expressionex‧pres‧sion /ɪkˈspreʃən/ ●●● S2 W2 noun 
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 something 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 José María Arguedas.2on somebody’s face [countable, uncountable] 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.3word/phrase [countable] 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 you may offend someone by using particular words) After the climb we were absolutely knackered, if you’ll pardon the expression.► see thesaurus at phrase, word4music/acting [uncountable] when you put feeling or emotion into the music that you are making or into your acting5mathematics [countable] technical a sign or group of signs that represent a mathematical idea or quantityCOLLOCATIONS– Meaning 1phrasesfreedom of expression (=the right to say what you think without being punished)· Student protestors who demanded greater freedom of expression were rounded up by police.an expression of regret· The military has not offered any expression of regret over the civilian loss of life.an expression of sympathy· There was no apology, no expression of sympathy for what Anna had suffered.an expression of concern· His release from prison provoked expressions of concern from members of the public.an expression of anger· She tried to protect the children from his expressions of anger.somebody’s powers of expression formal (=the ability to say or write what you feel)· I tried to put my feelings down on paper, but my powers of expression failed me.verbsgive expression to something formal (=express something)· In the book, he gives expression to his political ideals.COLLOCATIONS– Meaning 2adjectivessomebody’s facial expression· Victor’s facial expression never changed.a blank/vacant expression (=one that shows no emotion, understanding, or interest)· The blank expression on Bobbie’s face gave way to anger.an anxious/troubled/worried expression· She stood looking at me with an anxious expression.a pained expression (=one that shows you are in pain or feeling upset)· A pained expression crossed Rory’s face when he saw them together.a surprised/shocked expression· He didn’t need to speak – his shocked expression said it all.a puzzled/baffled/bewildered expression (=one that shows you are confused or cannot understand something)· I can still recall Dan’s baffled expression when I asked him for an answer.a grim/stern expression (=one that shows you are very strict or angry)· Aunty Kitty looked at us with a stern expression and ordered us indoors.an angry/furious expression· Her angry expression turned to one of utter despair.a serious expression (=one that shows you are not joking)· I saw the serious expression on his little face and tried not to laugh.a thoughtful expression (=one that shows you are thinking about something)· She listened to him with a thoughtful expression on her face.an innocent expression· ‘It was so late,’ she continued with an innocent expression, ‘I had to stay the night.’a dazed expression (=one that shows you are unable to think clearly, especially because of a shock or accident)· His clothes were torn and there was a dazed expression on his face.a glazed expression (=one that shows you are not concentrating on the things around you)· From her glazed expression, he knew she had been taking drugs.a smug expression (=one that shows too much satisfaction with your own cleverness or success)· Peter was wearing an unbearably smug expression and waving the tickets in front of me.a bland expression (=one that does not show any emotion)· She searched his face for answers, but his bland expression gave nothing away.verbshave an expression· His face had a puzzled expression.wear an expression· Their pilot wore an expression of extreme relief.change your expression· The child did not once cry or change her expression.watch somebody’s expression· ‘Does it really matter?’ Elizabeth asked, watching his expression closely.see somebody’s expression· I would have liked to see his expression when she told him.read somebody’s expression (=understand how someone is feeling by looking at their expression)· In the half light, Ellen could not read his expression.phraseshave an expression on your face· He had a very serious expression on his face.the expression on somebody’s face· I could tell by the expression on her face that she was angry.a lack of expression· I was surprised at the lack of expression on his face.be devoid of expression formal (=have no expression on your face)· His face was totally devoid of expression, but I could sense his anger.an expression of surprise (=one showing that you are surprised)· He looked at me with an expression of surprise.COLLOCATIONS– Meaning 3adjectivesa common expression· 'Pig out' is a common expression meaning 'to eat a lot'.an old-fashioned/outdated expression· The old-fashioned expression 'in the family way' means to be pregnant.an idiomatic expression (=an idiom)· Try to avoid using idiomatic expressions in an essay.a figurative expression (=one in which words are not used with their literal meaning)· Many figurative expressions equate anger with heat.a coarse/vulgar expression (=one that is rude)· He came out with some vulgar expressions that I couldn’t possibly repeat.an American/English etc expression· She remembered the American expression her mother had always used: 'Life’s a breeze'.phrasespardon/forgive the expression (=used when you have said a word or phrase that might offend someone)· After the climb, we were absolutely knackered, if you’ll pardon the expression.COLLOCATIONS– Meaning 4phrasesa means of expression· Art is not just a means of expression, it is also a means of communication.a form of expression· Music and painting are two completely different forms of expression.adjectivespoetic/literary expression (=expressing something as poetry or in literature)· The subject does not easily lend itself to poetic expression.musical expression (=expressing something through music)· Charlie Parker took jazz to a new level of musical expression.artistic expression (=expressing something through art)· He firmly believes there are not enough outlets for artistic expression in our society.creative expression (=expressing something in a creative way, for example in music or art)· They work with the children to encourage creative expression.THESAURUS– Meaning 2expression a look on someone’s face that shows what they are thinking or feeling: · His expression became more serious as he listened to her story.