expressive

/ɪkˈspresɪv/ (bre, ipa) · /ɪkˈspresɪv/ (ame, ipa) · /ik-ˈspre-siv/ (ame, mw)

expressive — adjective

  • expressivepositive
  • more expressivecomparative
  • most expressivesuperlative

1. describes a person who naturally shows their thoughts and emotions clearly throu

1.形容詞B1
釋義

describes a person who naturally shows their thoughts and emotions clearly through their facial expressions, voice, or body movements — without hiding or holding back.

例句

Tamar is very expressive when she tells stories — her whole face lights up.

describes a person's natural storytelling manner

The children's expressive paintings showed exactly how they felt about leaving their old neighbourhood.

collocation: expressive paintings/drawings

同義詞
  • demonstrative

    More specific — focuses on openly showing affection (hugs, praise, touch) rather than all emotions

  • emotional

    Can carry a negative connotation of being easily upset; 'expressive' is neutral

  • animated

    Emphasises lively energy and movement rather than emotional depth

  • eloquent

    More formal; typically refers to powerful speech or writing, not facial expression

反義詞
  • inexpressive

    Direct opposite — shows little or no emotion through face or voice

  • reserved

    Describes someone who keeps feelings private by choice, not because they lack expressiveness

  • impassive

    More formal; describes a face that shows no emotion, often in a controlled or professional context

用法筆記

Typically describes a person's general nature or style of communication, not a single temporary action. Compare: 'an expressive child' (sense 1 — a naturally open child) vs. 'a look expressive of doubt' (sense 2 — a momentary look that conveys a specific feeling).

常見錯誤

❌She was very expressive of her feelings.
✅She was very expressive about her feelings.
💡Sense 1 takes 'about' to introduce the topic; 'expressive of' is the pattern for sense 2.
❌His expressive look worried me.' (when the intended meaning is sense 1)
✅He has an expressive face.
💡A single 'look' belongs to sense 2; sense 1 describes a person's lasting trait.

2. describes something — a glance, tone of voice, or creative work — that makes a s

2.形容詞B2
釋義

describes something — a glance, tone of voice, or creative work — that makes a specific emotion or trait clearly felt by others, most often in the pattern 'expressive of [emotion/quality]'.

例句

The artist's choice of colours was expressive of a sadness she rarely showed in public.

grammar pattern: expressive of + [emotion]

Jude spoke with a careful calm that was expressive of deep respect for his audience.

grammar pattern: expressive of + [quality]

同義詞
  • indicative

    More factual and less emotional — suggests a sign or evidence rather than a deliberate expression

  • suggestive

    Implies something is hinted at rather than clearly shown; less direct than 'expressive'

  • reflective

    Suggests that something mirrors or represents a quality; slightly more abstract

文法句型

expressive of + [emotion/quality]

用法筆記

Most common in the formal pattern 'expressive of + [emotion/quality]', which distinguishes this sense from sense 1. Sense 2 describes a specific action, look, or creation that reflects a quality — not the person's overall nature.

常見錯誤

❌His face was expressive' (when the intended meaning is sense 2)
✅His face was expressive of deep concern.
💡Without 'of + quality', the meaning shifts to sense 1 (he naturally shows feelings).
❌She is expressive of happiness.
✅Her smile was expressive of happiness.
💡Sense 2 describes a specific thing (smile, voice, painting), not a person directly.