easy
The expression 3 + 5 has a value of eight.
What does Expression mean?
In math, an expression combines numbers, variables, and operations but does not state that two sides are equal.
Dictionary definition
A mathematical combination of numbers, variables, and operation symbols that represents a value; expression can also mean communication of an idea or feeling, a look on a face, or a familiar phrase.
Example sentences
Expression in a sentence
medium
Substitute four for x to evaluate the expression 2x + 1.
hard
Her surprised expression showed how she felt before she spoke.
Writing practice
Ready to write your own? Study the examples, then practice expression in a sentence with Sentence Builder checklist feedback.
Quick practice
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Practice the meaning of Expression
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
Which choice is a mathematical expression?
An expression represents a value but does not make an equality or inequality statement.
Practice 2
What is the value of 2x + 3 when x = 4?
Substitute 4: 2(4) + 3 = 8 + 3 = 11.
Practice 3
Which are like terms?
Like terms have the same variable part raised to the same powers.
Practice complete
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You completed 3 questions.
Pronunciation coach
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Expression
Voice settings
Sounds like
ik · spresh · un · strongest beat: spresh
Tap each sound part, then blend the whole word together.
Learn
WordExpression.
Partnoun.
MeaningExpression means In math, an expression combines numbers, variables, and operations but does not state that two sides are equal.
ExampleExample: The expression 3 + 5 has a value of eight.
Word breakdown
3 syllables. Say each part, then blend the word.
- Syllables
- ik · spresh · un
- Strongest beat
- spresh
- Ending
- un
- Tip
- Put a little extra energy on spresh.
Your turn
Say Expression
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Nice work—you practiced expression.
Synonyms
Words like Expression
mathematical phraseA learner-friendly comparison for an expression, which represents a value without asserting equality.
phraseClose when expression means a group of words commonly used together.
manifestationA formal synonym when expression means an outward sign of a feeling or idea.
Antonym review
Does Expression have an opposite?
Expression has mathematical, linguistic, facial, and communicative senses but no direct antonym. Silence can mean lack of spoken expression, while an equation adds a relation between expressions; neither is a universal opposite.
Synonym practice
Want to practice expression synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "The author used a phrase that made us laugh," then compare close word choices. Practice expression synonyms.
Word family
Expression word family
Base word
express
verb
expresses
Communicates or represents something.
verb
expressed
Communicated or represented in the past.
noun
expression
A mathematical form, communication, facial look, or phrase.
adjective
expressive
Showing thoughts or feelings clearly.
Related words
Explore related words
Student support
Understand Expression
Hint for students
Evaluate an expression by substituting values and following order of operations. Solve an equation; do not say you “solve” a standalone expression.
Common mix-up
An expression has no equal or comparison relation joining two sides. Terms can be combined only when their variable parts match.
Try it in class or at home
Write an expression for a real situation, label its parts, evaluate it for two variable values, and then turn it into an equation by adding a meaningful equality.
Teacher prompt
Sort examples into expression, equation, and inequality. Ask students to identify terms, coefficients, constants, variables, operations, and relation symbols.
Word Wheel · Grades 6+
Practice with the Grades 6+ Math Words Wheel
Spin this researched Math Words wheel to review the definition, connect related concepts, and practice precise mathematical language.
Learning activities
Practice Expression and explore more word games
Cards labelled “Practice EXPRESSION” keep this word in focus. Explore cards open games with other words.
Practice EXPRESSION
Sentence Builder
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Write a sentence with EXPRESSION
Explore · Spelling
Spell Hive
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Practice spelling
Explore · Definitions
Define the Word Hive
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Explore · Matching
Vocabulary Match
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Match meanings
Explore · Context
Context Clue Challenge
Use sentence clues to choose the word that fits the meaning.
Use context clues
Practice EXPRESSION
Synonym Search
Compare meanings in a question that includes EXPRESSION.
Practice EXPRESSION
Explore · Scramble
Scrambled Bees
Rebuild words from mixed-up letters for spelling practice.
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