· She had a contented expression.· He has a very different expression in the next picture.look an expression – used especially with adjectives that describe the expression. Look sounds less formal than expression: · She had a sad look on her face.· With a look of relief, he handed her the baby.· What’s that look for?· She gave me a dirty look (=a look that showed she was angry).face used when talking about someone’s expression, especially in the following phrases: · You should have seen his face!· Look at my face. Am I bothered?· The boys were making faces (=making strange, silly, or rude expressions which show that you dislike someone)through the window.different types of expressionfrown the expression on your face when you move your eyebrows together because you are angry, unhappy, or confused: · With a frown, she asked, ‘So what’s wrong with that?’smile an expression in which your mouth curves upwards, when you are being friendly or are happy or amused: · She gave him a quick smile.scowl an angry or disapproving expression: · There was a scowl of irritation on his face.glare a long angry look: · He gave her a furious glare, but said nothing.grimace an expression you make by twisting your face because you do not like something or because you are feeling pain: · His face twisted into a grimace of anguish.sneer an expression that shows you have no respect for something or someone: · ‘That’s what you said last time,’ she said with a sneer.smirk an expression in which you smile in an unpleasant way that shows you are pleased by someone else’s bad luck or that you think you are better than other people: · He had a self-satisfied smirk on his face.pout an expression in which you push out your lower lip because you are unhappy that you did not get what you want: · ‘You’re going away?’ she said with a pout.
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- 'Shadow-boxing'? I've never heard that expression before!
- "I'm not eating it," Maria said, with an expression of disgust on her face.
- "It'll be alright in the end' -- that was my mother's favourite expression.
- Each of the statues has a different facial expression.
- He said he didn't care -- well actually he used a rude expression that I can't repeat!
- His expression became serious as he listened to her story.
- I don't normally use that expression myself, but I've heard other people use it sometimes.
- Knight was a quiet man whose favorite expression was "shucks."
- The expression on her face told me that she didn't want to discuss it.
- Try to put a little more expression into the slow passage.
- Wearing an expression of utter boredom, Harry turned back to his book.
- x² + 4 is an algebraic expression.
- You use the expression "break a leg" to wish an actor good luck.
- Fighting against threats to young children's rights to early childhood opportunities could be seen as an expression of legitimate collective responsibility.
- He was looking down, his expression shuttered.
- Her expression indicated that the call was urgent.
- It must be done in a context that makes it worth while or it is just an expression of talent or ego.
- The director was a small, pink-cheeked man with bottle-shaped shoulders and an expression of misleading blankness.
- The language makes available different types of expressions to do different types of jobs in connecting words to the world.
- Whereupon, and still looking up at Papa, I felt my facial expression beginning to change.
THESAURUS
a look on someone’s face that shows what they are thinking or feeling: · His expression became more serious as he listened to her story.· She had a contented expression.· He has a very different expression in the next picture.
an expression – used especially with adjectives that describe the expression. Look sounds less formal than expression: · She had a sad look on her face.· With a look of relief, he handed her the baby.· What’s that look for?· She gave me a dirty look (=a look that showed she was angry).
used when talking about someone’s expression, especially in the following phrases: · You should have seen his face!· Look at my face. Am I bothered?· The boys were making faces (=making strange, silly, or rude expressions which show that you dislike someone)through the window.
different types of expression the expression on your face when you move your eyebrows together because you are angry, unhappy, or confused: · With a frown, she asked, ‘So what’s wrong with that?’
an expression in which your mouth curves upwards, when you are being friendly or are happy or amused: · She gave him a quick smile.
an angry or disapproving expression: · There was a scowl of irritation on his face.
a long angry look: · He gave her a furious glare, but said nothing.
an expression you make by twisting your face because you do not like something or because you are feeling pain: · His face twisted into a grimace of anguish.
an expression that shows you have no respect for something or someone: · ‘That’s what you said last time,’ she said with a sneer.
an expression in which you smile in an unpleasant way that shows you are pleased by someone else’s bad luck or that you think you are better than other people: · He had a self-satisfied smirk on his face.
an expression in which you push out your lower lip because you are unhappy that you did not get what you want: · ‘You’re going away?’ she said with a pout.
