expressive
Use Expressive in a sentence
ɪv adjective
1.
full of expression; meaningful: an expressive shrug.
3.
of, pertaining to, or concerned with expression: Dance is a highly expressive art.
4.
5.
Linguistics. of or pertaining to forms in which sounds denote a semantic field directly and nonarbitrarily, through sound symbolism based, to some degree, on synesthesia, as observable in onomatopoeia, rhyming and gradational compounds, and emotionally charged words such as hypocoristics and pejoratives.
Related forms
ex·pres·sive·ly, adverb
ex·pres·sive·ness, noun
an·ti·ex·pres·sive, adjective
an·ti·ex·pres·sive·ly, adverb
an·ti·ex·pres·sive·ness, noun
non·ex·pres·sive, adjective
non·ex·pres·sive·ly, adverb
non·ex·pres·sive·ness, noun
o·ver·ex·pres·sive, adjective
o·ver·ex·pres·sive·ly, adverb
o·ver·ex·pres·sive·ness, noun
pre·ex·pres·sive, adjective
su·per·ex·pres·sive, adjective
su·per·ex·pres·sive·ly, adverb
su·per·ex·pres·sive·ness, noun
Synonyms
1, 2. Expressive, meaningful, significant, suggestive imply the conveying of a thought, indicating an attitude of mind, or the like, by words or otherwise. Expressive suggests conveying, or being capable of conveying, a thought, intention, emotion, etc., in an effective or vivid manner: an expressive gesture. Meaningful and significant imply an underlying and unexpressed thought whose existence is plainly shown although its precise nature is left to conjecture. Meaningful implies a secret and intimate understanding between the persons involved: Meaningful looks passed between them. Significant suggests conveying important or hidden meaning: On hearing this statement, he gave the officers a significant glance. Suggestive implies an indirect or covert conveying of a meaning, sometimes mentally stimulating, sometimes verging on impropriety or indecency: a suggestive story or remark. See also eloquent.
1, 2. Expressive, meaningful, significant, suggestive imply the conveying of a thought, indicating an attitude of mind, or the like, by words or otherwise. Expressive suggests conveying, or being capable of conveying, a thought, intention, emotion, etc., in an effective or vivid manner: an expressive gesture. Meaningful and significant imply an underlying and unexpressed thought whose existence is plainly shown although its precise nature is left to conjecture. Meaningful implies a secret and intimate understanding between the persons involved: Meaningful looks passed between them. Significant suggests conveying important or hidden meaning: On hearing this statement, he gave the officers a significant glance. Suggestive implies an indirect or covert conveying of a meaning, sometimes mentally stimulating, sometimes verging on impropriety or indecency: a suggestive story or remark. See also eloquent.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
Cite This Source
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Link To expressive
00:10
Expressive
is always a great word to know.
So is zedonk. Does it mean:
| the offspring of a zebra and a donkey. |
| a calculus or concretion found in the stomach or intestines of certain animals, esp. ruminants, formerly reputed to be an effective remedy for poison. |
Collins
World English Dictionary
expressive (ɪkˈsprɛsɪv) ![[Click for IPA pronunciation guide]](http://static.sfdict.com/dictstatic/g/d/dictionary_questionbutton_default.gif) | |
| —adj (foll by of) | |
| 1. | of, involving, or full of expression |
| 2. | indicative or suggestive (of): a look expressive of love |
| 3. | having a particular meaning, feeling, or force; significant |
| ex'pressively | |
| —adv | |
| ex'pressiveness | |
| —n | |
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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Etymonline
Word Origin & History
expressive
c.1400, "tending to press out," Fr. expressif, from stem of L. exprimere (see express (v.)). Meaning "full of expression" is from late 17c. Related: Expressively.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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Cite This Source
Example sentences
He has a narrow face and curly hair, which he likes to gel, and expressive eyes canopied with dark brows.
His expressive voice adds to the spectrum of musical elements at his command.
And unfortunately expressive of how academia has lost much of it's respect within substantial elements of our society.
They have broad, dark-colored faces with wide, expressive eyes.
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