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Expressionlessly: meaning, definitions and examples

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expressionlessly

 

[ ΙͺkˈsprΙ›ΚƒΙ™nlΙ›sli ]

Adverb
Context #1 | Adverb

facial expression

In an expressionless manner, a person shows no visible feelings or emotions on their face. This can often create a sense of mystery or detachment in social interactions.

Synonyms

emotionlessly, impassively, stoically

Examples of usage

  • She stared expressionlessly at the screen.
  • He responded expressionlessly to the news.
  • The character listened expressionlessly, revealing nothing.
  • They stood expressionlessly as the event unfolded.

Etymology

The word 'expressionlessly' is derived from the root word 'expression,' which comes from the Latin 'expressio' meaning 'to press out' or 'to represent.' The suffix '-less' indicates a lack of something, in this case, the absence of expression. This formation then combines with the adverbial suffix '-ly,' which is used to form adverbs from adjectives. The use of the term came into popularity in the 19th century, primarily to describe individuals who show no feelings or reactions, particularly in literature and drama, where a character's emotional concealed state can add depth to interactions and conflict.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,181, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.