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expression

expression

271 2.5
A look on the face that shows what someone feels or thinks
  • noun
  • /ɪkˈsprɛʃən/
: expresión
  • On the right, Plato looks intently at Jim with an expression suggestive of desire, child-like wonder, and timidity.
  • facial expression
  • expressions such as smiles
  • happy expression

So it was all kind of micro expression coaching.

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Examples

  • The teacher noticed the puzzled expression of the students during the difficult lesson.

  • I could tell how bad it looked from the expression on Isabella's face.

    Academic text (2011)

  • Maybe sometimes they may see the expression on your face.

    DoctorRamani

  • When you came out, the expression on your face was different.

    Emmanuelle (2024)

  • Pa had this expression on his face, and I'll never forget it.

    Death Alley (2021)

  • You should have seen the expression on Dr. Bellows' face.

    Liar's Moon (1982)

  • There's something about the expression of emotional truth.

  • He stares out at us with a troubled expression, brow contracted, mouth open.

  • The expression on her face revealed her excitement about the surprise party.

  • He couldn't hide his expression of disappointment when he heard the news.

Synonyms

face
vsexpression
∞ 1.0

The expression that shows a person's feelings

is specifically the sign or signal of feeling rather than the whole front
look
vsexpression
840 1.0

An expression on the face that shows a feeling

covers any sign of feeling, not only short visible displays
look on someone's face
vsexpression
228 2.5

An expression on a person's face that shows their feelings

is any sign of feeling, not only these clear visible signals
facial expression
vsexpression
29 1.8

A look or movement on the face that shows feelings

is a broader sign of thought or feeling beyond muscle movement
countenance
vsexpression
  • Formal
19 7.2

A person's face or the expression on it that shows mood

is about the immediate sign of feeling rather than lasting character
aspect
vsexpression
3 3.4

The look on someone's face that shows their feelings

is the specific feeling sign, not just a general visible side

Compounds

facial expression
29 1.8

A look or movement on the face that shows feelings

self-expression
15 4.2

A way of showing your thoughts and feelings and your personality through art, music, or writing

gene expression
  • Specialized
9 4.3

A process where a cell uses a gene's information to make a protein

idiomatic expression
1 6.0

A phrase whose meaning is not the same as its words

slang expression
  • Slang
1 9.1

An informal word or phrase used in casual speech, not for formal situations

verbal expression
1 3.7

To show ideas and feelings using spoken or written words

downcast expression
1 4.2

A sad look that shows someone feels unhappy

vibrant expression
1 5.3

A lively way to show feeling in art or performance

indirect expression
1 6.4

A way of telling someone something without saying it directly

moony expression
  • Informal
1 8.1

A dreamy, absent-minded look that shows someone is lost in thought

exponential expression
  • Specialized
1 8.1

A number like e raised to a power in a math formula

funereal expression
1 8.4

A very sad, serious look that shows deep sadness

wan expression
1 8.7

A pale, weak look on a person's face that shows illness or feeling tired

parenthetical expression
1 7.0

Words or a short phrase added inside a sentence to give extra information without changing its meaning

turn of expression
1 5.9

A special way of saying something when speaking or writing

healthy expression of sexuality
  • NSFW
1 5.2

Showing sexual feelings or actions in a safe, respectful way that helps your emotional and physical health

dogface expression
8.4

A face people make to look like a puppy when they ask for something

dyspeptic expression
9.6

A face that shows discomfort or dislike

patibulary expression
  • Archaic
9.9

A face that shows fear of punishment or death

pokerish expression
  • Informal
8.6

A face that shows no feelings so others cannot guess what someone thinks

shitface expression
  • Offensive
9.9

A rude, silly face that shows dislike or makes fun of someone

How Expressive

expression
271 2.5

Surface Forms

expression singular
expressions plural

Morphology

expression = express (transparent) = express + ion

A straightforward nominalization of the verb 'express' with '-ion' meaning the act or result of expressing; this sense (a facial sign) is a direct result of 'express'.

Etymology

Expression comes from Latin parts ex- ('out') and primere ('to press'), like the English word press. So a facial expression is like feelings 'pressed out' on the face, showing what someone feels or thinks.