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to express

to express

2.3
To show ideas and feelings by words or actions
  • verb
  • /ɪkˈsprɛs/
translation icon : expresar
  • As artists, we learn to express ourselves through our instruments.
  • express concern
  • express an opinion
  • express a view

There are three ways that a person expresses deep sorrow.

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Examples

Synonyms

to show
vsto express
1.0

To let others see or notice something

is broader, including conveying through words, art, or symbols too
to communicate
vsto express
773 2.3

Share information, ideas, or feelings with someone

is more general, also including non interpersonal showing like symbols or art
to reflect
vsto express
595 3.5

To show how someone feels or what they are like

is more active, covering intentional communication as well as passive showing
to represent
vsto express
395 3.4

Be a symbol of something, for example a dove for peace

includes direct communication by words or actions, not only symbolic standing
to indicate
vsto express
318 2.7

Say something clearly in a few words

covers fuller or more direct ways of making meaning known
to illustrate
vsto express
301 3.5

To explain something using pictures or examples

is more general, not limited to explanatory or illustrative methods
to convey
vsto express
199 3.4

To send information, ideas, or feelings to someone

also covers internal or symbolic showing not just transmission between people
to portray
vsto express
182 3.9

To describe a person or thing in words

is broader because it also includes visual, symbolic, or action-based showing
to depict
vsto express
176 3.5

To show something in a picture or in words

includes nonvisual communication like spoken or acted ways of making meaning
to exhibit
vsto express
173 3.4

To show something to the public or show a feeling

covers private or subtle ways of making ideas or feelings known as well
to manifest
vsto express
  • Formal
125 5.6

To show a feeling or quality in actions and appearance

also covers deliberate acts of communication, not only things that appear
to utter
vsto express
107 2.9

To say something aloud

can include silent, visual, or symbolic ways of making ideas known
to symbolize
vsto express
  • US
104 4.2

To show an idea or feeling with an image

includes literal descriptions and non symbolic ways of making ideas known
to embody
vsto express
104 5.1

Show an idea, quality or feeling in a clear visible way

also covers abstract or spoken ways of making ideas or feelings known
to signify
vsto express
82 3.7

To be a sign of something, often by a word, action or symbol

is broader, also involving deliberate verbal or artistic communication
to express feelings
vsto express
38 3.4

Show or say your emotions to other people

is broader, covering ideas, qualities, and symbols as well as emotions
to speak volumes
vsto express
  • Informal
31 5.7

To show a lot without using words

is broader, covering both heavy nonverbal meaning and simple verbal communication
to exude
vsto express
27 6.4

Show a strong, clear feeling or quality

can be milder or intentional showing, not only strong visible display
to give voice
vsto express
15 4.3

To put thoughts or feelings into words

includes nonverbal and symbolic ways of making ideas or qualities known
to radiate
vsto express
15 4.0

Show a strong feeling or quality in appearance

also covers subtle or symbolic ways of making feelings or ideas known
to verbalize
vsto express
  • US
9 4.8

To put thoughts or feelings into words

is broader because it also covers nonverbal and artistic forms of showing
to evince
vsto express
  • Formal
8 8.2

To show clearly what someone thinks or feels

is broader by including artistic or symbolic showing beyond clear demonstration
to put across
vsto express
3 3.5

Make an idea or opinion clear so others understand

is more general, not only about effectiveness but any act of showing
to express emotion
vsto express
2 3.4

Show your feelings with words, actions, or your face

is wider, applying to ideas, qualities, and artistic signs too

Antonyms

282 3.7

To hide something so others cannot see or find it

88 5.8

To hold back feelings or reactions

Phrasal Verbs

Show or say your emotions to other people

Show your feelings with words, actions, or your face

Compounds

3 3.7

An elevator that goes directly to higher floors without stopping

2 7.0

A fast mail service in the United States using riders on horses

1 2.8

A service that sends letters and packages faster than regular post

ankle express
  • Informal
8.9

A fast run to get somewhere using only your legs

A large fast passenger ship that has very comfortable rooms and many services

express trust
  • Formal
7.0

An agreement people make on purpose to hold and manage money or property for someone, usually written down

How Clear

to proclaim
  • Formal
229 5.3
to declare
  • Formal
950 3.7
to state
1.6
to express
2.3
to suggest
2.1
to hint
136 2.0

Surface Forms

express infinitive
expressed past
expressed past participle
expressing present participle
expresses third person singular

Morphology

express = press (semi-transparent) = ex + press

Historically formed by prefix 'ex-' + 'press' meaning 'press out' (hence 'convey' or 'utter'), but that compositional logic is not fully obvious to all B1 learners.

Etymology

Express comes from ex- 'out' and press 'to press', like the simple verb press. To express a feeling is to 'press it out' into words, actions, or art, which is why the word means to show or communicate what you feel or think.