Word forms: plural, 3rd person singular presenttense expresses, present participle expressing, past tense, past participle expressed
1. verb
When you express an idea or feeling, or expressyourself, you show what you think or feel.
He expressed grave concern at American attitudes. [VERB noun]
Sumner frowned at us, doing his best to express wordless disapproval. [VERB noun]
He expresses himself easily in English. [VERB pronoun-reflexive]
Synonyms: state, communicate, convey, articulate More Synonyms of express
2. verb
If an idea or feeling expressesitself in some way, it can be clearly seen in someone's actions or in its effects on a situation.
She is obviously unhappy, and misery often expresses itself as anger. [V pron-refl + as]
3. verb
In mathematics, if you express a quantity or mathematical problem in a particular way, you write it using particular symbols, figures, or equations.
[technical]
We can express that equation like that. [VERB noun preposition]
It is expressed as a percentage. [beV-ed as]
4. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]
An express command or order is one that is clearly and deliberately stated.
[formal]
The ship was sunk on express orders from the Prime Minister.
Synonyms: explicit, clear, direct, precise More Synonyms of express
expresslyadverb [ADVERB before verb]
He has expressly forbidden her to go out on her own.
Synonyms: explicitly, clearly, plainly, absolutely More Synonyms of express
5. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]
If you refer to an express intention or purpose, you are emphasizing that it is a deliberate and specific one that you have before you do something.
[emphasis]
I had obtained my first camera for the express purpose of taking railway photographs.
Synonyms: specific, exclusive, particular, sole More Synonyms of express
expresslyadverb [ADVERB before verb]
...projects expressly designed to support cattle farmers.
The scriptwriter had written the role expressly for this actor.
Synonyms: specifically, specially, especially, particularly More Synonyms of express
6. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]
Express is used to describe special services which are provided by companies or organizations such as the Post Office, in which things are sent or done faster than usual for a higher price.
I paid extra for the express service.
It was sent to us by express mail.
Express is also an adverb.
Send it express.
7. countable noun
An express or an express train is a fast train which stops at very few stations.
Punctually at 7.45, the express to Kuala Lumpur left Singapore station. [+ to/for]
He had boarded an express for Rome.
8. countable noun
An express is a fast bus or coach which goes from one place to another directly or with very few stops.
More Synonyms of express
express in British English
(ɪkˈsprɛs)
verb(transitive)
1.
to transform (ideas) into words; utter; verbalize
2.
to show or reveal; indicate
tears express grief
3.
to communicate (emotion, etc) without words, as through music, painting, etc
4.
to indicate through a symbol, formula, etc
5.
to force or squeeze out
to express the juice from an orange
6.
to send by rapid transport or special messenger
7. express oneself
adjective(prenominal)
8.
clearly indicated or shown; explicitly stated
an express wish
9.
done or planned for a definite reason or goal; particular
an express purpose
10.
of, concerned with, or designed for rapid transportation of people, merchandise, mail, money, etc
express delivery
an express depot
noun
11.
a.
a system for sending merchandise, mail, money, etc, rapidly
b.
merchandise, mail, etc, conveyed by such a system
c. mainly US and Canadian
an enterprise operating such a system
12. Also called: express train
a fast train stopping at none or only a few of the intermediate stations between its two termini
13. express rifle
adverb
14.
by means of a special delivery or express delivery
it went express
Derived forms
expresser (exˈpresser)
noun
expressible (exˈpressible)
adjective
Word origin
C14: from Latin expressus, literally: squeezed out, hence, prominent, from exprimere to force out, from ex-1 + premere to press
express in American English
(ɛkˈsprɛs; ɪkˈsprɛs)
verb transitive
1.
to press out or squeeze out (juice, etc.)
2.
to get by pressure; elicit by force; extort
3.
to put into words; represent by language; state
4.
a.
to make known; reveal; show
his face expressed sorrow
b.
to show (a genetic trait)
5.
to picture, represent, or symbolize in music, art, etc.
6.
to show by sign; symbolize; signify
the sign + expresses addition
7. US
to send by express
adjective
8.
a.
expressed and not implied; explicit
to give express orders
b.
specific
his express reason for going
9.
exact
she is the express image of her aunt
10.
made for or suited to a special purpose
express regulations
11.
fast, direct, and making few stops
an express train
12.
characterized by speed or velocity
; specif.,
a.
for fast driving
an express highway
b.
high-speed
an express bullet
c.
for high-speed projectiles
an express rifle
d.
having to do with railway express, pony express, etc.
adverb
13.
by express
noun
14. Chiefly British
a.
a special messenger; courier
b.
a message delivered by such a messenger; dispatch sent swiftly
15.
a.
an express train, bus, elevator, etc.
b.
an express rifle
16.
the pony express
17. US
a.
a method or service for transporting goods or sending money or mail rapidly, butat extra cost
b.
the goods transported or money sent by express
c.
a business concern operating such a service
18.
any method or means of swift transmission
SIMILAR WORDS: exˈplicit, ˈutter
Idioms:
express oneself
Derived forms
expresser (exˈpresser)
noun
expressible (exˈpressible)
adjective
Word origin
ME expressen < ML expressare < L expressus, pp. of exprimere, to express, lit., force out < ex-, out + premere: see press1; (sense 11) orig., for the express purpose of running to one station
Examples of 'express' in a sentence
express
It is a totally brilliant way of expressing yourself.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The doctors at least would soon find out and they would express their disapproval.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Some users also expressed their disquiet at the changes on social media.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
One in three councils has expressed an interest to work with us so far.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
Local residents expressed anger at the signs.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
You may find comfort expressing your feelings in a tangible or creative way.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
You need to both express your feelings clearly.
