express

I. adjective Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French expres, from Latin expressus, past participle of exprimere to press out, express, from ex- + premere to press — more at press Date: 14th century 1. a. directly, firmly, and explicitly stated <

my express orders

> b. exact, precise 2. a. designed for or adapted to its purpose b. of a particular sort ; specific <

for that express purpose

> 3. a. traveling at high speed; specifically traveling with few or no stops along the way <

express train

> b. adapted or suitable for travel at high speed <

an express highway

> c. British designated to be delivered without delay by special messenger Synonyms: see explicit II. adverb Date: 14th century 1. obsolete expressly 2. by express <

delivered express

> III. noun Date: 1619 1. a. British a messenger sent on a special errand b. British a dispatch conveyed by a special messenger c. (1) a system for the prompt and safe transportation of parcels, money, or goods at rates higher than standard freight charges (2) a company operating such a merchandise freight service d. British special delivery 2. an express vehicle IV. transitive verb Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French espresser, from expres, adjective Date: 14th century 1. a. delineate, depict b. to represent in words ; state c. to give or convey a true impression of ; show, reflect d. to make known the opinions or feelings of (oneself) e. to give expression to the artistic or creative impulses or abilities of (oneself) f. to represent by a sign or symbol ; symbolize 2. a. to force out (as the juice of a fruit) by pressure b. to subject to pressure so as to extract something 3. to send by express 4. to cause (a gene) to manifest its effects in the phenotype; also to manifest or produce (a character, molecule, or effect) by a genetic process • expresser noun • expressible adjective Synonyms: express, vent, utter, voice, broach, air mean to make known what one thinks or feels. express suggests an impulse to reveal in words, gestures, actions, or what one creates or produces <

expressed her feelings in music

>. vent stresses a strong inner compulsion to express especially in words <

a tirade venting his frustration

>. utter implies the use of the voice not necessarily in articulate speech <

utter a groan

>. voice does not necessarily imply vocal utterance but does imply expression or formulation in words <

an editorial voicing their concerns

>. broach adds the implication of disclosing for the first time something long thought over or reserved for a suitable occasion <

broached the subject of a divorce

>. air implies an exposing or parading of one's views often in order to gain relief or sympathy or attention <

publicly airing their differences

>.