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
1
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."
"I got the impression that she was tired and wanted to go home."
2
A mark made by pressing one object onto or into another.
"The dentist took an impression of her teeth for the retainer."
"Her boots left a deep impression in the soft mud by the river."
"The key made a clear impression in the lump of wax."
3
An imitation of someone's voice, mannerisms, or style, usually for comic effect.
"He does a brilliant impression of the prime minister."
"My uncle's impression of a grumpy parrot always makes the children laugh."
"The comedian ended his show with an impression of a famous old actor."
4
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."
"Each time the banner loaded on a page, it counted as one impression."
"The advertiser paid for every thousand impressions the video received."
How to use impression
Learner’s notesIn 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
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like impression.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- impressions
- Third person singular
- impressions
- Past tense
- impressioned
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.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for impression
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for impression →
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.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include impression:
