- expression
- ex|pres|sionW2S2 [ıkˈspreʃən] n▬▬▬▬▬▬▬1¦(strong feelings/thoughts)¦2¦(on somebody's face)¦3¦(word/phrase)¦4¦(music/acting)¦5¦(mathematics)¦▬▬▬▬▬▬▬1.) ¦(STRONG FEELINGS/THOUGHTS)¦ [U and C]something you say, write, or do that shows what you think or feelexpression of▪ I decided to go to the meeting as an expression of support.expression of sympathy/thanks/regret etc▪ The letter was a genuine expression of sympathy.▪ Student leaders are demanding greater freedom of expression (=the right to say what you think without being punished) .give (political/religious/artistic) expression to sth▪ The Socialist Party was founded to give political expression to the working classes.▪ Another writer who seeks to give expression to popular oral culture is Jose Maria Arguedos.2.) ¦(ON SOMEBODY'S FACE)¦ [U and C]a look on someone's face that shows what they are thinking or feelingexpression of▪ an expression of surprise▪ There was a blank expression on her face (=no expression on her face) .▪ In the photograph he seemed devoid of facial expression (=having no expression on his face) .▪ A pained (=worried) expression crossed her face.3.) ¦(WORD/PHRASE)¦a word or group of words with a particular meaning▪ The old-fashioned expression 'in the family way' means 'pregnant'.pardon/forgive/excuse the expression(=used when you think may offend someone by using particular words)▪ After the climb we were absolutely knackered, if you'll pardon the expression.4.) ¦(MUSIC/ACTING)¦[U]when you put feeling or emotion into the music that you are making or into your acting5.) ¦(MATHEMATICS)¦ technicala sign or group of signs that represent a mathematical idea or quantity
Dictionary of contemporary English. 2013.