expressivity

American  

[ek-spre-siv-i-tee] / ˌɛk sprɛˈsɪv ɪ ti /

noun

1. the quality or state of being expressive.

2. Genetics. the degree to which a particular gene produces its effect in an organism.

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expressivity British  

/ ˌɛksprɛˈsɪvɪtɪ /

noun

1. (esp of a work of art) the quality of being expressive

2. genetics the strength of the effect of a gene on the phenotype

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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:

• penetrance vs. expressivity

Example Sentences

“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

“Admittedly, Crumb has ‘reintroduced’ expressivity to avant-garde concerts, which comes as a quaintness to blasé ears,” he wrote, “but his music is nothing more than expressivity — hanging unqualified in air.”

From Washington Post • Nov. 21, 2022

Phil “Rite” of passage, two years later, offered an excess of youthful vivacity, speed and hyper expressivity.

From Los Angeles Times • May 7, 2022

A lot of listeners associate this music with the famous recording by Radu Lupu, with its profound expressivity.

From New York Times • Jan. 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