The Sun (2016)
Yet after the incident, nobody took me to one side to express any sympathy.
The Sun (2016)
But when it hit me, it was like an express train.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
People all over the country took to wearing pink, an auspicious colour, to express hope for his recovery.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Couples frequently express some anxiety about the length of time.
Christianity Today (2000)
What a strange way of expressing democracy.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Trips by express bus and boat are also part of the itinerary.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
You can go out and express yourself.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
This occurs when a person says one thing but expresses the contrary through body language.
Vera Peiffer POSITIVE THINKING: Everything you have always known about positive thinking but wereafraid to put into practice (2001)
He also expressed his love for his family.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
Ask them to express their wishes directly.
The Sun (2016)
There is no evidence to suggest that either expressing or suppressing anger is better.
Wallace, Louise M & Bundy, Christine Coping with Angina (1990)
You may think a text is too flattering but the feelings expressed are genuine.
The Sun (2016)
She expressed hope that other companies would be inspired to follow its lead.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
These are all crude little ways to express ourselves in the busy modern world.
The Sun (2012)
We will try and give him the freedom to go and express himself.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
Other voices in the dugout expressed disapproval.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
How many times does one hear adults express a regret that they cannot speak a foreign language?
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
It is understood that a number of foundations previously involved with social investment projects have expressed an interest in taking part.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
Spring arriving like an express train.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Six bidders initially expressed an interest.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
That for 4.49 you can get express delivery?
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
Other typical key points are qualifications and experience, as long as these can be expressed clearly.
Torrington, Derek Personnel Management: A New Approach (1991)
If dissatisfied return unused within 7 days for a full refund minus postage and express delivery charges.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
The Prime Minister expressed anger at what had happened.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
In other languages
express
British English: express /ɪkˈsprɛs/ VERB
When you express an idea or feeling, you show what you think or feel.
The president expressed the hope that this would be a year for peace.
American English: express
Arabic: يُعَبِّرُ عَنْ
Brazilian Portuguese: expressar
Chinese: 表达
Croatian: izraziti
Czech: vyjádřit
Danish: udtrykke
Dutch: uitdrukken
European Spanish: expresar
Finnish: ilmaista
French: exprimer
German: ausdrücken
Greek: εκφράζω
Italian: esprimere
Japanese: 表現する
Korean: 표현하다
Norwegian: uttrykke
Polish: wyrazić
European Portuguese: expressar
Romanian: a exprima
Russian: выражать
Latin American Spanish: expresar
Swedish: uttrycka
Thai: แสดงออก
Turkish: ifade etmek
Ukrainian: виражати
Vietnamese: diễn tả
British English: express NOUN
An express or an express train is a fast train which stops at very few stations.
Punctually at 7.45, the express to Kuala Lumpur left Singapore station.
American English: express
Brazilian Portuguese: expresso
Chinese: 快速列车
European Spanish: expreso
French: rapide
German: Schnellzug
Italian: espresso
Japanese: 急行
Korean: 급행
European Portuguese: expresso
Latin American Spanish: expreso
All related terms of 'express'
air express
the rapid transportation of goods and documents by aircraft
re-express
to express again or in a different way
express alarm
Alarm is a feeling of fear or anxiety that something unpleasant or dangerous might happen .
express coach
a fast coach which goes from one place to another directly or with very few stops
express love
Love is the feeling that a person's happiness is very important to you, and the way you show this feeling in your behaviour towards them.
express mail
mail delivered quicker than normal mail
express rifle
a high-velocity hunting rifle for big game shooting
express train
a fast train
pony express
(in the American West) a system of mail transport that employed relays of riders and mounts, esp that operating from Missouri to California in 1860–61
express company
to transform ( ideas ) into words; utter ; verbalize
express oneself
to communicate one's thoughts or ideas
express delivery
to transform ( ideas ) into words; utter ; verbalize
express gratitude
Gratitude is the state of feeling grateful .
express optimism
Optimism is the feeling of being hopeful about the future or about the success of something in particular.
express surprise
Surprise is the feeling that you have when something unexpected happens .
express appreciation
Your appreciation for something that someone does for you is your gratitude for it.
express your opinion
Your opinion about something is what you think or believe about it.
express delivery service
to transform ( ideas ) into words; utter ; verbalize
the express purpose of
The purpose of something is the reason for which it is made or done.
Chinese translation of 'express'
express
(ɪksˈprɛs)
vt
[idea, view, concern]表达(達) (biǎodá)
(frm)[quantity, number]
expressed as a percentage/fraction etc用百分比/分数(數) 等表示的 (yòng bǎifēnbǐ/ fēnshù děng biǎoshì de)