expressive
ihk-SPREH-sihv
Expressive (adjective) means Good at communicating feelings or ideas clearly and vividly. Example: “Her expressive eyes gave away exactly how she felt.”
adjective
1
Good at communicating feelings or ideas clearly and vividly.
"Her expressive eyes gave away exactly how she felt."
"The composer wrote a highly expressive piece full of emotion."
How to use expressive
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishFull of feeling and good at conveying it, whether through a face, a voice, or an art form.
Common pairings
expressive language
expressive face
highly expressive
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Word forms
- Plural
- expressives
- Comparative
- more expressive
- Superlative
- most expressive
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Her _____ eyes gave away exactly how she felt.
Etymology
From Middle French expressif, from the same root as "express".
Antonyms
inexpressive
unexpressive
Related words
Rhymes for expressive
See all rhymes for expressive →Frequently asked questions
What does “expressive” mean?
The word “expressive” means good at communicating feelings or ideas clearly and vividly. In plain terms, full of feeling and good at conveying it, whether through a face, a voice, or an art form.
How do you pronounce “expressive”?
“Expressive” is pronounced ihk-SPREH-sihv (/ɪkˈspɹɛsɪv/ in IPA).
How do you use “expressive” in a sentence?
Here is “expressive” used in a sentence: “Her expressive eyes gave away exactly how she felt.”
What is the opposite of “expressive”?
The opposite of “expressive” — its antonyms — are inexpressive and unexpressive.
What part of speech is “expressive”?
“Expressive” is an adjective.
Where does the word “expressive” come from?
The word “expressive” comes from Middle French. From Middle French expressif, from the same root as "express".
Is “expressive” a common word?
“Expressive” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
