PsychologyJuly 31, 2026

microexpression

MY-kroh-ek-SPREH-shun

Definition

A very brief, involuntary facial expression that flashes across a person's face, often revealing a true emotion that the individual is attempting to suppress or conceal.

Etymology

The word combines the Greek prefix 'mikros' meaning 'small' and the Latin 'expressio' meaning 'a pressing out' or 'representation'. It emerged in the late 20th century to describe rapid, unconscious displays of feeling.

In the news

In the article, the subject's ability to read microexpressions is highlighted as a strategic skill for identifying hidden motives and deception in a high-stakes competition.

The Traitors 2: Who is Karan Singh? Meet the mentalist and mind reader all set to join the reality show

Read the full article ↗

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