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March 31, 2019 Word of the Day

expression /ɪkˈsprɛʃən/ noun
expression
/ɪkˈsprɛʃən/
noun

plural expressions

A series of facial expressions
A series of facial expressions
Definition of EXPRESSION

1 : the act of making your thoughts, feelings, etc., known by speech, writing, or some other method : the act of expressing something

[noncount]

  • freedom of expression [=freedom to say and show what you feel and believe]

  • Dance is a form of artistic/creative expression.

  • She is always looking for new ways to give expression to [=to express] her ideas.

  • Her competitive spirit found expression [=was expressed] in sports.

[count]

  • an expression of affection

  • expressions of anger

2 [count] : a word or phrase

  • a slang expression

  • He uses some very odd expressions.

  • The expression “to make fun of” means “to ridicule.”

◊ People say excuse/pardon/forgive the expression when they are using a word or phrase that might offend or annoy someone.

  • When you first told me your plan, I thought you were, pardon the expression, crazy.

  • I'm so glad that you've decided to join us. In fact, I'm tickled pink, (if you'll) excuse the expression.

3 [count] : the way someone's face looks that shows emotions and feelings

  • Judging from her expression, I think the gift was a complete surprise.

  • We saw his expression change from angry/anger to sad/sadness.

  • facial expressions

  • She wore/had a smug expression.

4 [noncount] : a way of doing something (such as speaking or singing) that shows emotions and feelings

  • I told him to read the poem with more expression.

5 [count] mathematics : a symbol or a combination of symbols and signs representing a quantity or process

  • 103 is an exponential expression.

expressionless /ɪkˈsprɛʃənləs/ adjective

  • an expressionless face

expressionlessly adverb

  • staring expressionlessly at the camera

expressionlessness noun [noncount]

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