French word

expressif

Pronunciation

IPA/ɛkspʁesif/

Meaning

  • adjectiveexpressive

Example

Elle est très expressive quand elle parle.

She is very expressive when she speaks.

Illustration for expressif (expressive)

More examples

Son regard est très expressif.

His gaze is very expressive.

Core concept

A clear outward display that gives emotion or thought a recognizable form through speech, movement, or appearance.

Common phrases

  • regard expressif

    expressive gaze

  • visage expressif

    expressive face

Similar words

extraverti: Openly expressing feelings and thoughts in front of others without hesitation.
enthousiaste: Showing strong interest or approval through lively facial expressions and voice.
énergique: Communicating with force through vigorous movements or speech.
vivant: Appearing lively and animated in facial expressions or speech.

Definition in French

Qui montre clairement des émotions ou des idées par le visage, la voix, les gestes ou le langage.

Word origin

Expressif is a French adjective derived with -if from exprimer, a verb descended from Latin exprimere, "to press out."

Usage tips

  • French uses expressif for people, voices, faces, gestures, and language, without necessarily implying eloquence or extroversion.

Other meanings

  • animatedadjective

Opposites

  • impassibleimpassiveadjective
  • réservéreservedadjective

Related words

Word lists with this word