Learn English – the word for the movement you make when you give someone your hand

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When someone falls down and you give your hand to her but she doesn't hold your hand, what's the proper word for the gesture you've done. You extend your hand? Is "extending a hand" right usage as a verb? Is there a better saying for the movement that you make when you are giving your hand to someone?

Best Answer

"Extending your hand" is indeed correct, understood exactly in this way, and of long use for precisely this. At least one dictionary even lists "extend your hand" as a phrase with precisely that meaning. The OED doesn't, but does have a definition:

To stretch forth (the arm or hand). Also, to hold out, put forward (a staff, etc.).

And includes examples of Shakespeare and Dryden using it in this way.

All in all, you couldn't ask for a more apt word choice.

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