Expressive Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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expressive

[ɪkˈsprɛsɪv ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

describing emotions

full of meaning or feeling; effectively conveying thought or feeling

Synonyms

emotional, evocative, sentimental, touching.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
expressive	This is used to describe someone or something that clearly shows emotions, feelings, or thoughts. It can be positive or neutral. Her face was so expressive, you could tell exactly how she felt. The dance performance was very expressive, conveying a range of emotions.
emotional	This word is used to describe situations, events, or reactions that involve strong feelings. It can be both positive and negative. The movie's ending was very emotional, and many people in the audience cried. She gave an emotional speech at her sister's wedding.
sentimental	This word often describes something that appeals to the emotions in a nostalgic or tender way. It usually has a positive or affectionate tone. She keeps her grandmother's old necklace for sentimental reasons. The movie was very sentimental, focusing on family and cherished memories.
evocative	Used to describe something that brings strong images, memories, or feelings to mind. It typically has a positive tone. The painting was evocative, reminding him of his childhood home. That song is so evocative—it brings back so many memories.
touching	Used to describe something that emotionally moves or affects someone, often in a positive way. He wrote a touching letter thanking his teachers. The reunion story was very touching, bringing smiles and tears to everyone.

Examples of usage

Her expressive eyes told a story of sorrow and loss.
The artist's painting was incredibly expressive, capturing the raw emotion of the moment.
His expressive gestures emphasized the intensity of his words.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

describing language or style

clearly conveying a thought or emotion; vivid and detailed

Synonyms

articulate, eloquent, graphic, vivid.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
expressive	Used when describing someone or something that effectively conveys emotions or feelings. Her eyes were so expressive, they told a story without words The painting is expressive, capturing the artist's inner turmoil
eloquent	Appropriate for situations where someone speaks or writes in a fluent, persuasive, and moving manner. The politician gave an eloquent speech that inspired many Her eloquent letter moved everyone who read it
articulate	Used when describing someone who can express thoughts and ideas clearly and effectively in speech or writing. He is an articulate speaker who can engage any audience She wrote an articulate essay that impressed her professors
vivid	Used when describing something that is bright, distinct, and easily noticeable, often used to evoke strong imagery or emotions. She has a vivid imagination that brings her stories to life His descriptions of the landscape were so vivid that I felt like I was there
graphic	Typically used to describe something that is vivid and detailed, often with a strong emphasis on clear and explicit imagery. Can have a negative connotation when describing something excessively explicit or violent. The documentary provided a graphic depiction of the war Viewer discretion is advised due to the graphic content of this movie

Examples of usage

The writer's expressive language painted a vivid picture in the reader's mind.
Her expressive writing style captivated the audience.
The actor's expressive delivery of the lines brought the character to life.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Expressive behavior is crucial in nonverbal communication, conveying feelings more effectively than words in many cases.
Studies show that individuals who can express their feelings tend to have better emotional health and stronger relationships.

Art

In art, 'expressive' often refers to styles that prioritize emotion over realism, such as Expressionism from the early 20th century.
Famous artists like Vincent van Gogh and Edvard Munch used expressive techniques to depict intense emotions through their works.

Literature

Expressive writing techniques involve using vivid imagery and emotional language to draw readers into the narrative.
Poetry often relies on expressive language to evoke feelings and provoke thought in a compact form.

Pop Culture

In the world of theater and performance, expressive acting is highly regarded, as it captivates audiences with authentic emotions.
Many popular songs feature expressive lyrics, allowing singers to connect deeply with their listeners through shared experiences.

Origin of 'expressive'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'expressus', meaning 'to squeeze out' or 'to press out', relating to bringing forth ideas or feelings.
It first appeared in English during the late Middle Ages, originally associated with art and communication.

The word 'expressive' originated from the Latin word 'expressivus', meaning 'full of meaning' or 'significant'. It has been used in English since the late 17th century to describe something that effectively conveys thoughts or emotions. Over time, the term has evolved to encompass various forms of communication, from art to language, highlighting the importance of conveying meaning and emotion in a powerful way.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,013 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

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8010 swollen
8011 monastery
8012 consciously
8013 expressive
8014 shouting
8015 optic
8016 seismic
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