I. ik-ˈspres adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French expres, from Latin expressus, past participle of exprimere to press out, express, from ex- + premere to press — more at press
Date: 14th century
1.
a. : directly, firmly, and explicitly stated
my express orders
b. : exact , precise
2.
a. : designed for or adapted to its purpose
b. : of a particular sort : specific
for that express purpose
3.
a. : traveling at high speed ; specifically : traveling with few or no stops along the way
express train
b. : adapted or suitable for travel at high speed
an express highway
c. British : designated to be delivered without delay by special messenger
Synonyms: see explicit
II. adverb
Date: 14th century
1. obsolete : expressly
2. : by express
delivered express
III. noun
Date: 1619
1.
a. British : a messenger sent on a special errand
b. British : a dispatch conveyed by a special messenger
c.
(1) : a system for the prompt and safe transportation of parcels, money, or goods at rates higher than standard freight charges
(2) : a company operating such a merchandise freight service
d. British : special delivery
2. : an express vehicle
IV. transitive verb
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French espresser, from expres, adjective
Date: 14th century
1.
a. : delineate , depict
b. : to represent in words : state
c. : to give or convey a true impression of : show , reflect
d. : to make known the opinions or feelings of (oneself)
e. : to give expression to the artistic or creative impulses or abilities of (oneself)
f. : to represent by a sign or symbol : symbolize
2.
a. : to force out (as the juice of a fruit) by pressure
b. : to subject to pressure so as to extract something
3. : to send by express
4. : to cause (a gene) to manifest its effects in the phenotype ; also : to manifest or produce (a character, molecule, or effect) by a genetic process
• ex·press·er noun
• ex·press·ible -ə-bəl adjective
Synonyms:
express , vent , utter , voice , broach , air mean to make known what one thinks or feels. express suggests an impulse to reveal in words, gestures, actions, or what one creates or produces
expressed her feelings in music
vent stresses a strong inner compulsion to express especially in words
a tirade venting his frustration
utter implies the use of the voice not necessarily in articulate speech
utter a groan
voice does not necessarily imply vocal utterance but does imply expression or formulation in words
an editorial voicing their concerns
broach adds the implication of disclosing for the first time something long thought over or reserved for a suitable occasion
broached the subject of a divorce
air implies an exposing or parading of one's views often in order to gain relief or sympathy or attention
publicly airing their differences