# expressed

/ɪksˈpɹɛst/ (US) · /ɛkspɹˈɛst/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/expressed
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. showed a feeling

verb · CEFR B1

showed a feeling, opinion, or fact through words or actions.

For teachers: articulated or communicated a thought, emotion, or opinion through verbal or non-verbal means.

- She expressed her thanks to everyone who helped with the project.
- The shareholders expressed significant concern regarding the proposed merger, citing potential risks to long-term stability.

Usage: Often followed by a noun phrase representing the emotion or idea being shared.

### 2. squeezed out

verb · CEFR C1 · Technical

pushed or squeezed something out, like juice from a fruit or milk.

For teachers: extracted a liquid or substance by applying physical pressure.

- The oil is expressed from the seeds using a heavy machine.
- In traditional herbal medicine, the potent oils are expressed manually from the leaves to preserve their chemical integrity.

Usage: Frequently used in passive voice in technical or medical contexts.

### 3. clearly stated

adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal · Technical

clearly and directly stated so there is no confusion.

For teachers: explicitly stated rather than implied; clearly defined in words or law.

- The contract included an expressed wish that the house remain unchanged.
- The court found that there was no expressed agreement between the parties, leading to a complex dispute over implied terms.

Usage: Usually placed before the noun it modifies.

### 4. genetics

adjective · CEFR C2 · Technical

describes a gene that is active and producing an effect in a living thing.

For teachers: pertaining to a gene whose genetic information is being actively used to create a functional product, such as a protein.

- The researchers studied which genes were expressed in the healthy cells.
- Differential gene analysis revealed that certain markers were expressed more highly in the experimental group than in the control group.

## Examples

- She expressed her concerns during the meeting.
- The artist expressed his frustration with modern society through a series of dark and chaotic paintings.
- While the diplomat expressed optimism about the upcoming peace talks, his body language suggested he remained deeply skeptical of a lasting resolution.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.