unexpressive
|un/ex/pres/sive|
C1
/ˌʌnɪkˈsprɛsɪv/
lacking expression
Etymology
Etymology Information
'unexpressive' originates from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and the word 'expressive', which comes from Latin 'expressivus', meaning 'capable of expression'.
Historical Evolution
'expressivus' transformed into the French word 'expressif', and eventually became the modern English word 'expressive', with 'un-' added to form 'unexpressive'.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'not capable of expression', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'not showing much emotion'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
not showing or conveying much emotion or feeling.
Her face remained unexpressive throughout the entire conversation.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35