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expression - Word of the Day - Sat Mar 7, 2026

Myr

Entry posted by Myr in Word of the Day

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expression - (n) - the outward communication of inner thought or feeling

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His expression revealed more than his carefully chosen words.

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Author tip: Expression includes silence as well as speech.
Genre tags: Drama, Romance

 

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drpaladin

drpaladin 107,893
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An expression can also be a figure of speech.

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Bill W

Bill W 61,520
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Expression" originates from the early 15th century Middle English expressioun, derived from Late Latin expressionem ("a pressing out"), from Latin (exprimere - to press out).  It stems from ex- ("out") and premere ("to press"). It literally meant squeezing out, later evolving to represent, describe, or manifest feelings in words or art by the mid-15th century. 

According to the Oxford English Diectionary (OED), the earliest known use of the noun "expression" in English dates to before 1425. It appears in the Middle English period (1150–1500) within the medical treatise Grande Chirurgie by Guy de Chauliac. 

Evolution of the meaning of expression:  
15th Century: Primarily meant a "pressing out," "vividness," or "putting into words". 
1620s: Began to mean "an action or creation that expresses feelings". 
1774: Came to refer to the look of the face. 

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Bill W

Bill W 61,520
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The use of "expression" in story writing referring to both the author's voice (self-expression) and the description of the character emotions (facial expressions, body language, and tone).  It is the mechanism that transforms a narrative from a dry report of events into a vivid, relatable experience. 
 
Here is a breakdown of how to use expression effectively in story writing: 
Describing Character Expression (Physicality): 
Instead of simply stating a character's emotion (e.g., "she was sad"), writers use physical expressions to show it, making the scene more immersive.  
Facial Expressions: Subtle movements like a creasing brow, flared nostrils, tightened jaw, or a forced smile can convey deep emotion. Body Language: Actions often speak louder than words—a character might shake their fist in anger, rub their hands together in anticipation, or avoid eye contact when lying.
Avoiding Overuse: While useful, excessive description of facial expressions can become tedious. Experienced writers recommend using them sparingly, focusing instead on broader body language and subtext.
Context over Description: Emotions are best conveyed through a mix of dialogue, action, and internal thoughts, rather than relying solely on facial descriptions. 
 
Expressive Writing (Authorial Voice & Style): 
This refers to using vivid, emotional language that connects directly with the reader.  
Sensory Details: Utilizing the five senses (sight, sound, smell, touch, taste) brings scenes to life. 
Metaphors and Similes: Comparing abstract emotions to concrete images (e.g., "her smile was like sunshine after rain") enhances emotional impact. 
Sentence Structure: Short, choppy sentences can convey anxiety or panic, while long, flowing sentences can express calm or nostalgia. 
Active Voice: Using strong verbs instead of adverbs (e.g., writing "she wailed" instead of "she cried loudly") makes the writing more immediate and impactful. 
 
The "Show, Don't Tell" Method: 
"Expression" is key to the fundamental rule of "show, don't tell."
Tell: "He was furious." 
Show (Expression): "Veins throbbed in his neck as he slammed his fist on the table". 
 
Tips for Improving Expression: 
Focus on Subtext: Allow characters to express emotions through what they don't say, or through conflicting actions and words. |Use Specificity: Rather than "sad," use "despondent" or "heartbroken." Instead of "mad," use "seething". 
Practice Free Writing: To improve your own voice, try writing without worrying about grammar or structure to allow raw, honest emotions to flow onto the page. 
 
Using expression effectively ensures that the reader feels the story rather than just reading it.
 
Edited by Bill W
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