non-expressive
|non-ex-pres-sive|
C1
/nɒn ɪkˈsprɛsɪv/
(expressive)
conveying feeling
Etymology
Etymology Information
'non-expressive' originates from the prefix 'non-' meaning 'not' and the word 'expressive' from Latin 'expressivus', where 'ex-' meant 'out' and 'pressare' meant 'to press'.
Historical Evolution
'expressivus' transformed into the French word 'expressif', and eventually became the modern English word 'expressive', with 'non-' added to form 'non-expressive'.
Meaning Changes
Initially, 'expressive' meant 'capable of expression', and 'non-expressive' evolved to mean 'lacking expression'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
lacking the ability or tendency to express emotions or thoughts.
Her face remained non-expressive throughout the entire conversation.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:42