express
/ɪkˈspɹɛs/ adjective, noun, adverb, verb
Forms expresses expressing expressed
- adjective (not comparable) Moving or operating quickly, as a train not making local stops.
- adjective (comparable) Specific or precise; directly and distinctly stated; not merely implied. “I gave him express instructions not to begin until I arrived, but he ignored me.”
- adjective Truly depicted; exactly resembling. “In my eyes it bore a livelier image of the spirit, it seemed more express and single, than the imperfect and divided countenance.”
- adjective (postpositive, retail) Providing a more limited but presumably faster service than a full or complete dealer of the same kind or type. “Tesco Express”
- noun A mode of transportation, often a train, that travels quickly or directly, either on a regular schedule or as a special or excursion. Express trains often pass through stations along the way without stopping at them. “I took the express into town.”
- noun (Philippines, chiefly Metro Manila) a public utility vehicle, typically a jeepney, that traverses through an expressway
- noun A service that allows mail or money to be sent rapidly from one destination to another.
- noun An express rifle.
- noun (obsolete) A clear image or representation; an expression; a plain declaration.
- noun A messenger sent on a special errand; a courier.
- noun An express office.
- noun That which is sent by an express messenger or message.
- adverb Moving or operating quickly, as a train not making local stops. “The train runs express to 96 St.”
- verb (transitive) To convey or communicate; to make known or explicit. “Words cannot express the love I feel for him.”
- verb (transitive) To press, squeeze out (especially said of milk).
- verb (biochemistry) To translate messenger RNA into protein.
- verb (biochemistry) To transcribe deoxyribonucleic acid into messenger RNA.
- noun (obsolete) The action of conveying some idea using words or actions; communication, expression.
- noun (obsolete) A specific statement or instruction.
Synonyms
fast crack explicit plain clear direct monosemic monosemous patent specific unambiguous unequivocal univocal outspeak utter articulate common communicate convey share express mail limited expressage show evince verbalize verbalise give tongue to carry state
Antonyms
Etymology
From French exprès, from Latin expressus, past participle of exprimere (see Etymology 2, below).
From Old French espresser, expresser, from frequentative form of Latin exprimere.
Webster’s 1913
- adjective Exactly representing; exact.
- adjective Directly and distinctly stated; declared in terms; not implied or left to inference; made unambiguous by intention and care; clear; not dubious; as, express consent; an express statement.
- noun A clear image or representation; an expression; a plain declaration. [Obs.]
- noun A messenger sent on a special errand; a courier; hence, a regular and fast conveyance; commonly, a company or system for the prompt and safe transportation of merchandise or parcels; also, a railway train for transporting passengers or goods with speed and punctuality.
Etymology [F. exprès, L. expressus, p.p. of exprimere to express; ex. out + premere To press. See Press.]
Etymology [Cf. F. exprès a messenger.]
Sources: Wiktionary · WordNet 3.0 · Webster’s 1913 — from the Wiktionary entry “express”, CC BY-SA 4.0. Details