movementgesturemotionmovementphysical gesture
Antonyms
inactionstillnessimmobilityverbal actionspeech

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
ação corporal
Most common usage in Brazilian Portuguese
São Paulo
movimento corporal
Alternative term emphasizing the movement aspect
Portugal
acção corporal
European Portuguese spelling with 'acção'

Related Idioms & Phrases

bodily action speaks volumes
through bodily action
express through bodily action
involuntary bodily action
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