expressivity
Americannoun
-
the quality or state of being expressive.
-
Genetics. the degree to which a particular gene produces its effect in an organism.
noun
-
(esp of a work of art) the quality of being expressive
-
genetics the strength of the effect of a gene on the phenotype
Etymology
Origin of expressivity
From the German word Expressivität, dating back to 1930–35. See expressive, -ity
Compare meaning
How does expressivity compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“Superbloom” could have used a couple more like it to highlight the more intimate expressivity of Ms. Ware’s voice.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 21, 2026
He dominates not by having the loudest voice onstage but by the far great power of expressivity.
From Los Angeles Times • May 15, 2023
Crumb’s expressivity — attained through amplification of the piano’s hidden resonances, alteration of its inner mechanics and other material interventions — hardly seems “unqualified” when channeled through the body of Margaret Leng Tan.
From Washington Post • Nov. 21, 2022
Sulayman performs throughout, joined by the bass-baritone John Taylor Ward and the soprano Raha Mirzadegan, who embody the doomed lovers in “Combattimento,” a story Sulayman recounted with gripping fervor and expressivity that rendered surtitles unnecessary.
From New York Times • May 30, 2022
The avatars will also be able to animate the movement of a mouth when a microphone picks up the user speaking, to "bring additional expressivity", he said.
From BBC • Nov. 3, 2021
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.