Expressions is the plural noun of expression: phrases or outward manifestations of thought or feeling. In linguistics, expressions can also refer to idioms or fixed collocations. The word carries a light plural stress pattern and is common in formal and informal discourse when discussing facial expressions, currency exchange expressions, or mathematical expressions. 2-4 sentences, 50-80 words total.
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- US: Rhotic, /r/ pronounced in all positions; vowels may be more reticulated. In careful speech, keep /ɹ/ distinct before the vowel. - UK: Non-rhotic tendencies; you may drop the /r/ after consonants, so /ɪkˈspre.ʃənz/ may be heard without an /r/ in some dialects; focus on clear /ˈspre/ onset. - AU: Similar to UK with often more centralized vowels; maintain the /ˈspre/ sequence and end with /z/. IPA references guide adjustments: US /ɪkˈspre.ʃənz/; UK /ɪkˈspre.ʃənz/; AU /ɪkˈspre.ʃənz/ with vowel shifts widely observed. - General tip: practice with minimal pairs like “express” vs “expressions” to feel the plural suffix.”
"- She wore several expressions on her face, revealing her true emotions."
"- The expressions in his notebook showed the algebraic relationships clearly."
"- We analyzed the currency expressions used in the report to ensure consistent terminology."
"- Creative writers often vary expressions to convey tone and character."
Expressions derives from Latin expressio, meaning 'a pressing out' or 'a representation of meaning,' from the verb exprimere (ex- 'out' + primere 'to press'). The Old French expression carried over into Middle English as expression(s) by the 14th century, initially referring to outward showing or manifestation and later expanding to specific forms of language, such as phrases or idioms. The plural form expressions appeared in English to denote multiple manifestations or phrases, particularly after the rise of fixed expressions and idioms in the Early Modern English period. The word’s semantic shift toward language-specific units — phrases, idioms, or designated mathematical/linguistic forms — solidified in the 17th–19th centuries with scholarly and literary usage. First known uses appear in scholarly discourse and rhetoric treatises where expression(s) were discussed as the outward signs of inner thought, evolving to include mathematical and symbolic expressions as science and algebra developed.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "expressions" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "expressions" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "expressions"
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Express ions is pronounced /ɪkˈspre.ʃənz/ in US and UK English, with primary stress on the second syllable: ex-PRESS-ions. Lip rounding for the initial vowel is relaxed, and the /k/ is a hard stop before the /ˈspre/ cluster. In careful speech, you’ll enunciate the /ˈspre/ clearly, then add the /ʃənz/ ending. For practice, try segmenting: /ɪk/ + /ˈspre/ + /ʃənz/. Audio references: you can hear naturals on Pronounce or Forvo.
Common mistakes include misplacing the stress (saying ex-PRESS-ions with heavy emphasis on the first or wrong syllable), and mispronouncing the /ks/ sequence as a softer /sk/ or blending the /i/ into a schwa. Another frequent error is running the /r/ as /ɹ/ in non-rhotic accents or over-pronouncing the /s/ at the end. Correction: keep primary stress on the second syllable /ˈspre/, clearly articulate /k/ and /s/ as separate consonants, and avoid vowel reduction in the second syllable.
In US and UK accents, the vowel in the second syllable is reduced around /ɪ/ or /ə/, with /ˈspre/ as the nucleus. US tends to rhoticize the /r/ in speech, UK remains non-rhotic in most accents; however, in linked speech, the /r/ may be heard before vowels. Australian pronunciation mirrors UK non-rhotic tendencies but with more centralized vowel qualities and slightly slower pace. Overall, the ending /ənz/ remains voiced and pluralized similarly across regions, but the preceding vowel in /ɪk/ and the /eɪ/ quality in some UK varieties may shift slightly.
The difficulty lies in the consonant cluster /ks/ after /i/ and the /ʃ/ sound in /ˈspre/. The sequence /ɪkˈspre/ requires you to move quickly from a tense back/central vowel to a sharp /s/ + /pr/ onset cluster, and then a /ʃ/ before the schwa-like /ənz/. Beginners often insert an extra vowel or collapse /k/ with /s/; practice accurate closure and release of /k/, followed by a crisp /s/ to start the /pre/ cluster. Pay attention to duration and voicing for the /z/ at the end.
A unique feature is the strong, distinct /ˈspre/ onset after the initial /ɪk/. The second syllable carries primary stress, which means your jaw opens more for /e/, and the /p/ in /spre/ is released cleanly before the /ʃ/ blend that begins the third segment. In careful speech, avoid a reduced vowel in /ɪk/ and ensure the /s/ at the end remains audible rather than just a voiceless lisp. IPA touchpoints: /ɪkˈspre.ʃənz/.
🗣️ Voice search tip: These questions are optimized for voice search. Try asking your voice assistant any of these questions about "expressions"!
- Shadowing: listen to native speakers saying ‘expressions’ and repeat immediately, matching intonation and pace. - Minimal pairs: practice with pronouncing ‘express’ vs ‘expressions’ to hear the extra syllable and final z. - Rhythm: mark the metrical beat: X / X X / X (unstressed/ stressed) pattern: ex-PRESS-ions. - Stress: emphasize the second syllable; keep the final /ɪnz/ as a quick, light ending. - Recording: record yourself, compare with a native, and adjust the ending /ənz/ to avoid devoicing. - Context practice: say phrases like ‘mathematical expressions’, ‘expressions of gratitude’, ‘facial expressions’ to consolidate patterns.
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