Longman Language Activatorthe expression on someone's face · His expression became serious as he listened to her story.expression of · "I'm not eating it," Maria said, with an expression of disgust on her face.wear an expression (=have an expression) · Wearing an expression of utter boredom, Harry turned back to his book.expression on somebody's face · The expression on her face told me that she didn't want to discuss it.
an expression on your face that shows what you are feeling: · She has a pensive, almost sad look about her.look of: · A look of relief crossed his face.give somebody a look: · Sheila nodded and gave him a sympathetic look.a look of something on somebody's face: · After winning, she had a look of pure joy on her face.the look on somebody's face (=someone's expression, especially an angry, shocked or disappointed expression): · You should have seen the look on his face when I told him I was leaving.look in somebody's eyes: · Mrs. Moody had it in for me - I could tell by the look in her eyes.dirty look (=an expression of disapproval or anger): · She's been giving me dirty looks all morning. What have I done wrong?wear a look (= have a particular expression): · He normally wore a slightly amused look on his round face.
showing a particular expression on your face: sad-faced/grim-faced/solemn-faced: · A grim-faced doctor gave Marge the bad news.stony-faced/stone-faced/stern-faced (=with a very serious expression that shows little emotion): · Mr. Tanaka sat stone-faced, as if he could not hear the complaints.straight-faced (=without smiling, especially when you are lying or saying something funny): · He told us straight-faced that he was thinking of running for president.ashen-faced/gray-faced/white-faced (=looking very pale and upset, ill, or frightened): · He returned from the meeting ashen-faced and shaken, saying he had to go home.red-faced (=having a red face because you are embarrassed or angry): · Myra still gets red-faced when she remembers the speech.
a word or group of words · Are there any words in the passage that you don't understand?· Look up any words you don't know in a dictionary.· Is 'lunchtime' one word or two?· The word 'origami' comes from Japanese.word for something (=word that means something) · 'Casa' is the Italian word for 'house'.· What's another word for 'way out'?
a combination of two or more words that has a particular meaning: · There are some useful words and phrases at the end of each chapter in the Student's Book.· Are you familiar with the phrase "the old boy network'?use a phrase: · I was criticized for using the phrase 'gay lifestyles'.· His campaign is, to use one of his favourite phrases, 'as dead as Elvis'.in somebody's phrase (=according to a phrase which someone used): · The battle of El Alamein was, in Churchill's phrase, "the end of the beginning'.coin a phrase (=invent a phrase): · Who first coined the phrase "Iron Curtain'?turn of phrase (=a particular phrase or word that someone uses): · The head of the bank described the salary cuts as 'peanuts', a turn of phrase which angered many bank workers.
a group of words that is used to talk about or say a particular thing: · "It'll be alright in the end' -- that was my mother's favourite expression.· 'Shadow-boxing'? I've never heard that expression before!use an expression: · I don't normally use that expression myself, but I've heard other people use it sometimes.· He said he didn't care -- well actually he used a rude expression that I can't repeat!
a word or group of words that are used in a technical or scientific subject and have an exact meaning in that subject: · Mr Hicks used the term 'neighbourhood schools' for what in effect were segregated black schools.· It's very difficult to give a definition of a term like 'cyberspace'.medical/legal/scientific etc term (for something): · The medical term for losing your hair is 'alopecia'.
a group of words that are used together and have a special meaning that you cannot guess from the meanings of each separate word: · 'Full of beans' is an idiom which means lively and energetic.· In Hollywood, white stars are adopting black idioms, dress styles and manners.
a group of words that are used to describe someone or something in an unusual or poetic way: · We describe our genes as 'selfish' or 'ruthless', but of course this is only a figure of speech.· When I said we spent the night together, it was just a figure of speech. I didn't sleep with her.
a word or phrase that people use in a particular situation, because it describes what is important in that situation: · Variety will be the catchword at the new venue, with acts ranging from stand-up comedy to poetry readings.· After World War II, the catchword for a newly health-conscious society was 'protein'.
