express

[ik-spres]

verb (used with object)

1. to put (thought) into words; utter or state.

   to express an idea clearly.

   Synonyms: formulate, word, declare

2. to show, manifest, or reveal.

   to express one's anger.

   Synonyms: indicate
   Antonyms: conceal

3. to set forth the opinions, feelings, etc., of (oneself ), as in speaking, writing, or painting.

   He can express himself eloquently.

4. to represent by a symbol, character, figure, or formula.

   to express water as H2O; to express unknown quantities algebraically.

   Synonyms: denote, signify, designate

5. to send by express.

   to express a package or merchandise.

6. to press or squeeze out.

   to express the juice of grapes.

7. to exude or emit (a liquid, odor, etc.), as if under pressure.

   The roses expressed a sweet perfume.

8. Genetics.,  (of a gene) to be active in the production of (a protein or a phenotype).

adjective

1. clearly indicated; distinctly stated; definite; explicit; plain.

   He defied my express command.

   Synonyms: unambiguous, obvious

2. special; definite.

   We have an express purpose in being here.

   Synonyms: singular, particular

3. direct or fast, especially making few or no intermediate stops.

   an express train;

   an express elevator.

   Synonyms: swift, nonstop, rapid

4. used for direct or high-speed travel.

   an express highway.

5. duly or exactly formed or represented.

   an express image.

   Synonyms: precise, accurate

6. pertaining to an express.

   an express agency.

noun

1. an express train, bus, elevator, etc.

2. a system or method of sending freight, parcels, money, etc., that is faster and safer, but more expensive, than ordinary freight service.

   We agree to send the package by express.

   Synonyms: courier

3. a company engaged in this business.

4. British.,  a messenger or a message specially sent.

5. something sent by express.

adverb

1. by express.

   to travel express.

2. Obsolete.,  expressly.

express

/ ɪkˈsprɛs /

verb

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. to communicate one's thoughts or ideas

adjective

1. clearly indicated or shown; explicitly stated

   an express wish

2. done or planned for a definite reason or goal; particular

   an express purpose

3. of, concerned with, or designed for rapid transportation of people, merchandise, mail, money, etc

   express delivery

   an express depot

noun

1. 1. a system for sending merchandise, mail, money, etc, rapidly

   2. merchandise, mail, etc, conveyed by such a system

   3. an enterprise operating such a system

2. Also called: express train. a fast train stopping at none or only a few of the intermediate stations between its two termini

3. See express rifle

adverb

1. by means of a special delivery or express delivery

   it went express

Other Word Forms

• expresser noun
• expressor noun
• expressible adjective
• expressless adjective
• overexpress verb (used with object)
• preexpress verb (used with object)
• quasi-expressed adjective
• reexpress verb (used with object)
• superexpress noun
• unexpressible adjective
• well-expressed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of express¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English expressen, from Latin expressus “pressed out,” past participle of exprimere “to press out”; ex- ¹ ( def. ), press ¹ ( def. )

Word History and Origins

Origin of express¹

C14: from Latin expressus, literally: squeezed out, hence, prominent, from exprimere to force out, from _ex- ¹ + premere to press

Example Sentences

Freida publicly expressed concern for her sister a week after she called off numerous upcoming concerts in Las Vegas to address her health.

From Los Angeles Times

A majority of the supervisors expressed anger Tuesday at the 2020 change, saying the law was poorly crafted and left the county hemorrhaging billions.

From Los Angeles Times

In many instances, Bondi’s testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee devolved into personal attacks against Democrats, who expressed dismay at their inability to get her to answer their inquiries.

From Los Angeles Times

Ella said some members of staff, instead of providing support, expressed biased views.

From Los Angeles Times

Beijing said Mr Powell had "expressed Britain's willingness to enhance dialogue and communication with China to build a stable, practical and long-term partnership".

From BBC

Related Words

• assert 
• communicate 
• convey 
• declare 
• disclose 
• give 
• hint 
• indicate 
• put 
• reveal 
• say 
• show 
• speak 
• suggest 
• tell 
• voice