Reading Theme:
Expression: Definition, Examples, and Usage Tips (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：conveying thoughts (expression)
expression
/ɪkˈspreʃ.ən/
n.
the act of making your thoughts or feelings known to others through words, writing, or other methods.
conveying thoughts
➕
/kənˈveɪɪŋ θɔːts/
n.
The act of communicating one's ideas, feelings, or opinions through speech, writing, or other forms.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
ex- (out) + press (to press) + -ion (noun suffix) => 'pressed out' (from Latin exprimere).
💡 Mnemonic
Ex-press: imagine pressing a thought out of your brain like pressing juice from a lemon.
📖 Example
In her diary, she found a perfect expression for all the joy and confusion of being a teenager.
In her diary, she found a perfect way to express all the joy and confusion of being a teenager.
🔗 Collocations
freedom of expression – the right to express one's opinions without censorship
artistic expression – the use of art to convey emotions or ideas
verbal expression – communication through spoken words
🔄 Synonyms
communication (n.) – the act of sharing information or feelings
articulation (n.) – the clear and effective expression of ideas
utterance (n.) – a spoken word, phrase, or sound
🚫 Antonyms
silence (n.) – absence of speech or sound
concealment (n.) – the act of hiding one's thoughts or feelings
🌱 Derivatives
expressive (adj.) – showing feelings or thoughts effectively
expressionism (n.) – an artistic style that emphasizes emotions
📖 Cultural Story
From Latin 'exprimere' (to press out), via Old French 'exprimer'. Originally physical pressing of grapes/olives; figuratively used for verbal articulation since 15th century.
Meaning 2：facial look (expression)
expression
/ɪkˈspreʃ.ən/
n.
the look on someone's face that shows what they are feeling or thinking.
facial look
➕
/ˈfeɪʃəl lʊk/
n.
The appearance of a person's face that reveals their emotion or mental state without words.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The teacher's warm expression immediately made the new student feel welcome in the classroom.
The teacher's warm facial expression immediately made the new student feel welcome in the classroom.
🔗 Collocations
facial expression – the look on one's face showing emotion
blank expression – a face showing no emotion or thought
pained expression – a face showing physical or emotional discomfort
🔄 Synonyms
demeanor (n.) – outward behavior or bearing
countenance (n.) – a person's face or facial expression
look (n.) – a visual expression of emotion
🚫 Antonyms
poker face (n.) – an expressionless face that hides emotions
🌱 Derivatives
expressionless (adj.) – showing no emotion or expression
Wordbook
Your data is saved in this browser