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to express emotion

to express emotion

2 3.4
Show your feelings with words, actions, or your face
  • phrasal verb
translation icon : expresar emociones
  • There are quite a few people who do not express emotions fully or don't express them at all.

We can't just express emotion the way we want anytime we want.

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Examples

  • It's OK to express emotion, it's OK to work through emotion.

  • We can't just express emotion the way we want anytime we want.

  • Give them the space to express emotion in a not so supportive way.

  • Muslims should be able to express emotion as well.

    Blog text (2)
  • Humans sing to express emotions beyond mere words.

    Academic text (2006)
  • Once again, Rapsody dares to be human and express emotion in hip-hop.

    Blog text (2)
  • Thus, in Haudenosaunee conflict transformation, each person is expected to express emotions, yet to do so in ways that do not foster resentment or hatred.

    Academic text (2004)
  • In her poem, she was able to express emotion beautifully through vivid imagery.

  • He struggled to express emotion during the therapy session, but eventually opened up about his feelings.

  • It's important to express emotion honestly in relationships to foster understanding and connection.

Synonyms

to express
vsto express emotion
2.3

To show ideas and feelings by words or actions

focuses specifically on revealing emotional states rather than any idea
to communicate
vsto express emotion
773 2.3

Share information, ideas, or feelings with someone

is focused mainly on showing emotional states rather than general information
to voice
vsto express emotion
152 3.2

To say something aloud, especially an opinion or feeling

is used for private or public revealing, not only spoken statements
to vent
vsto express emotion
61 4.1

To show strong feelings, especially when angry

covers showing many emotions, not only angry or upset release
to express feelings
vsto express emotion
38 3.4

Show or say your emotions to other people

is a broader phrase meaning the act of revealing inner states generally
to pour out
vsto express emotion
  • Informal
33 3.9

To tell someone your feelings and thoughts freely

can also mean showing feelings through actions or expressions rather than words
to exude
vsto express emotion
27 6.4

Show a strong, clear feeling or quality

focuses specifically on communicated emotional states rather than broader qualities
to give voice
vsto express emotion
15 4.3

To put thoughts or feelings into words

covers revealing feelings in many ways, not only by using words
to speak from the heart
vsto express emotion
  • Informal
9 3.7

Say something honestly and with strong feeling

is neutral about sincerity and simply means showing emotional states
to verbalize
vsto express emotion
  • US
9 4.8

To put thoughts or feelings into words

also includes nonverbal ways of revealing inner states
to pour one's heart out
vsto express emotion
  • Informal
8 6.4

Talk openly about your deepest feelings when you feel upset

is broader and can mean any level of emotional display
to emote
vsto express emotion
7 7.9

Show strong feeling in a way that seems too much, especially by actors

is genuine emotional showing, not necessarily performative or exaggerated
to give vent
vsto express emotion
1 6.5

To express strong feelings such as anger or sadness

is not only about releasing strong emotion but any emotional display
to wear one's heart on one's sleeve
vsto express emotion
  • Informal
1 7.0

To show your feelings openly so other people can see them

is a general term for revealing feelings in many ways, private or public
to use one's words
vsto express emotion
  • Informal
4.1

To say how you feel or what you need instead of using actions

is not limited to speech and includes gestures and facial signals

Antonyms

88 5.8

To hold back feelings or reactions

How Expressive

to vent
61 4.1
to express emotion
2 3.4
to suppress
88 5.8

Surface Forms

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

Morphology

express + emotion

The meaning 'to show or communicate one's feelings' is directly and transparently derived from combining 'express' (to show or communicate) with 'emotion' (feelings). This verb + noun composition follows standard English patterns and is cross-linguistically common, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents would readily infer the meaning.

Etymology

Express emotion gives a simple image: express is like pushing something out and emotion are inner 'feelings', so the phrase means letting those feelings be seen. That's why it means 'to show or communicate your feelings'.