WORD SETSaesthete, nounagitprop, nounart gallery, nounartist, nounartwork, nounavant-garde, adjectivebaroque, adjectivecapture, verbceramics, nouncharacter, nounclassical, adjectiveclassicism, nouncompere, nouncontemporary, adjectiveconvention, nouncreative, adjectivecritical, adjectivecrossover, nouncubism, nouncultural, adjectiveculturally, adverbculture, nouncurator, nouncycle, noundrama, nouneisteddfod, nounepic, nouneponymous, adjectiveerotic, adjectiveerotica, nouneroticism, nounexhibit, verbexhibit, nounexhibition, nounexpress, verbexpression, nounexpressionism, nounextract, nounfictionalize, verbfigurine, nounfin de siècle, adjectiveflashback, nounformalism, nounfuturism, nounglaze, verbglaze, nounGothic, adjectivehandcrafted, adjectivehandicraft, nounhandmade, adjectivehigh priest, nounhistorical, adjectiveinterpretation, nounItalianate, adjectivelowbrow, adjectivemagnum opus, nounmarquetry, nounmasterpiece, nounmasterwork, nounmature, adjectivemedium, nounMFA, nounmiddlebrow, adjectiveminimalism, nounmotif, nounmuse, nounnarrator, nounnaturalism, nounneoclassical, adjectivenotice, nounoeuvre, nounoffering, nounopening, adjectiveopus, nounpan, verbparody, nounpastiche, nounpattern, nounpiece, nounpop art, nounportfolio, nounpostmodernism, nounprequel, nounpreview, nounproduce, verbproduction, nounrealism, nounrealistic, adjectiverehash, verbreview, nounreview, verbromantic, nounromanticism, nounroyalty, nounrubbish, nounsalon, nounscenario, nounscene, nounsensuous, adjectivesentimental, adjectivesequel, nounsequence, nounset piece, nounsetting, nounShakespearean, adjectiveshowing, nounskit, nounstory, nounstudio, nounstylistic, adjectivesurrealism, nounswansong, nounsynopsis, nountitle, nountrilogy, nountwo-dimensional, adjectiveuncut, adjectiveunexpurgated, adjectivevillain, nounwork, nounwork of art, noun
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY Meaning 1phrases She gave me an anxious look. Zoe looked at me with a blank expression. The old woman had a crazed expression on her face. Her face was very pale and she wore a dazed expression. deadpan humour She shot him an incredulous look. He sat stiffly, with a pained expression on his face. a proverbial expression Alice read the letter with a puzzled expression on her face. He sat and watched her, a quizzical look on his face. the rapt expression on his face ‘I knew I’d win,’ she said with a smug smile. ‘Wait!’ I shouted in my sternest voice. a triumphant grin
(=the right to say what you think without being punished)· Student protestors who demanded greater freedom of expression were rounded up by police.
· The military has not offered any expression of regret over the civilian loss of life.
· There was no apology, no expression of sympathy for what Anna had suffered.
· His release from prison provoked expressions of concern from members of the public.
· She tried to protect the children from his expressions of anger.
formal (=the ability to say or write what you feel)· I tried to put my feelings down on paper, but my powers of expression failed me.
verbs formal (=express something)· In the book, he gives expression to his political ideals.
Meaning 2adjectives· Victor’s facial expression never changed.
(=one that shows no emotion, understanding, or interest)· The blank expression on Bobbie’s face gave way to anger.
· She stood looking at me with an anxious expression.
(=one that shows you are in pain or feeling upset)· A pained expression crossed Rory’s face when he saw them together.
· He didn’t need to speak – his shocked expression said it all.
(=one that shows you are confused or cannot understand something)· I can still recall Dan’s baffled expression when I asked him for an answer.
(=one that shows you are very strict or angry)· Aunty Kitty looked at us with a stern expression and ordered us indoors.
· Her angry expression turned to one of utter despair.
(=one that shows you are not joking)· I saw the serious expression on his little face and tried not to laugh.
(=one that shows you are thinking about something)· She listened to him with a thoughtful expression on her face.
· ‘It was so late,’ she continued with an innocent expression, ‘I had to stay the night.’
(=one that shows you are unable to think clearly, especially because of a shock or accident)· His clothes were torn and there was a dazed expression on his face.
(=one that shows you are not concentrating on the things around you)· From her glazed expression, he knew she had been taking drugs.
(=one that shows too much satisfaction with your own cleverness or success)· Peter was wearing an unbearably smug expression and waving the tickets in front of me.
(=one that does not show any emotion)· She searched his face for answers, but his bland expression gave nothing away.
verbs· His face had a puzzled expression.
· Their pilot wore an expression of extreme relief.
· The child did not once cry or change her expression.
· ‘Does it really matter?’ Elizabeth asked, watching his expression closely.
