Expressively Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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expressively

[ษชkหˆsprษ›sษชvli ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adverb

in speech or behavior

In a manner that conveys feelings or emotions effectively and vividly.

Synonyms

dramatically, emphatically, vividly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
expressively

Use when describing someone conveying their feelings or thoughts in a clear and significant manner, often through gestures, voice, or facial expressions.

  • She spoke expressively, her hands moving to emphasize her points.
  • The dancer's movements were incredibly expressively.
vividly

Best used to describe something that is very clear, bright, or detailed in someoneโ€™s mind, often invoking a strong sensory impression or clear mental image.

  • She described her dream so vividly that it felt real.
  • The author vividly painted a picture of the bustling city.
emphatically

Suitably used when someone is making a statement or conveying a point with strong emotion or force to show certainty or importance.

  • She emphatically denied any involvement in the incident.
  • He nodded emphatically as he agreed with the proposal.
dramatically

Appropriate when describing something that is done in a very noticeable, theatrical, or exaggerated way. Often used in artistic performances or in the context of significant changes.

  • He dramatically threw his arms in the air when he received the news.
  • The landscape changed dramatically after the storm.

Examples of usage

  • She spoke expressively about her passion for art.
  • The actor performed expressively, bringing the character to life on stage.
Context #2 | Adverb

in music

In a way that emphasizes the musical expression and emotion.

Synonyms

emotionally, passionately, poignantly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
expressively

Used when describing someone who is showing their thoughts, feelings, or ideas clearly and effectively, often through gestures, tone, or facial expressions.

  • She spoke expressively, using her hands to emphasize key points
emotionally

Used when referring to actions, reactions, or responses that come from strong feelings. It can indicate a heartfelt and sincere display of emotions.

  • He reacted emotionally to the news of his friend's departure, with tears filling his eyes
passionately

Suitable when describing actions done with intense enthusiasm or strong feelings. It often conveys a deep commitment and fervor toward a subject, cause, or person.

  • She spoke passionately about her love for music, her voice brimming with excitement
poignantly

Used to describe something that touches or moves people deeply, often in a sad or sorrowful way. It indicates a profound emotional impact that evokes sympathy or compassion.

  • The movie ended poignantly, leaving the audience in tears as the final scene unfolded

Examples of usage

  • The pianist played the piece expressively, capturing the audience with every note.
  • The singer performed the song expressively, conveying the depth of the lyrics.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Art and Performance

  • In theater, performers use expressive techniques to convey emotions to the audience, enhancing the storytelling.
  • Dance is often described as an expressive art form, where movements communicate feelings without words.
  • Musicians use dynamics and articulation expressively to bring pieces to life, connecting with listeners on an emotional level.

Psychology

  • Expressive communication is crucial for emotional intelligence, helping individuals articulate their feelings.
  • Research shows that people who express themselves freely tend to have better mental health and stronger relationships.
  • Non-verbal expressions, like facial expressions and gestures, significantly contribute to how effectively emotions are conveyed.

Literature

  • In poetry, expressively written verses evoke strong imagery and emotions, allowing readers to connect deeply with the text.
  • Authors like Shakespeare used expressive language to depict complex characters and themes, showing a wide range of human emotions.
  • Narrative style can also be highly expressive, where the author's voice and choices reflect their personality and emotions.

Pop Culture

  • In films, directors often use expressive cinematography, capturing emotions through camera angles and lighting.
  • Popular songs often emphasize expressiveness, using powerful lyrics and sung styles to resonate with people's feelings.
  • Dance competitions celebrate expressive performance, where contestants showcase their ability to tell a story through movement.

Origin of 'expressively'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'expressivus', which means to communicate clearly.
  • It developed into Middle English from Old French forms, blending meanings of expression and quality.
  • The suffix '-ly' indicates it's related to how something is done, enhancing the meaning of the base word.

The word 'expressively' is derived from the verb 'express', which comes from the Latin word 'expressus', meaning 'to press out'. The adverb form 'expressively' first appeared in the English language in the 17th century, evolving from the concept of conveying thoughts or emotions in a vivid and effective manner.


See also: expressed, expressible, expressing, expression, expressions, expressive, expressiveness, expressway, unexpressed.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,007 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.