expressive

adjective

ex·​pres·​sive ik-ˈspre-siv 

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

expressively adverb

expressiveness noun

Synonyms

• eloquent
• meaning
• meaningful
• pregnant
• revealing
• revelatory
• significant
• suggestive

Examples of expressive in a Sentence

the expressive function of language

the teacher's expressive sigh showed that she had heard that excuse many times before

Recent Examples on the Web

Like her American counterpart, Abad—a native of Basco, Batanes, in the Philippines—was also both an expressive painter and a master of the narrative quilt, embracing and elevating a medium long dismissed for its folksy domesticity. —Raymond Ang, Vogue, 19 Apr. 2024

Specific attention was given to making sure the actors’ faces could still be expressive under their prosthetics, and that their eyes would be clearly visible. —Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

expressive

adjective

ex·​pres·​sive ik-ˈspres-iv 

1

: of or relating to expression

2

: serving to express

3

: full of expression

also : openly expressing one's feelings

an expressive face

expressively adverb

expressiveness noun

Legal Definition

expressive

adjective

ex·​pres·​sive

1

: of or relating to expression

2

: serving to express or represent

expressive conduct protected by the First Amendment

expressively adverb

expressiveness noun