· I would have liked to see his expression when she told him.
(=understand how someone is feeling by looking at their expression)· In the half light, Ellen could not read his expression.
phrases· He had a very serious expression on his face.
· I could tell by the expression on her face that she was angry.
· I was surprised at the lack of expression on his face.
formal (=have no expression on your face)· His face was totally devoid of expression, but I could sense his anger.
(=one showing that you are surprised)· He looked at me with an expression of surprise.
Meaning 3adjectives· 'Pig out' is a common expression meaning 'to eat a lot'.
· The old-fashioned expression 'in the family way' means to be pregnant.
(=an idiom)· Try to avoid using idiomatic expressions in an essay.
(=one in which words are not used with their literal meaning)· Many figurative expressions equate anger with heat.
(=one that is rude)· He came out with some vulgar expressions that I couldn’t possibly repeat.
· She remembered the American expression her mother had always used: 'Life’s a breeze'.
phrases (=used when you have said a word or phrase that might offend someone)· After the climb, we were absolutely knackered, if you’ll pardon the expression.
Meaning 4phrases· Art is not just a means of expression, it is also a means of communication.
· Music and painting are two completely different forms of expression.
adjectives (=expressing something as poetry or in literature)· The subject does not easily lend itself to poetic expression.
(=expressing something through music)· Charlie Parker took jazz to a new level of musical expression.
(=expressing something through art)· He firmly believes there are not enough outlets for artistic expression in our society.
(=expressing something in a creative way, for example in music or art)· They work with the children to encourage creative expression.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES She gave me an anxious look. Zoe looked at me with a blank expression. The old woman had a crazed expression on her face. Her face was very pale and she wore a dazed expression. deadpan humour (=an emotion that is shown clearly openly)· Such open displays of emotion made him feel uncomfortable.
· She had a rather surprised look on her face.· I could tell by the look on Dan’s face that he was disappointed.
(=the legal right to say what you want)· We will defend freedom of speech and oppose censorship.
She shot him an incredulous look. (=a way of expressing your feelings or opinions)· Music and art are important means of expression.
He sat stiffly, with a pained expression on his face. a proverbial expression Alice read the letter with a puzzled expression on her face. He sat and watched her, a quizzical look on his face. the rapt expression on his face· Everyone has the right to freedom of expression.
‘I knew I’d win,’ she said with a smug smile. ‘Wait!’ I shouted in my sternest voice.· I murmured an expression of sympathy.
a triumphant grin· John came in with a worried look on his face.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADJECTIVE· Somiryon practises and promotes realism in art and campaign for freedom of artistic expression.· Every manner of artistic expression, every experiment, however imaginative, however preposterous or outrageous, was now permissible.· On the other hand, these laws have the potential to suppress worthwhile literary and artistic expression.· But capturing a scenic landscape wasn't always Dunn's main means of artistic expression.· You believe that artistic expression involves some kind of radical transformation.· Creativity/spirituality: no outlet for artistic expression, religious beliefs, humanitarian ideals. 17.· This worries me a little, possibly because it lacks any of those conceits of artistic expression which my vanity holds so dearly.· If I explain, the artistic expression is destroyed.
· She had the same blank, anxious expression as some zoo animals have.· Through all the speeches and songs, she stood under a tree, her blank expression never changing.· All seven of her faces wear a blank expression.· He wore the same blank half-tense expression when he won as he did when he lost.· Most players wore blank, numb expressions.· That last night, when the returns started coming in, he had this blank expression on his face.
· Neither man had time to conceal or alter his facial expression, and Rostov was struck by the disparity.· But the animals and the people did not have facial expressions.· It is mainly through what they verbalise as well as their facial expressions and body language.· They also notice your facial expressions.· They compared the performance of two patients on a lip-reading task and on a task which required analysis of facial expression.· These include pointing, walking in a certain direction, and facial expressions to convey emotion and communicate intentions.· Proximity, physical appearance, direction of gaze, and gestures and facial expressions all affect our perceptions of one another.· Tone of voice, facial expressions, and bodily postures can help or hinder communication.
· The document advocates free access to information, as well as free expression.· And this is not bad, because it is turned into a socially beneficial force if it is allowed free expression.· It did, and free expression won.· Public memory of martial law, which ended a decade ago, continues to stifle free expression.· Another nail was driven into the coffin of free expression at this demo.· The company, however, stood by its performers in support of free expression.· It condemned the use of secret trials and accused the government of refusing to allow the free expression of opposition views.· We talk or hear a lot about free expression.
