What is express? Pronunciation and usage in English

express means . Learn how to pronounce and use express through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of express

expressverb

/ɪkˈsprɛs//ɛkˈsprɛs/
Definition & pronunciation of express

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "express" in English. There are two common pronunciations, and they can sound quite different! Here's a breakdown of both:

1. The Most Common American Pronunciation (IPA: /ɛkˈspres/)

  • ek: This is pronounced like the word "ick" - a short, quick "e" sound.
  • spres: This is where it gets a bit trickier. It sounds like "stress" but with a softer "s." Here's how to break it down:
    • s: Pronounced as a soft "s" as in "sun" – almost like a quick "sh" sound.
    • pres: Sounds like "preh" – where “h” is often silent in American English.
    • s: Again, a soft "sh" sound.

Putting it together: /ɛkˈspres/ (ick-PRESS)

2. The British Pronunciation (IPA: /ɛkˈsprɛs/)

  • ek: Same as above - "ick" sound.
  • sprɛs: This is where the difference is biggest. It sounds more like "stress" but with a slightly longer "e" sound. It’s closer to "stress" than the American version.

Putting it together: /ɛkˈsprɛs/ (ick-PRESS)

Tips for getting it right:

  • Listen to Native Speakers: The best way to learn is by hearing it spoken. You can find examples on:
  • Focus on the soft "s": This is the key difference between the American and British versions.
  • Don't over-emphasize "press": It's not a hard, drawn-out "press" sound.

To help me tailor the explanation further, could you tell me:

  • Which accent are you interested in learning (American or British)?

Usage and examples with the word express in English

Let's break down how to use the word "express" in English. It's a wonderfully versatile word with several different meanings! Here's a breakdown with examples:

1. To Convey Feelings or Thoughts (Most Common Usage)

  • Meaning: To state or show (a feeling, opinion, or idea) clearly and openly.
  • Examples:
    • “She tried to express her sadness.” (To show/reveal her sadness)
    • “He was able to express his gratitude for her help.” (To state his thankfulness)
    • “I need to express my concerns about this project.” (To clearly state my worries)
    • “The poem expresses a deep longing for home.” (The poem conveys a feeling of longing)

2. To Communicate Using Words (Verbal Expression)

  • Meaning: To communicate through speech or writing.
  • Examples:
    • “He expressed his ideas clearly during the meeting.” (He communicated his ideas.)
    • “The letter expressed her apologies.” (The letter conveyed her apologies.)
    • "She expressed her thoughts on the matter." (She talked about her thoughts.)

3. To Send Something (Mail, etc.)

  • Meaning: To send something by mail or other means.
  • Examples:
    • “I need to express this package tomorrow.” (I need to send this package)
    • “They expressed their condolences in a card.” (They sent a card with their sympathy.)

4. To Perform (Music, Art, etc.)

  • Meaning: To show or reveal something through an artistic medium.
  • Examples:
    • “The dancer expressed the emotion of the music through her movements.” (The dancer showed the emotion)
    • “The painting expresses a sense of tranquility.” (The painting conveys a feeling of peace)

5. (Verb Phrase) To Indicate or Reveal (Often with “a” or “the”)

  • Meaning: To demonstrate or show something. Often used with "a" or "the."
  • Examples:
    • "He expressed a desire to travel." (He indicated a desire)
    • "She expressed the need for more funding." (She showed the need)
    • “The data expressed a clear trend.” (The data showed a clear trend)

Key Tips & Considerations:

  • Context is Crucial: The meaning of "express" depends heavily on the context of the sentence.
  • Synonyms: Consider these synonyms depending on the specific meaning you want to convey: state, convey, reveal, show, communicate, articulate.

Could you give me an example sentence you'd like me to analyze, or tell me what you’re trying to use “express” in a particular situation? That will help me give you even more targeted advice!

Synonyms for the word express

Practice with vocabulary express

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. During the negotiation, the CEO sought to openly _________ his company's position on the merger.
  2. The artist used vibrant colors to _________ a sense of joy and optimism in her latest painting.
  3. Please try to _________ your thoughts more clearly; your current explanation is a bit confusing.
  4. The board decided to _________ a formal declaration of their commitment to sustainable practices.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following words can be used to describe the act of conveying a feeling or idea through words or actions? A. conceal B. articulate C. suppress D. express

  2. If a package is sent via a fast delivery service, it is often referred to as: A. standard B. expedited C. express D. regular

  3. The politician struggled to _________ her gratitude to the volunteers who supported her campaign. A. convey B. ignore C. manifest D. express

  4. To ensure all team members understand the new policy, the manager needed to _________ the key points clearly. A. obscure B. elucidate C. simplify D. complicate

  5. Which words suggest making something known or understood by others, often without explicitly stating it? A. imply B. infer C. intimate D. deduce

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. His gestures clearly showed his strong disapproval of the proposal. (Rewrite using a form of "express")

  2. The company aims to ensure quick delivery of all urgent parcels. (Rewrite using a form of "express")

  3. The team effectively conveyed their concerns to the management during the meeting. (Rewrite, do not use "express" or its forms)

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. express
  2. express
  3. articulate (or communicate/state)
  4. issue (or make/declare)

Exercise 2:

  1. B. articulate, D. express
  2. B. expedited, C. express
  3. A. convey, C. manifest, D. express
  4. B. elucidate, C. simplify
  5. A. imply, C. intimate

Exercise 3:

  1. His gestures clearly expressed his strong disapproval of the proposal.
  2. The company aims to ensure express delivery of all urgent parcels.
  3. The team effectively communicated their concerns to the management during the meeting.

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