Definition

1. Verb:
   • To give verbal or other expression to one's feelings: To outwardly show or communicate one's internal emotional state, whether through words, sounds, facial expressions, gestures, or artistic means.

Usage

• This verb phrase describes the act of making one's internal feelings known or visible to others or to oneself. It is a conscious or unconscious process of emotional release or communication.
• It is typically used with a subject (a person or sometimes an animal) who performs the action. The specific emotion is often implied by the context or can be stated (e.g., express joy, express grief).

Examples

• Verb:
  • She couldn't help but express emotion when she heard the wonderful news, laughing and crying at the same time.
  • In therapy, patients are encouraged to express emotion in a safe environment.
  • The painting is a powerful way for the artist to express emotion without using words.

Advanced Usage

• "to freely express emotion": to show feelings without inhibition or restraint.
  • The supportive group allowed him to freely express emotion for the first time.
• "to find a way to express emotion": to discover a method or outlet for showing feelings.
  • He found it difficult to talk, so he used music as a way to express emotion.

Variants and Related Words

• Emotional expression (n): The act or an instance of expressing emotion; also refers to the outward manifestation itself (e.g., a smile, a shout).
  • Facial cues are a primary form of emotional expression.
• Expressive (adj): Effectively conveying thought or feeling.
  • She has very expressive eyes.

Synonyms

• Show feeling: To display an emotional state.
• Vent feelings: To give expression to strong emotions, often to relieve pressure.
• Give voice to: To express feelings or thoughts in words.

Related Phrases

• Let it out: (informal phrase) To allow oneself to express pent-up emotion.
  • After the stressful week, she finally let it out and had a good cry.
• Bottle up (emotions): (phrasal verb, antonym) To consciously refrain from expressing emotion.
  • It's not healthy to bottle up your emotions.

Related Idioms

• Wear one's heart on one's sleeve: To openly and obviously show one's feelings.
  • He wears his heart on his sleeve, so you always know how he's feeling.
• Get something off one's chest: To express a worry or problem that has been bothering one, thereby relieving the emotional burden.
  • I need to talk to you; I have to get this off my chest.

Verb

1. give verbal or other expression to one's feelings