expression
ik-SPRESH-uhn
/ɪkˈsprɛʃən/
The process of making known one's thoughts or feelings; a word or phrase.
Can refer to the act of conveying something (e.g., freedom of expression) or the thing conveyed itself (e.g., a facial expression).
The story behind the word. Just like "suppress," "expression" also comes from the Latin `premere`, meaning "to press." But this time, it's combined with `ex-`, meaning "out." So, to "express" is literally "to press out" your thoughts, feelings, or ideas from within yourself into the world. It's about making the internal external.
Word relationships
- articulation: Emphasizes clear and coherent verbal communication.
- manifestation: Suggests something becoming apparent or visible, often abstractly.
- suppression: The act of forcibly putting an end to something.
- concealment: The act of hiding something.
Commonly confused with
- communication: "Communication" is the general act of conveying information; "expression" specifically focuses on making one's thoughts/feelings known, often creatively or personally.
Word family
- express (verb): To convey a thought or feeling.
- expressive (adjective): Effectively conveying thought or feeling.
Collocations
- freedom of expression
- artistic expression
- creative expression
- facial expression
- self-expression
Example sentences
- "Freedom of expression is a cornerstone of democratic societies, allowing individuals to share their ideas without fear." Discussing fundamental rights.
- "Her paintings were a powerful expression of her inner turmoil and joy." Describing artistic output.
Memory hook
EXPRESSION: You PRESS your thoughts EXternally. Press out.
When not to use
While broad, it's best not to use "expression" when a more specific term like "statement," "declaration," or "utterance" would be more precise for a particular instance of communication.
Fun facts
- The phrase "freedom of expression" is often used interchangeably with "freedom of speech," though "expression" can encompass non-verbal forms like art or protest.
Explore more words
expressive, articulate, fluency, uninhibited, Communicate, formulate
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