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REFERENCE

expression

n. C / U
A2 Elementary Oxford US //ɪksˈpɹɛʃən// UK //ɛkspɹˈɛʃən// ex·pres·sion General-service

n. a look on someone's face that shows what they are thinking or feeling. It can also be a word or phrase used to say something.

n. the look on a person's face that conveys a particular emotion; also a word or phrase that communicates an idea. In technical contexts, it refers to a mathematical or logical string of symbols.


SIMPLE

She had a happy expression on her face.

CONTEXTUAL

The teacher used a common local expression to explain the difficult concept to the students.

COMPLEX

While her verbal response remained strictly professional, her facial expression betrayed a deep-seated frustration that the rest of the committee chose to ignore.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

Borrowed from Middle French expression, from Late Latin expressiō, expressiōnem (“a pressing out”). Morphologically express + -ion.

Usage

Countable when referring to a specific phrase or facial look; uncountable when referring to the general act of showing feelings.

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