Express
/ɪkˈspres/
Definitions
3 meaningsTo communicate or state something, especially a thought or feeling, in words or actions.
/ɪkˈspres/
To convey a thought, feeling, or fact.
He expressed his opinion on the matter.
💡 Simply: To show or tell someone how you feel or what you think, like when you share your excitement about a new toy or sadness about a lost pet. For example, imagine you write a thank-you card to show how much you appreciate a gift. That's expressing your gratitude!
👶 For kids: To say or show what you're thinking or feeling.
More Examples
She found it difficult to express her feelings.
The painting expresses the artist's vision of peace.
How It's Used
"She expressed her gratitude for their help."
"The artist expressed his inner turmoil through his paintings."
To send something quickly and directly, often using a special service.
/ɪkˈspres/
To send something quickly and directly.
I'll express the documents to you overnight.
💡 Simply: To send something fast, like when you want a pizza delivered quickly. For instance, if you need to get a letter to someone in another city super fast, you might choose the express mail option!
👶 For kids: To send something to someone super fast.
More Examples
They express parcels all over the country.
We chose the express shipping option to get the gift there by tomorrow.
How It's Used
"Please express this package to the customer as soon as possible."
"They offer an express delivery service."
Fast or direct; designed for speed.
/ɪkˈspres/
Fast and direct.
The express bus is the fastest route to the city center.
💡 Simply: Something that is quick or fast, like a fast train or a special delivery service that gets things to you right away. For example, imagine a train that only stops at a few stations so it can get you to your destination quickly – that's an express train!
👶 For kids: Fast and quick.
More Examples
They offer express shipping for an additional fee.
We chose the express route to save time.
How It's Used
"Take the express train to get there quicker."
"We offer express services to our customers."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
express oneself
To communicate one's thoughts, feelings, or ideas effectively.
"She found it difficult to express herself in a foreign language."
From Latin *exprimere* ('to press out, represent'), from *ex-* ('out') + *premere* ('to press').
Used since the 16th century, initially in the sense of 'press out' or 'represent.' The modern sense of 'convey' and 'send quickly' developed later.
Memory tip
Think of a face *ex*uding feelings that are *pressed* out (expressed).
Word Origin
"to press out"