Nonverbal Communication Terms

verb Frowning is a verb that describes the action of furrowing one's brow in a sign of disapproval or displeasure.

• She walked into the room, frowning at the disarray of papers on the desk.
• Why are you frowning? What's wrong?
• Stop frowning, it's not a big deal.
• The dark clouds overhead seemed to be frowning down on the city below.

noun a touch or caress with the lips as a sign of love, greeting, or reverence

verb to touch or caress with the lips as a sign of love, greeting, or reverence

• The couple shared a tender kiss at the end of the ceremony.
• He leaned in for a quick kiss before saying goodbye.
• They were caught sneaking a kiss behind the school gym.
• The sunset kissed the horizon goodnight.

noun A person's lips or the opening of a container that can be used for drinking or pouring

verb The action of forming words with the lips without making any sound

• The teacher noticed the student mouthing the words as she read the passage aloud.
• I caught my little brother mouthing along to his favorite song in his room.
• Stop mouthing off and just do your homework already!
• She was mouthing empty promises, but I knew not to trust her words.

adverb in a shy or embarrassed manner

• Sheepishly, the employee admitted to making a mistake in the report.
• Sheepishly, Sarah confessed that she had forgotten her friend's birthday.
• Feeling sheepish, Jake owned up to breaking his mom's favorite vase.
• The politician sheepishly backtracked on his controversial statement after facing backlash.

noun a smile expressing smugness or scorn

verb to smile in an irritatingly smug, conceited, or silly way

• He couldn't help but smirk at the clever solution presented during the meeting.
• When she saw her friend trip over the curb, she couldn't help but smirk.
• The student smirked when he saw his ex-girlfriend walk by with her new boyfriend.
• The villain's smirk revealed his evil intentions to the hero.

noun a prolonged gaze or fixed look

verb to look fixedly or vacantly at someone or something

• She could feel the weight of his stare as she entered the room.
• Stop staring at me like that, it's making me uncomfortable.
• Why are you giving me the evil eye? Stop staring!
• The painting seemed to stare back at me, its eyes following me wherever I went.

noun A noun is a person, place, thing, or idea. In this case, 'unsaid' can also be used as a noun to refer to things that have not been expressed.

adjective An adjective describes or modifies a noun or pronoun. In this case, 'unsaid' describes something that has not been expressed verbally or in writing.

• The unsaid agreement between the two parties was never officially documented.
• We both knew what was left unsaid during our conversation.
• There's a lot of unsaid stuff between them that no one talks about.
• The unsaid emotions in the room were palpable, hanging in the air like a heavy cloud.

adjective a word that describes or modifies a noun, in this case, 'untactful' describes someone who lacks tact or social grace

• His untactful comments during the meeting offended several colleagues.
• She always manages to say the most untactful things at the worst times.
• I can't believe he said that, what an untactful move!
• Her untactful behavior was like a bull in a china shop, causing chaos wherever she went.

noun a soft or low spoken voice

verb to speak very softly using one's breath without using vocal cords

• She leaned in to whisper a secret in his ear.
• I whispered to my friend that I had a crush on someone.
• We were whispering about our plans to sneak out later.
• The wind whispered through the trees, creating a peaceful atmosphere.

adjective describing someone or something with a frown or unhappy expression

• The child had a frowny expression on his face during the entire meeting.
• She always looks so frowny when she's in a bad mood.
• Don't be so frowny, cheer up!
• The dark clouds in the sky created a frowny face as if nature was sad.