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

My films are really expressive about people’s lives. —Abid Rahman, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Nov. 2024

Yamada’s color direction is deeply expressive from start to finish. —Kambole Campbell, IndieWire, 30 Oct. 2024

Here's an Editors' Choice-winning all-in-one kit that leverages Philips' century of experience in the bulb world to deliver a simple, expressive lighting system. —K. Thor Jensen, PCMAG, 9 Oct. 2024

The furnishings and art were thoughtfully curated, reflecting the clients’ life abroad and their love of bold, expressive pieces. —Sarah Yang, Sunset Magazine, 16 Oct. 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