express

expressverb

To express something is to put a thought, a feeling, or an amount into a form that others can see, hear, or understand.

1. show a feelingshow a feeling, an opinion, or an idea in words or in some other way

   transitive [T] verb + object [V + obj] verb + wh-clause [V + wh] verb + object + preposition + object [V + obj + prep + obj]

   • She expressed surprise at the news. V + obj + prep + obj
   • It's hard to express how grateful I am. V + wh
   • Many people have expressed concern about the plan. V + obj + prep + obj
   • Children often express their feelings through play. V + obj

   Collocations

   verb + noun express concern, express an opinion, express thanks, express interest, express support, express doubt

   verb + adverb express clearly, express openly, express strongly

   Synonyms show; state

2. express yourselfsay or write clearly what you think or feel

   Used with a word such as yourself, himself, or herself as the object.

   transitive [T] verb + object [V + obj]

   • He finds it hard to express himself in English.
   • Music gives her a way to express herself.
   • Try to express yourself more clearly.

3. in numbersshow a number or an amount in a particular form

   transitive [T] verb + object + as + noun or adjective [V + obj + as] verb + object + preposition + object [V + obj + prep + obj]

   • The result is expressed as a percentage. V + obj + as (passive)
   • Express the answer in meters. V + obj + prep + obj

   Collocations

   verb + preposition express something as something, express something in something