expression
word
/ɪksˈpɹɛʃən/
ik-SPRE-shuhn
/ɛkspɹˈɛʃən/
ik-SPRE-shuhn
Definition
An expression is a way of showing or communicating a thought, feeling, or idea. It can also mean a fixed phrase in language, or the look on someone's face.
Usage & Nuances
Very common in both everyday and academic English. Common patterns include 'facial expression', 'self-expression', and 'common expression'. Don't confuse the language meaning (a phrase) with the face meaning (a look).
Spanish: expresiónPortuguese (BR): expressãoPortuguese (PT): expressãoChinese (Simplified): 表达 - 表情Chinese (Traditional): 表達 - 表情Hindi: अभिव्यक्ति - हाव-भावArabic: تعبير - ملامحBengali: প্রকাশ - অভিব্যক্তি - বাক্যাংশ (ভাষা)Russian: выражениеJapanese: 表現 - 表情Vietnamese: biểu hiện - diễn đạt - thành ngữ (ngôn ngữ)Korean: 표현 - 표현(언어) - 표정(얼굴)Turkish: ifade - deyim (dil ile ilgili) - yüz ifadesiUrdu: اظہار - تاثر (چہرے کا) - محاورہ (زبان کا)Indonesian: ekspresi - ungkapan (bahasa) - ekspresi wajah
Example Sentences
Art gives children a way of expression.
basic
You don't have to say anything—your expression says it all.
natural
I've heard that expression before, but I never knew what it meant.
natural
Her expression changed when she heard the news.
basic
"How are you?" is a common expression in English.
basic
For her, music is the best form of self-expression.
natural