express
express
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "express" is /ɪkˈspres/.
ex: /ɪk/
press: /spres/
Word Form Variations
Verb: express (base form), expresses (third person singular present), expressed (past tense, past participle), expressing (present participle)
Noun: express (singular), expresses (plural) - Note: The noun "express" is less common in everyday singular usage, often referring to a specific type of service or delivery, or in the plural to specific acts.
Adjective: express
Adverb: expressly
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Verb
Express
To convey (a thought, feeling, or idea) in words, gestures, or by other means; to put into words or communication.
Synonyms: articulate, state, communicate, voice, convey, reveal
Antonyms: conceal, suppress, hide, withhold, silence
To send something by a fast or special delivery service.
Synonyms: dispatch, send, ship, expedite, rush
Antonyms: delay, hold, retain, slow
To squeeze out (liquid or a substance).
Synonyms: extract, press, squeeze, wring
Antonyms: absorb, soak, take in
Noun
Express
A fast and direct public transportation service, such as a train or bus, that makes few stops.
Synonyms: rapid transit, fast service, non-stop
Antonyms: local, slow service
A system for sending mail or goods quickly.
Synonyms: courier, expedited delivery, special delivery
Antonyms: standard delivery, regular mail
Adjective
Express
Operating at high speed; direct and swift.
Synonyms: rapid, fast, swift, direct, immediate
Antonyms: slow, local, indirect, delayed
Clearly and explicitly stated or shown.
Synonyms: explicit, clear, precise, unambiguous, definite
Antonyms: implicit, vague, ambiguous, unstated
Adverb
Expressly
For a particular purpose; specifically.
Synonyms: specifically, explicitly, purposely, particularly
Antonyms: implicitly, generally, vaguely, incidentally
In an explicit or clear manner.
Synonyms: clearly, distinctly, precisely, unambiguously
Antonyms: vaguely, ambiguously, unclearly
Examples of Use
Books
Non-fiction: Authors frequently use "express" to describe how ideas or arguments are conveyed. For instance, a philosophy book might discuss how "certain political ideologies express a desire for social equality" (Routledge, August 2022). A self-help book might advise readers on how to "express their feelings constructively."
Fiction: Characters often "express emotions," "opinions," or "intentions." A character might "express profound sorrow" or "express a strong desire for revenge."
Newspapers
News Articles: Journalists often report on individuals or groups who "express" views or concerns. A political article might state, "The minister chose to express his dissatisfaction with the new policy" (The Guardian, July 2024). Business news might cover how companies "express interest in new markets."
Advertisements: Ads for delivery services often highlight their ability to "express packages quickly" to a destination.
Online Publications
Blogs and Articles: Tech blogs might "express an opinion on the latest gadget." Fashion blogs could discuss how clothing allows individuals to "express their personal style."
Social Media: Users frequently "express their thoughts," "reactions," or "support for causes" through posts and comments. Artists might use platforms to "express their creativity" through digital art.
E-commerce: Shipping options on online stores often include an "express delivery" choice for faster service.
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms
Music: Song lyrics are a primary medium to "express emotions," "stories," or "social commentary." A love song might "express deep affection."
Film/Television: Actors "express characters' emotions" through dialogue, facial expressions, and body language. A director might use visual techniques to "express a particular mood." Documentaries might aim to "express the complexities of a historical event."
Theater: Playwrights craft dialogue for characters to "express their inner thoughts" and drive the plot.
Video Games: Characters in video games might "express warnings," "quests," or "backstory" to the player. Players can often use emotes to "express joy or frustration."
Podcasts: Hosts and guests on interview podcasts often "express their experiences" or "express their expert opinions" on various subjects.
General Public Discourse
Conversations: In daily interactions, people constantly "express gratitude," "express concerns," or "express agreement." "I'd like to express my thanks for your help."
Meetings/Presentations: Individuals in professional settings often "express their ideas," "proposals," or "feedback." "Please feel free to express any questions you have."
Public Speaking: Orators "express their messages" to an audience, aiming to persuade or inform.
Customer Service: Customers might "express dissatisfaction" with a product, while representatives "express apologies" or "solutions."
Art and Design: Beyond verbal communication, people use various forms of art to "express themselves" or "express cultural identities."
10 Quotes Using Express
"Where words fail, music speaks. Or to put it more accurately, where words are unable to express themselves, music can take their place." (Hans Christian Andersen)
"The ability to express an idea is as important as the idea itself." (Bernard Baruch)
"The best way to express yourself is to do what you love and do it well." (Oprah Winfrey)
"Every artist dips his brush in his own soul, and paints his own nature into his pictures. If he has no soul, then he has no nature to express." (Henry Ward Beecher)
"I often think in music. I live my daydreams in music. I see my life in terms of music... I can't really express myself in any other way." (Albert Einstein)
"We are all born with a divine fire in us. Our efforts should be to give wings to this fire and fill the world with the glow of its goodness. We should try to express our inner being through the words we speak and the actions we do." (A. P. J. Abdul Kalam)
"To express oneself is a necessity; it is a creative act, a spiritual need." (Jiddu Krishnamurti)
"My theory on life is that if you're not having fun, don't do it, because it's not worth it. And I don't mean that in a pop-culture, 'yolo' kind of way. I mean that in a very deep way, that life is too short to not express yourself." (Justin Timberlake)
"The way you dress is how you express yourself. It's a statement about who you are and who you want to be." (Marc Jacobs)
"If I had to express myself in one word, it would be 'curiosity.'" (Ansel Adams)
Etymology
The word "express" comes from the Latin word "exprimere," which literally means "to press out" or "to squeeze out." Imagine pressing grapes to get juice or squeezing a sponge.
The first known use of "express" in English, with the meaning of "to set forth in words" or "to declare," dates back to the late 14th century. It began appearing in texts to describe the act of conveying thoughts or feelings outward, much like pushing something out from within. Over time, it also developed meanings related to fast delivery and clear statements, all stemming from that original idea of "pressing out" or making something evident.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Express
Express oneself: To communicate one's thoughts, feelings, or identity. "It's important to allow children to express themselves freely."
Express an opinion: To state what one thinks about something. "Everyone had a chance to express an opinion on the new policy."
Express gratitude/thanks: To show appreciation. "She wanted to express her gratitude for their support."
Express interest: To show that one is keen or curious about something. "He didn't express much interest in the job offer."
Express milk: To extract breast milk, often with a pump.
Express delivery/mail/service: A fast method of sending or transporting something. "Choose express delivery for urgent packages."
Express lane: A checkout lane in a store for customers with few items.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of express from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
