opaque expression

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "opaque expression" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a phrase or statement that is unclear or difficult to understand. Example: "The author's use of an opaque expression left many readers confused about the main argument of the article."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Her stifled pain — at her father's absence, at the gossip it sparks, at the mockery and ostracism that she endures from the popular girls, with the more perfect wardrobes and the more glittery manners, such as her next-door neighbor, Veronica (Rowan Blanchard) — compacts itself into an opaque expression and a far-reaching gaze.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Then governor, Wallace was blamed for fostering an atmosphere volatile enough to encourage such an action, and this time the frozen image shows an opaque facial expression.

The New York Times

His skin was bronzed and glistening, his chest hairless, his expression opaque: stern, wary, perhaps a little confrontational.

The New Yorker

The WOR1 gene (7 fold up-regulated) is a master regulator of white-opaque switching and its expression induced the white-opaque phase transition [46], [47].

Plosone

But her expression is opaque.

The New York Times

Instead he picked at his fingers, trying to keep his expression as opaque as his own financial affairs.

The Guardian - Business

The deep-set eyes in his handsome face are weirdly close together and their expression strangely opaque, as though all he sees are dead people.

The New York Times

Our data shows that there was a concomitant increase in htrA expression in opaque sessile sample, where the expression level of ciaRH was also upregulated.

Plosone

Microarray analysis of planktonic and sessile bacteria from transparent and opaque variants showed differential gene expression in two operons: the lic operon, which is involved in choline uptake, and in the two-component system, ciaRH.

Plosone

The development of a Zeastar unigene chip made it possible to analyze the patterns of gene expression in the opaque mutants herein investigated.

BMC Genomics

Upregulation of the operon was further confirmed by RT-PCR analysis of licA and tacF (Table S1), which showed upregulation of both genes in the sessile opaque bacteria (as seen with the expression of licD2).

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "opaque expression" when you want to describe a facial or verbal expression that is difficult to interpret or understand due to its lack of clarity or emotional transparency. Make sure the context provides enough information to understand what might be causing the opacity.

Common error

Don't assume that an "opaque expression" indicates a complete lack of meaning or emotion. It often signifies that the meaning is present but obscured, requiring further observation or investigation to decipher.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "opaque expression" functions as a descriptor, modifying a noun (expression) to indicate its quality of being difficult to see through, understand, or interpret. It describes something that conceals or obscures meaning, as seen in the example from Ludwig of a character with an "opaque expression" and a far-reaching gaze.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "opaque expression" describes a lack of clarity or transparency in someone's face or words. According to Ludwig, this expression is grammatically correct and usable, though not very common. It's found mainly in news, media, and scientific contexts. Using "opaque expression" implies that the true meaning or emotion is hidden, requiring further interpretation. While directness is generally preferred, sometimes an "opaque expression" serves a purpose. Alternatives such as "unclear expression" or "vague expression" may be suitable depending on the specific nuance needed. Be careful not to assume a complete lack of meaning, as it often signifies obscured intent rather than emptiness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Unclear expression

Replaces "opaque" with a more straightforward synonym emphasizing lack of clarity.

Vague expression

Similar to "unclear expression", but suggests a lack of precision rather than complete obscurity.

Ambiguous expression

Highlights the possibility of multiple interpretations.

Inscrutable expression

Emphasizes the difficulty in understanding the expression's meaning.

Deadpan expression

Refers to a blank or emotionless expression, often masking inner feelings.

Blank expression

Similar to "deadpan expression", indicating a lack of discernible emotion or thought.

Guarded expression

Suggests that the person is deliberately concealing their true feelings.

Hidden emotion

Focuses on the internal state being concealed, rather than the outward expression itself.

Inexpressive face

Shifts the focus from the expression to the overall appearance of the face.

Impassive countenance

A more formal and literary way of describing a lack of expression.

FAQs

How can I use "opaque expression" in a sentence?

You can use "opaque expression" to describe a face or statement that is difficult to understand. For example: "The witness offered an explanation, but his expression remained opaque, leaving the jury unsure of his sincerity".

What does it mean when someone has an "opaque expression"?

An "opaque expression" typically means someone's face or words don't clearly reveal their thoughts or feelings. It suggests a lack of transparency or a deliberate attempt to conceal their true state.

What are some synonyms for "opaque expression"?

Alternatives to "opaque expression" include "unclear expression", "vague expression", or "inscrutable expression", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to be direct or use an "opaque expression" in communication?

Direct communication is usually preferable for clarity and avoiding misunderstandings. An "opaque expression" might be used intentionally to create mystery, maintain privacy, or avoid confrontation, but it risks confusing the audience.