'expressive' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'expressivus,' where 'ex-' meant 'out' and 'pressare' meant 'to press.'

'expressivus' transformed into the French word 'expressif,' and eventually became the modern English word 'expressive' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to press out or express,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'effectively conveying thought or feeling.'