express

⁴express

verb

Definition of EXPRESS

transitive verb

1

a : delineate, depict b : to represent in words : state c : to give or convey a true impression of : show, reflect d : to make known the opinions or feelings of (oneself) e : to give expression to the artistic or creative impulses or abilities of (oneself) f : to represent by a sign or symbol : symbolize

2

a : to force out (as the juice of a fruit) by pressure b : to subject to pressure so as to extract something

3

: to send by express

4

: to cause (a gene) to manifest its effects in the phenotype; also : to manifest or produce (a character, molecule, or effect) by a genetic process

— ex·press·er noun

— ex·press·ible \-ə-bəl\ adjective

Examples of EXPRESS

1. He expressed an interest in meeting her.
2. She expressed surprise at his rude behavior.
3. The results can be expressed as a percentage.
4. The length, expressed in centimeters, is 29.
5. They expressed the package to us.

Origin of EXPRESS

Middle English, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French espresser, from expres, adjective

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to EXPRESS

Synonyms: air, expound, give, look, raise, sound, state, vent, ventilate, voice, give air to, put forth

Antonyms: stifle, suppress

Related Words: advertise, announce, declare, enounce, enunciate, proclaim, say; broadcast, circulate, disseminate, publish; describe, write, write up; sound off, speak out, speak up; chime in; communicate, convey, put across, put over; offer, submit

Near Antonyms: censor, restrain, restrict

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Synonym Discussion of EXPRESS

express, vent, utter, voice, broach, air mean to make known what one thinks or feels. express suggests an impulse to reveal in words, gestures, actions, or what one creates or produces <expressed her feelings in music>. vent stresses a strong inner compulsion to express especially in words <a tirade venting his frustration>. utter implies the use of the voice not necessarily in articulate speech <utter a groan>. voice does not necessarily imply vocal utterance but does imply expression or formulation in words <an editorial voicing their concerns>. broach adds the implication of disclosing for the first time something long thought over or reserved for a suitable occasion <broached the subject of a divorce>. air implies an exposing or parading of one's views often in order to gain relief or sympathy or attention <publicly airing their differences>.