expressive Hear it!

expressive definition

ex·pres·sive (ek spres′iv, ik-)

adjective

  1. of or characterized by expression
  2. that expresses or shows; indicative (of) a song expressive of joy
  3. full of meaning or feeling an expressive nod

Etymology: ME < ML expressivus

Related Forms:

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

expressive Synonyms

expressive

modif.

eloquent, demonstrative, revealing, indicative, representative, descriptive, dramatic, stirring, sympathetic, articulate, touching, significant, meaningful, suggestive, pregnant, evocative, poignant, moving, pathetic, spirited, emphatic, strong, forceful, powerful, energetic, lively, tender, emotional, passionate, artistic, warm, masterly, colorful, vivid, striking, telling.

Antonyms expressionless, impassive, wooden.


Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

expressive Usage Examples

Adjective complement with noun phrase

  • make: However, whilst making the system far more expressive, this will also make it harder to interpret by a human.

Modifies a noun

  • gesture: The General spoke very fluently in French, and with many an expressive gesture.

Modifying Another Word

  • emotionally: However, she was not a romantic artist: her work is not intended to be emotionally expressive.

Used with adjective complement

  • become: Not only that, the child will be more aware of their own body movements and become more expressive.

Preposition: in

  • way: Twain's other great innovation was the language of the book itself, which is expressive in a completely original way.

Preposition: of

  • power: On a slight elevation stands the ideal woman, her whole attitude expressive of conscious power and dignity.
expressive usage examples (more)

The word usage examples above have been gathered from various sources to reflect current and historical usage. They do not represent the opinions of YourDictionary.com.

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MLA Style

"expressive." Webster's New World College Dictionary. 2009

  • Your Dictionary. 4 July 2009
  • <www.yourdictionary.com/expressive>

APA Style

expressive. (2009). In Webster's New World College Dictionary

  • Retrieved July 4th, 2009, from www.yourdictionary.com/expressive

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