· It was coming to be generally accepted by 1880 that the state was the proper political expression of the nation.· This law, however, went much further than necessary, broadly restricting the First Amendment right of political expression.· Founded to give political expression to a working class based on industry, what is their role in a post-industrial world?· Tolerance for unorthodox political expression was simply not an ideological possibility.· Yet this discontent was denied political or institutional expression.· Men must change sufficiently so that their representation of life and their political expression uphold humane values.· To do otherwise was to risk driving underground legitimate political expression, which would create worse problems in the long run.· The use of a cult as a means of political expression would be far from unparalleled.
NOUN· We propose that in Raji cells the accumulation of a repressor is prevented, thus allowing gene expression.· An account of the development of behaviour within an individual would have to mention a series of environmental influences on gene expression.· There is indeed direct evidence that mechanical stress can generate intracellular signals that regulate gene expression.· From studies on living organisms it is impossible to learn details of the molecular events in IL-6 induced gene expression.· Similar effects on limb outgrowth and Hoxd gene expression were observed in forelimb cultures.
VERB· Oliver assumed an expression of extreme penitence.· When they gave political responses, we may assume that the expression of political pride was spontaneous.· He assumed a pained expression and averted his eyes.· I assumed my best dumb-brunette expression when handing this on to Humber.
· Come blues, of course, find expression through raw urban rock juices rather than standard muso stodge.· Equally, social differences find religious expression.· But neither has found an authentic expression in the institutions of representative democracy.· But at the same time most people find the expression of their individuality through work.· These grievances were to find expression in the strike wave that occurred once economic conditions improved.· I looked up to see how she was taking this and found her expression largely abstracted.· In this evolving climate, work redesign techniques are finding new expressions in new applications.· That it has not yet found full expression in the Symbolic does not mean that it can not be expressed.
· To give ecclesiastical expression to this conquest, a bishopric was established at Bangor in 1092.· But as General Grant was neither demonstrative nor communicative, he gave no expression whatever to his feelings.· Founded to give political expression to a working class based on industry, what is their role in a post-industrial world?· It tapped into a raging underground sea of raw religious feeling and turbulent emotion and gave it shape and expression.· In the labour movement, Ruiters' concerns have been given concrete expression.· It was George Orwell who gave the most memorable expression to the socialist patriotism of 1940.· Messenger's only desire is to talk about himself, to confess, to give expression to his huge ego.· It gives expression not to a technical aspect of the division of labour but to its social aspect.
· Her hair was too short to fall far across her face, so Edward could see her expression, tender and deliberate.· We can see the soft expression in their eyes, caring and solicitous, watchful.· I couldn't see his expression in the dimness, only that he was still looking at Russell.· I could not see his expression.· Fighting against threats to young children's rights to early childhood opportunities could be seen as an expression of legitimate collective responsibility.· Now, I see a different expression in their faces.· In the darkness she could not see his expression, did not want to see it.· I should like to see his frank expression and hear his wonderful way of speaking.
· His bland face showed no expression as she filled out the registration form and he handed her a key.· Steve was six feet tall, heavily built and his clean-shaven pale face showed no expression.· I look at the organizer, who shows no expression.· Recent evidence has shown that the expression of enzymes participating in biotransformation may play a part in tumour drug-resistance.· His face, always in profile, showed little expression when I glanced at it.· Epithelial cells showed no expression of tumour necrosis factor or interleukin 1 mRNA.· It has been previously shown that the expression of integrins is differently diminished in a chain-specific manner in human colorectal cancer.
· But Wordsworth does not use any dialect expression, so that this difficulty need not be exaggerated.· This professor constantly uses vulgar expressions.· Whitbread and Bass have both used that expression.· She never used the same expression twice, Converse thought.· He used some such expression in the text of an unpublished essay that I later found at Harvard.· Various spreadsheet programs used different menu systems showing that the system used by Lotus was expression and not idea.· Jack had, to use a medical expression, gone ape-shit.· We can distinguish between using an expression and attending to an expression.
· The face wore an undeniably evil expression.· Even at this distance, I could see that the children wore expressions of concern.· She was a small, emaciated mouse who wore a perpetually martyred expression.· He wore a glum expression when I came for him that morning.· Piper O'Rourke stepped out of the murk behind them, wearing a concerned expression.· Most players wore blank, numb expressions.· You can catch sight of yourself looking at other things than your own reflection, wearing unselfconscious expressions of interest and curiosity.· The pale woman, bosom exposed, is entwined with a dark man wearing a sullen expression and a skull cap.
PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► appealing look/expression/voice etc► injured look/expression etc
- No wonder the technique assumed an air of planet-wide importance.
- Oliver assumed an expression of extreme penitence.
- The only thing she could do was to assume an air of indifference.
- But he still remembered the hidden yawns, the glazed looks and drooping eyelids.
- Has anyone noticed that Nicolas Cage has gotten a sort of stoned-out, glazed look to him of late?
- He did not acknowledge Conroy, but hurried on down with that glazed look of some one already encased in their next entrance.
- Instead, you held your head high and let a glazed look mask your eyes.
- The knock on the head alone could not account for the glazed look in her eyes.
- They had the distended bellies and glazed eyes of famine.
- With glazed eyes he was staring into the middle distance.
- He has his father's long face, hangdog expression and lank fair hair.
- Ross was still sporting his hangdog look.
- A sleepless night had added to her pallor and the haunted look in her eyes.
- It still had the gaunt, haunted look that had so put Meg off before.
- Does the text contain idiomatic phrases and if so, with what kind of dialect or register are these idioms associated?
- He did not reply, but got into the car glumly, with a martyred air.
- She cast a murderous look over his hard male profile.
- She had stopped giving me murderous looks and seemed quite bright-eyed as we got ourselves ready to leave the ship.
- As you began again, all of us around you exchanged more pained looks.
- He assumed a pained expression and averted his eyes.
- He finally looked at Cantor, a pained expression on his face.
- His mouth was set in a prim, pained expression of disapproval.
- Larry, my stepfather, sits stiffly with a pained expression on his face.
- Rex made with the crossed eyes and suitably pained expression.
- The ubiquitous man with the pained expression vanishes.
- You noticed a vaguely pained expression enter Jackson's eyes, as if he was wondering why nothing ever proved simple.
- It's time that guy got off his ass, if you'll pardon the expression.
- Brittany, the blond cheerleader, has a vacant stare and huge eyelashes.
- But an oddly vacant look had come over Cinzia's features.
- Eyes downcast; baby lips pulled into a frown; dull, vacant stare.
- He was a bright-eyed boy, thin and fair, with a vacant expression that often gave way to shrill laughter.
- He was looking round with a vacant look on his face and I was frightened.
- However, just behind the vacant expression he offered me, I detected fear.
- The maid's vacant expression was replaced momentarily by one of greedy expectation - shortly followed by disappointment.
WORD FAMILYadjectiveexpressive ≠ inexpressiveexpressionlessinexpressibleadverbexpressivelyexpressionlesslyinexpressiblynounexpressionexpressivenessverbexpress
1strong feelings/thoughts [countable, uncountable] 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 something 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 José María Arguedas.2on somebody’s face [countable, uncountable] 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.3word/phrase [countable] 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 you may offend someone by using particular words) After the climb we were absolutely knackered, if you’ll pardon the expression.► see thesaurus at phrase, word4music/acting [uncountable] when you put feeling or emotion into the music that you are making or into your acting5mathematics [countable] technical a sign or group of signs that represent a mathematical idea or quantityCOLLOCATIONS– Meaning 1phrasesfreedom of expression (=the right to say what you think without being punished)· Student protestors who demanded greater freedom of expression were rounded up by police.an expression of regret· The military has not offered any expression of regret over the civilian loss of life.an expression of sympathy· There was no apology, no expression of sympathy for what Anna had suffered.an expression of concern· His release from prison provoked expressions of concern from members of the public.an expression of anger· She tried to protect the children from his expressions of anger.somebody’s powers of expression formal (=the ability to say or write what you feel)· I tried to put my feelings down on paper, but my powers of expression failed me.verbsgive expression to something formal (=express something)· In the book, he gives expression to his political ideals.COLLOCATIONS– Meaning 2adjectivessomebody’s facial expression· Victor’s facial expression never changed.a blank/vacant expression (=one that shows no emotion, understanding, or interest)· The blank expression on Bobbie’s face gave way to anger.an anxious/troubled/worried expression· She stood looking at me with an anxious expression.a pained expression (=one that shows you are in pain or feeling upset)· A pained expression crossed Rory’s face when he saw them together.a surprised/shocked expression· He didn’t need to speak – his shocked expression said it all.a puzzled/baffled/bewildered expression (=one that shows you are confused or cannot understand something)· I can still recall Dan’s baffled expression when I asked him for an answer.a grim/stern expression (=one that shows you are very strict or angry)· Aunty Kitty looked at us with a stern expression and ordered us indoors.an angry/furious expression· Her angry expression turned to one of utter despair.a serious expression (=one that shows you are not joking)· I saw the serious expression on his little face