expressively

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "expressively" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adverb that means in a way that reflects feelings or opinions clearly, and it is used to describe how someone speaks or acts. Example sentence: She spoke expressively, her face displaying a range of emotions.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In fact in Kripke's language Lγ, the liar sentence is undefined, so the previous sentence expresses a truth about Lγ that cannot be expressed within Lγ itself (hence the language is expressively incomplete).

SEP

The strengthened paradoxes then seem to force the consistent theorist to admit that the proposed theory was formulated in a language different from, and expressively more powerful than, the one whose semantics it was supposed to express.

SEP

Hegarty says that he now feels grateful for being transgender: "Expressively, emotionally, as an artist, as a singer".

The Guardian - Music

It is to build coalitions of allies, command personal loyalty, use language and images innovatively and expressively, seize opportunities to make parables of news stories and to articulate the national mood.

The Economist

She wielded her honeyed voice expressively but suffered from pitch problems.

The Economist

If I'm expressively voting my convictions, I guess I could try to vote harder for Mr Johnson, but I can't see it helping.

The Economist

It shows Mozart, in his first comic opera since his childhood, finding ways of using the orchestra more expressively and of giving real personality to the pasteboard figures of Italian opera buffa.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The biological term organic is sometimes used to describe a process of composition that seeks to develop interdependent spaces and masses that function expressively as members of an organism.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In the second quarter of the century acquaintance with contemporary Byzantine painting probably via illuminated manuscripts and recent developments on the Continent led English artists to a more organic, if expressively attenuated, conception of the human body.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The preface of another collection, first published in 1627, again gives information of great value to the interpretation of Baroque instrumental music: "Play the opening of a toccata slowly and arpeggiando.… If one hand has a trill, while the other plays a passage, do not play note against note, but play the trill rapidly and the other expressively".

Encyclopedia Britannica

He used an expressively distorted style of drawing and often drew upon Christian subjects.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "expressively" to highlight the manner in which emotions, feelings, or thoughts are communicated or portrayed, especially when aiming to emphasize clarity, depth, or impact.

Common error

Avoid using "expressively" too frequently in formal or scientific writing where objectivity is paramount. Opt for more neutral adverbs like "clearly" or "explicitly" when emotional expression is not the focus.

Linguistic Context

The word "expressively" functions primarily as an adverb, modifying verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to describe the manner in which an action is performed or a quality is displayed. As Ludwig AI highlights, it indicates that something is done in a way that reflects feelings or opinions clearly.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

31%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

6%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "expressively" is a versatile adverb used to describe actions performed with clear emotion or feeling. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. While commonly found in news and media, encyclopedias, and scientific texts, it's important to consider the context and avoid overuse in overly formal writing, where more neutral terms might be preferable. Related phrases like "in an expressive manner" or "with feeling" can offer stylistic variety. Remember to choose the alternative that best captures the intended nuance of your writing. By understanding the function, purpose, and register of "expressively", you can effectively use it to add depth and impact to your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in an expressive manner

This alternative directly replaces "expressively" with a prepositional phrase, offering a more verbose but equally valid construction.

with emotion

This phrase emphasizes the emotional aspect of "expressively", focusing on the feeling conveyed.

with feeling

Similar to "with emotion", this highlights the depth of sentiment communicated.

clearly

This alternative focuses on the clarity and lack of ambiguity in the expression.

eloquently

This suggests a refined and graceful manner of expression, going beyond mere clarity.

forcefully

This emphasizes the power and conviction behind the expression.

vividly

This highlights the creation of a clear and impactful image or impression.

passionately

This stresses the intense emotion and enthusiasm behind the expression.

articulately

This focuses on the skill and clarity in conveying thoughts and feelings.

meaningfully

This emphasizes the depth and significance of the expression.

FAQs

How can I use "expressively" in a sentence?

Use "expressively" to describe an action done in a way that clearly shows thoughts or feelings. For instance, "She played the piano "expressively", conveying a range of emotions."

What are some alternatives to saying "expressively"?

Depending on the context, you can replace "expressively" with alternatives such as "eloquently", "vividly", or "passionately". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say someone "expressively communicated"?

While grammatically sound, "expressively communicated" can be redundant. Consider using "communicated with emotion" or simply rephrasing to emphasize the emotional content of the communication. For example, instead of "He expressively communicated his concerns", try "He voiced his concerns "passionately"".

What's the difference between "expressively" and "explicitly"?

"Expressively" refers to communicating with emotion or feeling, while "explicitly" means communicating directly and clearly, leaving no room for doubt or interpretation. They are not interchangeable; choose based on whether you want to emphasize emotional content or clarity of information. For example "He made his point "explicitly"" instead of "He made his point expressively" if the intention is to highlight the lack of ambiguity.