express rifle
B1Common in all registers from formal to informal, with specific technical uses in logistics and transport.
Definition
Meaning
to convey or communicate a thought, feeling, or meaning through words, actions, or artistic form.
To show or make known; to represent or symbolize; to press or squeeze out; to operate a fast service (e.g., train); to send by a rapid delivery method.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The core sense relates to externalizing something internal (thoughts, feelings). In transport/logistics, it denotes speed and directness. The 'squeeze out' sense is common with liquids or substances.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minor differences in collocational frequency. The term 'express train' is common in both, but 'express lane' (supermarket/road) is perhaps more frequent in AmE. 'Express mail' is a branded service in both but used generically.
Connotations
Largely identical. Connotes speed, efficiency, clarity, and directness.
Frequency
Very high frequency in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
express + NOUN (opinion, view)express + reflexive pronoun + adverb/preposition (express oneself clearly)express + that-clauseexpress + wh-clauseexpress + NOUN + to + PERSONVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Words cannot express...”
- “express oneself”
- “express mail”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Common in meetings and reports: 'express concern about sales', 'express interest in a partnership', 'express delivery'.
Academic
Used to describe presenting ideas or arguments: 'The author expresses a controversial view.', 'express a variable as a function of...'.
Everyday
Very common for feelings and opinions: 'I want to express my thanks.', 'He expressed his disappointment.'
Technical
In logistics: 'express shipment'; in mathematics: 'express an equation in simpler terms'; in biology: 'genes express proteins'.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She expressed her reservations about the new policy during the meeting.
- The juice is expressed from fresh oranges.
- He found it difficult to express himself in a foreign language.
American English
- The mayor expressed his condolences to the family.
- You can express your package here for overnight delivery.
- The artist's work expresses a deep sense of loneliness.
adverb
British English
- The package was sent express and arrived the next day.
- I travelled express to Edinburgh.
American English
- I had the letter delivered express.
- She went express to the front of the line.
adjective
British English
- She took the express train to London to save time.
- This is an express service with an additional fee.
- He gave me an express look of warning.
American English
- Use the express lane if you have 10 items or fewer.
- We sent the documents via express mail.
- His express purpose was to confront the manager.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I can't express my feelings.
- This is an express bus to the city centre.
- The children expressed their joy by dancing.
- We offer an express cleaning service.
- The report expresses doubt about the project's feasibility.
- The gene expresses a protein that fights infection.
- The treaty was seen as expressing the collective will of the nations.
- His paintings powerfully express the existential angst of the period.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a PRESS sending out (ex-) news quickly and clearly. EX-PRESS.
Conceptual Metaphor
IDEAS/FEELINGS ARE FLUIDS (to be expressed/let out). COMMUNICATION IS SENDING (express mail).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Not a direct equivalent of 'экспресс' (which is just 'fast train/coffee'). The verb 'выражать' is closer for the core meaning. Avoid using 'express' as a noun for a person (like 'экспресс' in sports) – that's 'sprinter' or 'speedster'.
Common Mistakes
- *I express me. (Correct: I express myself.)
- *She expressed to go. (Correct: She expressed a desire to go / that she wanted to go.)
- Confusing 'express' (verb) with 'fast' or 'quick' (adjectives) in some contexts.
Practice
Quiz
In a mathematical context, what does it mean to 'express y in terms of x'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Say' focuses on the words spoken. 'Express' is broader, covering communication through words, actions, art, etc., and often focuses on making internal feelings or thoughts external.
Yes, but less commonly. It mainly refers to a fast train or delivery service (e.g., 'the overnight express'). The main uses are verb and adjective.
No, the correct spelling for the strong coffee is 'espresso'. 'Expresso' is a common misspelling influenced by the word 'express'.
It means the expression of your own personality, feelings, or ideas, especially through art, writing, fashion, or behaviour.