expression

Universal Words noun showing feelings / ideas 1 [U,C] things that people say, write or do in order to show their feelings, opinions and ideas: an expression of support * Expressions of sympathy flooded in from all over the country. * Freedom of expression (= freedom to say what you think) is a basic human right. * (formal) The poet's anger finds expression in (= is shown in) the last verse of the poem. * The riots are the most serious expression of anti-government feeling yet. * Only in his dreams does he give expression to his fears. * Their frustration needs some form of expression. on face 2 [C] a look on a person's face that shows their thoughts or feelings: There was a worried expression on her face. * an expression of amazement / disbelief / horror * His expression changed from surprise to one of amusement. * The expression in her eyes told me something was wrong. * facial expressions words 3 [C] a word or phrase: a polite / slang / old-fashioned expression * (spoken) He's a pain in the butt, if you'll pardon the expression. * Her writing is full of colourful expressions. in music / acting 4 [U] a strong show of feeling when you are playing music, speaking, acting, etc: Try to put a little more expression into it! * She plays the violin with great expression. mathematics 5 [C] a group of signs that represent an idea or a quantity