express
express
Pronunciation
Absolutely! Here's the IPA phonetic spelling for "express" with a breakdown of the sounds in each syllable:
IPA: /ɪkˈsprɛs/ (This is for General American English)
Syllable 1 (ik):
/ɪ/ - short "i" sound like in "bit"
/k/ - voiceless velar plosive consonant (pronounced at the back of the mouth with a popping sound)
Syllable 2 (spres):
/ˈ/ - primary stress (placed before the "s")
/s/ - voiceless alveolar fricative consonant (hissing sound)
/p/ - voiceless bilabial plosive consonant (pronounced by stopping airflow with both lips)
/ɹ/ - alveolar approximant consonant (similar to the "r" sound but without the vibration)
/ɛ/ - short "e" sound like in "dress"
Syllable 3 (optional):
/s/ (can be silent depending on accent) - voiceless alveolar fricative consonant (hissing sound)
Word Form Variations
"Express" itself doesn't have variations based on singular or plural because it functions as both a verb and an adjective. It describes something (adjective) or the action of describing something (verb), and those meanings don't change based on quantity.
However, there are some related terms derived from "express" that do have different forms:
Verb:
Present tense (singular and plural): express, expresses
Past tense (singular and plural): expressed
Present participle: expressing
Past participle: expressed
Noun:
Singular: expresser (someone who expresses something)
Plural: expressers
Adjective:
No variations (stays the same for singular and plural)
Other forms:
Expressly (adverb - in an express manner)
Inexpressible (adjective - unable to be expressed)
Unexpressed (adjective - not expressed)
Definitions, Synonyms, Antonyms
Verb:
Definition:
To communicate or convey thoughts, feelings, or ideas through words, actions, or creative forms. (synonyms: communicate, state, articulate, voice, convey)
To make something known or evident. (synonyms: reveal, show, demonstrate, display)
To send something quickly or by a special method. (synonyms: dispatch, ship, deliver)
Antonyms: (depending on context) withhold, conceal, hide, repress, be silent
Adjective:
Definition:
Done or happening quickly or without delay. (synonyms: fast, rapid, speedy, prompt)
Directly conveying a particular idea or meaning without unnecessary details. (synonyms: clear, direct, straightforward, plain)
Specifically designed for a particular purpose. (synonyms: specialized, dedicated)
Antonyms: (depending on context) slow, delayed, indirect, vague, general
Adverb:
Definition: (derived from the adjective "express") In a direct and clear way; without hesitation. (synonyms: explicitly, plainly, openly, frankly)
Noun (less common):
Definition: Someone who expresses something, especially feelings or opinions. (synonyms: communicator, spokesperson)
Note: This noun form is less common than the verb and adjective forms.
Examples of Use
Verb:
Literature: "He struggled to express his grief over the loss of his friend." (J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban)
Newspaper: "The scientist expressed concern about the environmental impact of the project." (The New York Times, June 20, 2024)
Online Publication: "The online store offers express shipping for a faster delivery time." (TechCrunch, April 12, 2024)
Movie: "In the film, the hero expresses his determination to save the world." (Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope)
Public Discourse: "The politician expressed his support for the new healthcare bill during the town hall meeting."
Adjective:
Book: "She needed an express answer to the question before making a decision." (Agatha Christie, And Then There Were None)
Newspaper Headline: "Express Train Derailment Leaves Several Injured" (The Washington Post, May 5, 2024)
Social Media: "The artist used bold, express colors to create a striking image." (Instagram post)
Television Show: "The coffee machine offers an express option for a quick cup of coffee." (Commercial advertisement)
Everyday Conversation: "I'm running late, so I need to take the express bus."
Adverb:
Newspaper Editorial: "The government should be more express about its plans for economic recovery." (The Guardian, February 14, 2024)
Online Review: "The customer service representative answered my questions express and efficiently." (Yelp review)
Public Speech: "Let me express my gratitude to all of you for your support." (Award ceremony acceptance speech)
Noun (less common):
Art Exhibition: "The exhibit featured works by various expressers of the abstract expressionist movement." (Museum exhibit description)
10 Famous Quotes Using the term Express
While "express" isn't the most common word in famous quotes, here are 10 interesting ones that incorporate it:
"The purpose of human life is to serve, and to show compassion and the will to help others." (Albert Schweitzer) - Expresses a core value.
"The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle." (Steve Jobs) - Encourages expressing your passion.
"The unexamined life is not worth living." (Socrates) - Highlights the importance of expressing yourself through thought.
"The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart." (Helen Keller) - Expresses the importance of emotions that can't be directly shown.
"The things that we think about constantly and that we speak about are the things that will inevitably come to pass in our lives." (Wayne Dyer) - Expressing your thoughts shapes your reality.
"The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be." (Ralph Waldo Emerson) - Expresses your free will to define yourself.
"The man who does not read good books has no advantage over the man who cannot read them." (Mark Twain) - Expresses the value of knowledge gained through reading.
"The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing." (Socrates) - Expresses the importance of acknowledging the limits of our knowledge.
"The revolution is not an apple that falls when it is ripe. You have to make it fall." (Che Guevara) - Expresses the need for action to achieve change.
"The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." (Lao Tzu) - Expresses that big achievements start with small actions.
Etymology
The word "express" comes from a long journey that started with pressing something! The origin is the Latin word "exprimere," which meant "to press out." Imagine squeezing clay to form a shape - that's the kind of pressing they were thinking of.
Over time, people started using "exprimere" to mean more than just physical pressing. They used it for expressing ideas through words, art, or even actions. This meaning of "expressing yourself" is what we use most today.
The English word "express" first showed up around the 1300s, and it took on both the verb meaning (to communicate) and the adjective meaning (clear and direct) around the same time. So, next time you say something clearly or send something quickly, you're using a word with a very interesting history!
Phrases + Idioms Containing the term Express
Phrases:
Express yourself: To communicate your thoughts, feelings, or ideas openly and clearly.
Express gratitude: To show thankfulness or appreciation.
Express concern: To voice worry or anxiety about something.
Express regret: To show sorrow or remorse for something you've done.
In express terms: To state something clearly and directly, without leaving room for misunderstanding.
At your own express wish: Done because you specifically asked for it.
Idioms:
Cut to the express: To get straight to the point and avoid unnecessary details.
Put in express words: To state something explicitly and clearly.
Get the express train: To travel very quickly, often by a special service. (This idiom might be more familiar in British English)
You can't express milk from a stone: Used to say that it's impossible to get something from someone or something that doesn't have it.
Posts Related to Express
Source Information
Definition of express from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.