express

express adj *explicit, definite, specific, categorical

Analogous words: expressed, voiced, uttered (see EXPRESS vb): lucid, *clear, perspicuous: distinct, plain (see EVIDENT): precise, exact, accurate (see CORRECT)

Contrasted words: implicit, constructive, virtual: vague, *obscure, cryptic, enigmatic, ambiguous, equivocal

express vb Express, vent, utter, voice, broach, air, ventilate are comparable when they mean to let out what one feels or thinks.

Express, the most comprehensive of these words, implies an impulse to reveal not only thoughts or feelings but also experiences, imaginative conceptions, and personality; it implies revelation not only in words but also in gestures, in action, in dress, or in what one makes or produces, especially as works of art

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once again I have to express surprise and satisfaction— Lucas

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in speaking or writing we have an obligation to put ourselves into the hearer's or reader's place .... To express ourselves is a very small part of the business— Quiller-Couch

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there were so many different moods and impressions that he wished to express in verse— Joyce

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Vent stresses such an inner compulsion to expression as a pent-up emotion that seeks an outlet or a powerful passion that cannot be controlled

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he vented his spleen in libelous caricatures

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his heart's his mouth: what his breast forges, that his tongue must vent— Shak.

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by means of ferocious jokes ... he could vent his hatred of pioneer life and all its conditions— Brooks

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Utter stresses the use of voice; it does not, however, always imply speech

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utter a yell

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utter one's relief by sobbing

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When speech is implied, it is typically both short and significant

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utter a command

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his tongue and pen uttered heavenly mysteries— Walton

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and the context may suggest a reason for secrecy as well as for revelation

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he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter— 2 Cor 12:4

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begin by encouraging him to utter freely even his most shocking thoughts— Russell

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Voice does not necessarily imply vocal utterance, but it invari-ably suggests expression in words

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I revelled in being able to voice my opinions without being regarded as a dangerous lunatic— Mackenzie

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Very often voice suggests that the writer or speaker serves as a spokesman expressing a shared view

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the editorial voices the universal longing for peace

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one, bolder than the rest, voiced their disapproval of the proposal

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Webster contributed a pamphlet . . . which effectively voiced the Federalist opposition— Cole

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Broach stresses mention for the first time, especially of something long thought over and awaiting an opportune moment for disclosure

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the mayor did not broach the project until he felt that public opinion was in its favor

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the idea of religious radio broadcasts was first broached in 1923— Current Biog.

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Air implies exposure, often in the desire to parade one's views, sometimes in the hope of attracting attention or sympathy

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air one's opinions of the government

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air a grievance

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he did not air his politics in the pulpit— Murdock

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Ventilate implies exposure also but usually suggests a desire to get at the truth by discovering the real issues or by weighing the evidence pro and con; it often means to investigate freely, openly, and thoroughly

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the question [the future of literature] has thus been ventilated from every point of view— Times Lit. Sup.

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Analogous words: *speak, talk: pronounce, *articulate, enunciate: *reveal, disclose, divulge, tell: *declare, proclaim, announce

Antonyms: imply

Contrasted words: hint, intimate, *suggest, insinuate