Expression Meaning
Expression Definition & Usage
A facial gesture or movement used to convey a feeling, thought, or mood.
Examples
- "Her expression changed from surprise to joy when she heard the news."
- "The actor’s expression conveyed deep sorrow without uttering a word."
- "His angry expression revealed how upset he was about the decision."
- "The child’s confused expression told me that she didn’t understand the question."
- "When the teacher asked the question, his blank expression suggested he wasn’t paying attention."
A particular phrase, word, or form of speech used to communicate an idea.
Examples
- "The phrase 'once in a blue moon' is a common expression to indicate rarity."
- "Her expression of 'I’ll be back in a minute' was more of a reassurance than an actual promise."
- "In some cultures, the expression 'break a leg' is used to wish someone good luck."
- "He used the expression 'time flies' to describe how quickly the event had passed."
- "The idiomatic expression 'a blessing in disguise' suggests that something good may come out of an initially bad situation."
The act of expressing thoughts, feelings, or ideas.
Examples
- "Freedom of expression is a fundamental right in many democratic countries."
- "Her painting was a true expression of her feelings during that difficult period."
- "The writer’s expression of her views on social justice resonated with many readers."
- "Through music, he found a way to express his deepest emotions."
- "The artist’s expression of nature through vivid colors captivated the audience."
Cultural Context
The word 'expression' originates from the Latin 'expressio', meaning 'a pressing out, an image, a sign'. In modern usage, it covers a broad range of meanings, from emotional or facial expressions to verbal and artistic expressions. The concept of expression plays a crucial role in art, communication, and psychology, signifying how inner states are conveyed outwardly.
The Expression of Hope
Story
The Expression of Hope
It was a crisp autumn morning when Sarah sat on the park bench, watching the leaves fall gently from the trees. Her face, as usual, betrayed little emotion, a stoic expression that had become second nature over the years. But today, there was something different in her eyes. Something she hadn't felt in a long time — hope. She thought about her recent decision to leave her corporate job and pursue her passion for painting. It was a risky move, one that had caused her friends and family to raise their eyebrows, but it was her expression of true self. As she walked through the park, her thoughts drifted to the expressions of the people around her. The elderly man feeding pigeons had a serene expression on his face, as if he was savoring the simple moment. A child skipped by, her face lighting up in a wide grin — pure joy. Sarah couldn't help but smile herself, realizing how much she had missed expressing her own emotions openly. Later that afternoon, Sarah stood in front of her easel in her small studio apartment, painting a new piece. The brush moved swiftly, almost as if it had a life of its own. The colors and shapes on the canvas were an expression of her newfound freedom and creativity. It was in this very act — this outward manifestation of her inner emotions — that Sarah felt most herself. That evening, she met with her old friend, Emily, who had always known Sarah as the quiet one, the one who kept her emotions to herself. Over coffee, Emily asked, 'So, how’s the art going?' Sarah smiled and replied, 'It’s going great. It’s my best expression of who I am.' Emily nodded, impressed by the transformation she saw in Sarah's eyes — a clear, unspoken expression of confidence and contentment. As Sarah left the café, she noticed the expression on the faces of the passersby, each one telling a silent story. She smiled, realizing that whether it was through a subtle facial expression, a brushstroke, or a carefully chosen phrase, expressing oneself was a beautiful and necessary part of life. The evening sky was painted with hues of orange and pink, and Sarah felt at peace, knowing she was finally allowing herself to fully express her true self to the world.
Related Words
