expressive

ex·pres·sive

adj \ik-ˈspre-siv\

Definition of EXPRESSIVE

1

: of or relating to expression <the expressive function of language>

2

: serving to express, utter, or represent <foul and novel terms expressive of rage — H. G. Wells>

3

: effectively conveying meaning or feeling <an expressive silence> <expressive line drawings>

— ex·pres·sive·ly adverb

— ex·pres·sive·ness noun

Examples of EXPRESSIVE

1. the expressive function of language
2. <the teacher's expressive sigh showed that she had heard that excuse many times before>

First Known Use of EXPRESSIVE

15th century

Related to EXPRESSIVE

Synonyms: eloquent, meaning, meaningful, pregnant, revealing, revelatory, significant, suggestive

Antonyms: unexpressive

Related Words: graphic (also graphical), pictorial, vivid; evocative, redolent, reminiscent; sententious, weighty; flavorful, full-bodied, rich

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Rhymes with EXPRESSIVE

aggressive, caressive, compressive, concessive, degressive, depressive, digressive, excessive, impressive, ingressive, obsessive, oppressive, possessive, progressive, recessive, regressive, successive, suppressive, transgressive