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Definition of expressive

expressive

/ɪkˈsprɛs.ɪv/
ex · pres · sive
Adverb:expressively
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expressive Lexical Profile

expressive Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Effectively conveying thought, feeling, or meaning through words, gestures, facial expressions, or artistic performance.

Example

"The cellist gave a deeply expressive performance that moved the entire audience."

2

Serving as a clear sign, indication, or reflection of a particular quality, attitude, or state (usually followed by 'of').

Example

"Her warm welcome was expressive of genuine hospitality."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for expressive

• Nearby Words

expressionist
expressionless
expressionlessly
expressive
expressively
expressiveness
expressly

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 14th century from Old French expressif or Medieval Latin expressivus, ultimately deriving from the Latin verb exprimere, meaning 'to press out, portray, or articulate.'

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Expressive. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/expressive
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