expressive
UK: ɪkˈspresɪv | US: ɪkˈspresɪv
adj. effectively conveying thought, feeling, or meaning
adj. showing or capable of showing emotion vividly
adj. (of a word or structure) emphasizing a quality or state
The word "expressive" originates from Latin expressus (past participle of exprimere, meaning "to press out, represent"). The root ex- (out) + press (to press) reflects the idea of "pressing out" inner thoughts or emotions. The suffix -ive (from Latin -ivus) forms adjectives indicating tendency or capacity. Over time, "expressive" evolved to describe anything that vividly communicates feelings or ideas, whether through art, language, or behavior.
Her expressive eyes revealed her sadness without words.
The dancer's movements were highly expressive, telling a story through gestures.
He chose expressive vocabulary to emphasize his point.
The painting is celebrated for its expressive use of color.
Children’s drawings are often more expressive than technically precise.