noun B1 Intermediate Common

impression

ihm-PREHSHN

Impression (noun) means a feeling or opinion formed about something, often quickly and without deep analysis. Example: “My first impression of the city was that it was noisy but friendly.”

noun

A feeling or opinion formed about something, often quickly and without deep analysis.

"My first impression of the city was that it was noisy but friendly."

"He gave the impression that he already knew the answer."

A mark made by pressing one object onto or into another.

"The dentist took an impression of her teeth for the retainer."

An imitation of someone's voice, mannerisms, or style, usually for comic effect.

"He does a brilliant impression of the prime minister."

In digital advertising, a single instance of an ad or post being displayed to a viewer.

"The campaign generated over two million impressions in its first week."

How to Use Impression

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn opinion you form quickly, a physical mark, an imitation of someone, or (online) a single view/display of content.

Common mistake

Don't confuse "make an impression" (leave people with a strong opinion of you) with "do an impression" (imitate someone).

Common pairings

first impression make an impression do an impression of

Word Forms

impressioned past tense, impressions plural, impressions singular

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

My first _____ of the city was that it was noisy but friendly.

Etymology

From Old French impression, from Latin impressio, from imprimere ("to press into") — related to impress.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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notion perception imprint mark indentation opinion

Related Words

thought line fact idea sense attention note sign

Rhymes for impression

ion lion Zion Dion Sion union scion Orion Onion action minion bunion

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does “impression” mean?

The word “impression” means a feeling or opinion formed about something, often quickly and without deep analysis. In plain terms, an opinion you form quickly, a physical mark, an imitation of someone, or (online) a single view/display of content.

How do you pronounce “impression”?

“Impression” is pronounced ihm-PREHSHN (/ɪmˈpɹɛʃn̩/ in IPA).

How do you use “impression” in a sentence?

Here is “impression” used in a sentence: “My first impression of the city was that it was noisy but friendly.”

What part of speech is “impression”?

“Impression” is a noun.

Where does the word “impression” come from?

The word “impression” comes from Latin. From Old French impression, from Latin impressio, from imprimere ("to press into") — related to impress.

Is “impression” a common word?

“Impression” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

How many meanings does “impression” have?

“Impression” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a feeling or opinion formed about something, often quickly and without deep analysis.

What is the difference between "impression" and "expression"?

An "impression" is a feeling, opinion, or mark left by something, as in "a good first impression." An "expression" is the act of conveying something, such as a facial expression or a set phrase. One is received or formed, while the other is given out.

What is the difference between "impression" and "imprint"?

An "impression" can be a feeling or opinion, or a physical mark made by pressing. An "imprint" is almost always a physical mark left on a surface, or a publisher's name on a book. When referring to a pressed mark the two overlap, but only "impression" also carries the meaning of an opinion.

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