Impress Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐ŸŒŸ
Add to dictionary

impress

[ษชmหˆprษ›s ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

making a strong impact

To impress means to make a strong impact or effect on someone. It is to create a lasting impression through one's actions or words.

Synonyms

amaze, awe, influence, inspire.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
impress

Used when someone wants to leave a strong, positive impact on someone else, often related to skills, appearance, or achievements.

  • She wanted to impress her boss with her problem-solving skills.
  • The clean and modern design of the building impressed everyone who saw it.
influence

Used when referring to having an effect on someone's thoughts, behaviors, or decision-making processes, often in a subtle or indirect manner.

  • Her speech had the power to influence public opinion.
  • Parents can influence their children's attitudes towards education.
awe

Appropriate in situations where there is a sense of profound respect, often mixed with fear or admiration, usually regarding something grand or powerful.

  • The massive waterfall inspired awe among the spectators.
  • She stood in awe of the ancient ruins, marveling at their historical significance.
amaze

Best used when describing something that causes surprise or wonder, usually in an unexpected or extraordinary way.

  • He managed to amaze the audience with his incredible magic tricks.
  • The athlete's phenomenal performance amazed fans around the world.
inspire

Best applied in circumstances where someone wants to motivate others to take action, often towards creative, positive, or ambitious goals.

  • His story of overcoming adversity can inspire others to never give up.
  • The teacher's passion for the subject inspired her students to explore new ideas.

Examples of usage

  • She impressed her boss with her presentation skills.
  • The performance of the new singer really impressed the audience.
  • He impressed everyone with his knowledge of the subject.
Context #2 | Noun

a favorable opinion or feeling

As a noun, impress refers to a favorable opinion or feeling that is created in someone's mind. It is the result of being impressed.

Synonyms

effect, impact, impression.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
impress

This word is used when you want to make someone admire or respect you. It's often about creating a positive, memorable image in someone's mind.

  • She wants to impress her boss with her work presentation.
  • He was determined to impress his date by cooking a fancy dinner.
impact

This word is often used to describe a strong, noticeable influence or effect. It is typically used in serious or important contexts.

  • Climate change has a huge impact on natural ecosystems.
  • The accident had a dramatic impact on his life.
effect

This is about the change that happens as a result of something else. It can be used in a wide range of contexts, from scientific to everyday situations.

  • The new law had a significant effect on the local economy.
  • The medicine's side effect was drowsiness.
impression

This term refers to the feeling or thought you have about someone or something after you experience or learn about it. It's often based on initial contact.

  • Her first impression of the city was very positive.
  • He made a good impression during the job interview.

Examples of usage

  • The candidate left a good impress on the interviewers.
  • His kindness made a lasting impress on her.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • First impressions occur within the first few seconds of meeting someone, influencing perceptions greatly.
  • Impressing others can create positive influence, as people tend to remember and be drawn to those who stand out.

Art and Performance

  • In art, 'impressionism' focused on making a strong visual impact with light and color, making a lasting impression on viewers.
  • Great performers aim to impress their audience by showcasing unique talents and emotional depth in their work.

Social Dynamics

  • People often go to great lengths to impress peers, showcasing achievements or traits like humor and generosity.
  • Impressing others can strengthen social bonds, as shared admiration encourages connections between individuals.

Business

  • In job interviews, candidates make significant effort to impress potential employers, highlighting skills and experiences.
  • Companies often focus on branding to impress customers, using innovative designs and exceptional service.

Origin of 'impress'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'impress' comes from the Latin 'imprimere', which means 'to press in or upon'.
  • In the 15th century, 'impress' was first used in English to mean to make an impression on someoneโ€™s mind.

The word 'impress' originated from the Latin word 'impressus', which means 'pressed into'. Over time, the meaning evolved to convey the idea of making a strong impact or leaving a lasting impression. The word has been used in various contexts to describe the influence or effect someone or something has on others.


See also: depress, express, oppress, press, pressing, pressingly, pressings, pressure, pressuring, repress, repressed.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,024 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.