Expression: meaning, definitions and examples

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expression

[ɪkˈsprɛʃən ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in daily life

The act of making your thoughts or feelings known, either through words, actions, or non-verbal communication.

Synonyms

communication, manifestation, verbalization.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
expression	Use 'expression' when talking about the act of showing thoughts, feelings, or ideas, often in an artistic or emotional form. Her painting is a true expression of her inner turmoil. He found writing poetry to be an effective form of self-expression.
communication	Use 'communication' when referring to the process of exchanging information or ideas between people, often through speaking, writing, or other mediums. Effective communication is key to a successful relationship. The manager emphasized the importance of open communication within the team.
manifestation	Use 'manifestation' when referring to something that clearly shows or embodies an abstract idea, quality, or feeling. Often used in a more formal or philosophical context. The sudden rainstorm was seen as a manifestation of the unpredictable nature of the climate. Her kindness was a manifestation of her compassionate character.
verbalization	Use 'verbalization' when specifically talking about the act of putting thoughts or feelings into words. It often refers to the spoken form and can have a clinical or technical connotation. The therapist encouraged the patient to practice verbalization of his feelings. She struggles with verbalization during stressful situations.

Examples of usage

She had a surprised expression on her face.
His expression of gratitude was heartwarming.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

mathematics

A mathematical phrase that can be evaluated to produce a value.

Synonyms

equation, formula, mathematical statement.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
expression	Use when talking about a combination of numbers, variables, and operations without an equality sign. 3x + 2, 5a - 7
equation	Use when referring to a mathematical statement that shows the equality of two expressions. 3x + 2 = 11, 5a - 7 = 0
formula	This is used when referring to a set rule or relationship, often used to calculate or determine values. Area of a circle: A = πr^2, Pythagorean theorem: a^2 + b^2 = c^2
mathematical statement	A broad term used to describe any declarative sentence in mathematics, which could be an equation, inequality, or a more complex relation. A triangle has three sides, x > 7

Examples of usage

The algebraic expression x + 5 can be simplified to 3x.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

programming

A combination of variables, operators, and method invocations that evaluates to a single value.

Synonyms

code snippet, computational formula.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
expression	Use in general programming or mathematical contexts to represent a combination of variables, constants, operators, and functions that are evaluated to produce a value. The expression 3 + 5 evaluates to 8. In mathematics, x + y is a common expression.
code snippet	Use in programming when referring to a small piece of code that performs a specific task, often shared as an example or part of documentation. Here is a code snippet to sort an array in Python. The documentation includes a code snippet to illustrate how the function works.
computational formula	Use in technical and scientific contexts to refer to a mathematical rule or principle often used to perform calculations. The computational formula for standard deviation is used in statistics. Scientists used a computational formula to predict the behavior of the system.

Word

Description / Examples

expression

Use in general programming or mathematical contexts to represent a combination of variables, constants, operators, and functions that are evaluated to produce a value.

The expression 3 + 5 evaluates to 8.
In mathematics, x + y is a common expression.

code snippet

Use in programming when referring to a small piece of code that performs a specific task, often shared as an example or part of documentation.

Here is a code snippet to sort an array in Python.
The documentation includes a code snippet to illustrate how the function works.

computational formula

Use in technical and scientific contexts to refer to a mathematical rule or principle often used to perform calculations.

The computational formula for standard deviation is used in statistics.
Scientists used a computational formula to predict the behavior of the system.

Examples of usage

The expression (a + b) * c evaluates to the result of the sum of a and b multiplied by c.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'expression' comes from the Latin 'expressio', meaning 'to press out' or 'to squeeze out', which connects to showing feelings.
It has been used in English since the 14th century, originally referring to the act of making something clear.
In the 19th century, the term broadened to include artistic and emotional displays, such as in music and painting.

Psychology

Nonverbal expressions, like smiles or frowns, can often convey emotions more powerfully than words.
Studies show that people can often identify emotions like happiness and anger through facial expressions across different cultures.
Expressing emotions can lead to better mental health, as it helps individuals process feelings and reduce stress.

Literature

In literature, authors use expressions through characters' dialogues or actions to convey deeper meanings and emotions.
Poetry often revolves around unique expressions of feelings, using metaphors and imagery to create connections with readers.
Famous works, like Shakespeare's plays, showcase the power of expression through complex characters and their inner struggles.

Art

Visual artists use various techniques and styles to express their perspectives and emotions, influencing how viewers feel.
Expressionism, an art movement in the early 20th century, focused on depicting emotional experiences rather than physical reality.
Famous artists, like Van Gogh, are known for their expressive brushwork and color choices that communicate their inner feelings.

Pop Culture

The rise of social media platforms has transformed how people express themselves, sharing thoughts and feelings with global audiences.
Music genres, such as hip-hop and punk, often emphasize raw, emotional expression, reflecting societal issues and personal experiences.
Popular films frequently explore themes of self-expression, showcasing characters who struggle to communicate their true selves.

Translations

Translations of the word "expression" in other languages:

🇵🇹 expressão

🇮🇳 अभिव्यक्ति

🇩🇪 Ausdruck

🇮🇩 ekspresi

🇺🇦 вираз

🇵🇱 wyrażenie

🇯🇵 表現 (ひょうげん)

🇫🇷 expression

🇪🇸 expresión

🇹🇷 ifade

🇰🇷 표현 (pyohyeon)

🇸🇦 تعبير

🇨🇿 výraz

🇸🇰 výraz

🇨🇳 表达 (biǎodá)

🇸🇮 izraz

🇮🇸 tjáning

🇰🇿 баяндау

🇬🇪 გამოხატვა

🇦🇿 ifadə

🇲🇽 expresión

Word Frequency Rank

At #950 in the frequency ranking, this word is highly important for effective communication. It's commonly used in daily situations and should be prioritized in your vocabulary building.

...
947 trust
948 useful
949 prevent
950 expression
951 bed
952 serve
953 balance
...