and tried not to laugh.a thoughtful expression (=one that shows you are thinking about something)· She listened to him with a thoughtful expression on her face.an innocent expression· ‘It was so late,’ she continued with an innocent expression, ‘I had to stay the night.’a dazed expression (=one that shows you are unable to think clearly, especially because of a shock or accident)· His clothes were torn and there was a dazed expression on his face.a glazed expression (=one that shows you are not concentrating on the things around you)· From her glazed expression, he knew she had been taking drugs.a smug expression (=one that shows too much satisfaction with your own cleverness or success)· Peter was wearing an unbearably smug expression and waving the tickets in front of me.a bland expression (=one that does not show any emotion)· She searched his face for answers, but his bland expression gave nothing away.verbshave an expression· His face had a puzzled expression.wear an expression· Their pilot wore an expression of extreme relief.change your expression· The child did not once cry or change her expression.watch somebody’s expression· ‘Does it really matter?’ Elizabeth asked, watching his expression closely.see somebody’s expression· I would have liked to see his expression when she told him.read somebody’s expression (=understand how someone is feeling by looking at their expression)· In the half light, Ellen could not read his expression.phraseshave an expression on your face· He had a very serious expression on his face.the expression on somebody’s face· I could tell by the expression on her face that she was angry.a lack of expression· I was surprised at the lack of expression on his face.be devoid of expression formal (=have no expression on your face)· His face was totally devoid of expression, but I could sense his anger.an expression of surprise (=one showing that you are surprised)· He looked at me with an expression of surprise.COLLOCATIONS– Meaning 3adjectivesa common expression· 'Pig out' is a common expression meaning 'to eat a lot'.an old-fashioned/outdated expression· The old-fashioned expression 'in the family way' means to be pregnant.an idiomatic expression (=an idiom)· Try to avoid using idiomatic expressions in an essay.a figurative expression (=one in which words are not used with their literal meaning)· Many figurative expressions equate anger with heat.a coarse/vulgar expression (=one that is rude)· He came out with some vulgar expressions that I couldn’t possibly repeat.an American/English etc expression· She remembered the American expression her mother had always used: 'Life’s a breeze'.phrasespardon/forgive the expression (=used when you have said a word or phrase that might offend someone)· After the climb, we were absolutely knackered, if you’ll pardon the expression.COLLOCATIONS– Meaning 4phrasesa means of expression· Art is not just a means of expression, it is also a means of communication.a form of expression· Music and painting are two completely different forms of expression.adjectivespoetic/literary expression (=expressing something as poetry or in literature)· The subject does not easily lend itself to poetic expression.musical expression (=expressing something through music)· Charlie Parker took jazz to a new level of musical expression.artistic expression (=expressing something through art)· He firmly believes there are not enough outlets for artistic expression in our society.creative expression (=expressing something in a creative way, for example in music or art)· They work with the children to encourage creative expression.THESAURUS– Meaning 2expression a look on someone’s face that shows what they are thinking or feeling: · His expression became more serious as he listened to her story.· She had a contented expression.· He has a very different expression in the next picture.look an expression – used especially with adjectives that describe the expression. Look sounds less formal than expression: · She had a sad look on her face.· With a look of relief, he handed her the baby.· What’s that look for?· She gave me a dirty look (=a look that showed she was angry).face used when talking about someone’s expression, especially in the following phrases: · You should have seen his face!· Look at my face. Am I bothered?· The boys were making faces (=making strange, silly, or rude expressions which show that you dislike someone)through the window.different types of expressionfrown the expression on your face when you move your eyebrows together because you are angry, unhappy, or confused: · With a frown, she asked, ‘So what’s wrong with that?’smile an expression in which your mouth curves upwards, when you are being friendly or are happy or amused: · She gave him a quick smile.scowl an angry or disapproving expression: · There was a scowl of irritation on his face.glare a long angry look: · He gave her a furious glare, but said nothing.grimace an expression you make by twisting your face because you do not like something or because you are feeling pain: · His face twisted into a grimace of anguish.sneer an expression that shows you have no respect for something or someone: · ‘That’s what you said last time,’ she said with a sneer.smirk an expression in which you smile in an unpleasant way that shows you are pleased by someone else’s bad luck or that you think you are better than other people: · He had a self-satisfied smirk on his face.pout an expression in which you push out your lower lip because you are unhappy that you did not get what you want: · ‘You’re going away?’ she said with a pout.