- expression
- ex|pres|sion [ ık`spreʃn ] noun ***1. ) count a look on someone's face that shows what their thoughts or feelings are:expression on: She had a puzzled expression on her face.expression of: I noticed his expression of disgust.2. ) count or uncount the act of showing what your thoughts or feelings are by your behavior or through art, music, etc.:searching for new forms of artistic expressionexpression of: the expression of anger through violenceThe parade is a public expression of civic pride.give expression to something (=express something): The somber music gave expression to his deepest feelings of despair.a ) uncount a quality in your voice that shows what your thoughts or feelings are:Some of the actors need to put a lot more expression into their voices.b ) uncount the act of writing or saying what you are feeling or thinkingc ) count expression of words that you use for showing your thoughts or feelings, especially formally:Thank you for all your expressions of sympathy.3. ) count a word or phrase:He uses childish expressions like choo-choo.Avoid colloquial expressions that are out of place in an academic essay.a ) (if you'll) pardon/excuse the expression SPOKEN used for saying you are sorry for using a slightly offensive word or phrase:I was, if you'll pardon the expression, knocked right on my butt.4. ) count TECHNICAL in mathematics, a group of signs and numbers that show a particular quantity or idea:algebraic expressions=> FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION
Usage of the words and phrases in modern English. 2013.