Ilmaisulliset

Ilmaisulliset is the plural form of the Finnish adjective ilmaisullinen, meaning expressive. In Finnish criticism and analysis, ilmaisulliset describes methods, features, or means that convey emotion, mood or meaning through form rather than content alone. The phrase ilmaisulliset keinot is commonly used to refer to expressive devices or techniques across arts and communication. Grammatically, ilmaisulliset modifies plural nouns, as in ilmaisulliset keinot, ilmaisulliset piirteet, or ilmaisulliset ilmaisut.

Etymology: ilmaisullinen derives from the verb ilmaista “to express” plus the productive suffix -llinen indicating a property. The plural ilmaisulliset is the form used when referring to multiple expressive features.

Usage: In literature and theatre, ilmaisulliset keinot include imagery, metaphor, rhythm, tone and narrative pacing. In music, expressive means may consist of dynamics, tempo, timbre and articulation. In visual arts, colour, contrast, line and composition function as ilmaisulliset keinoja to communicate mood. The concept is often contrasted with sisällölliset keinot (content-based means), emphasizing how form and expression contribute to the overall perception of a work rather than its subject matter alone.

See also: ilmaisullinen, ilmaisu, keino, ilmaisutapa.