Expression
/əkˈspɹɛʃ.n̩/Definition, CEFR level B1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
nounThe action of expressing thoughts, ideas, feelings, etc.
nounA particular way of phrasing an idea.
Sentence Examples
From the doctor's grim expression, it was clear he had somber news for the patient.
Crying is an expression of grief.
What's the meaning of the expression ‘on cloud nine’?
CEFR Practice Quiz
Her facial ____ showed pure joy at the surprise party.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
His facial ____ clearly showed that he was very disappointed with the final results.
Word Origin & History
Borrowed from Middle French expression, from Late Latin expressiō, expressiōnem (“a pressing out”). Morphologically express + -ion.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"There are lots of great actresses who dress beautifully, but in the modern day, nearly all of them use stylists. They may know what they like—when they’re presented with gowns and outfits, they’re perfectly equipped to say yes or no—but you rarely get the sense that what they’re wearing is a true expression of who they are."
— 2025 October 11, Stephanie Zacharek, “The Astonishing Versatility of Diane Keaton”, in TIME:
"Eustace gaped at him in amazement. When his urbanity dropped away from him, as now, he had an innocence of expression which was almost infantile. It was as if the world had never touched him at all."
— 1963, Margery Allingham, chapter 9, in The China Governess: A Mystery, London: Chatto & Windus, →OCLC:
"At any other time Jessamy would have laughed at the expressions that chased each other over his freckled face: crossness left over from his struggle with the baby; incredulity; distress; and finally delight."
— 1967, Barbara Sleigh, Jessamy, Sevenoaks, Kent: Bloomsbury, published 1993, →ISBN, page 122:
"The number of children who could read with expression would be very small ; ..."
— 1849, Great Britain. Committee on Education, Minutes of the Committee of Council on Education; with appendices. 1847-8-9. England and Wales. Schools of Parochial Unions, etc, page 154:
"I cannot say that all read with expression. Indeed , this power is hardly to be expected in young children . And though “ to read with expression ..."
— 1864, Great Britain. Parliament. House of Commons, Accounts and Papers of the House of Commons, page 170:
Explore More B1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
Her facial ____ showed pure joy at the surprise party.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
His facial ____ clearly showed that he was very disappointed with the final results.