impression
gb/ɪmpɹˈɛʃən/ us/ɪmpɹˈɛʃən/
B1
English
~ 1900
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
entity
1
effect or feeling created
The way someone or something makes you feel or think when you first see or meet them.
Usage pattern:
to make [an] impression on [someone]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'impression' with 'expression'. 'Impression' is about how something affects you, while 'expression' is about showing feelings or ideas.
Synonyms
impact (Slightly stronger and broader; can refer to physical or abstract effects.)
|
effect (More general and neutral; can apply to any result or outcome.)
Antonyms
indifference (Lack of reaction or feeling toward someone or something.)
Collocations
first impression
|make an impression
|lasting impression
|overall impression
Themes
emotions
|communication
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Her confident smile left a strong impression on the interview panel.
- I got the impression that he wasn’t very interested in the project.
- The city made a wonderful first impression on me.
Learner examples
- She made a good impression on her teacher.
- My first impression of the city was very positive.
- He gave me the impression that he was tired.
Noun
B1
action
2
imitation of someone
When you copy how a person talks or acts, usually to be funny.
Usage pattern:
to do [an] impression of [someone]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'impression' with 'expression' here; 'expression' is not about copying someone else.
Synonyms
mimicry (A more formal term for imitation, not necessarily humorous.)
|
impersonation (Often used for performances; can also imply deception.)
Antonyms
authenticity (Being original rather than imitating others.)
Collocations
do an impression
|spot-on impression
|funny impression
Themes
entertainment
|communication
|arts_entertainment
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- He does a great impression of the president.
- She entertained the crowd with her impressions of famous actors.
- His British accent impression was surprisingly accurate.
Learner examples
- She did an impression of her teacher.
- He can do a funny impression of my dad.
- I like his impression of the singer.
Noun
B2
entity
3
mark made by pressure
A mark made when something presses on a surface.
Synonyms
indentation (More technical; usually refers to a hollowed-in mark.)
|
mark (A very general term for any visible trace.)
Antonyms
erasure (Removal of a mark from a surface.)
Collocations
leave an impression
|deep impression
|faint impression
Themes
objects
|daily life
|daily_life
|science
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The coin left an impression in the soft clay.
- There was an impression of her hand in the wet cement.
- The chair leg made a small impression on the carpet.
Learner examples
- The cup left an impression on the table.
- I saw an impression of a leaf in the mud.
- The shoe made an impression in the snow.
Grammar
Dictionary form
impression
IPA
GB/ɪmpɹˈɛʃən/
US/ɪmpɹˈɛʃən/
Syllables & stress
im - pres - sion (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (pres)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: impression
- Plural: impression, impressions
Word family
Forms
impressions
noun
Core family
Related words
impressively
adverb
impressionable
adjective
Negative and opposite forms
unimpressed
adjective
unimpressive
adjective
Advanced or less common
impressionism
noun C1
impressionist
noun B2
Expressions
first impression
1/fˈɚst ɪmpɹˈɛʃən/
fixed phrase
initial effect or feeling about someone/something
The first idea or feeling you have about someone or something.
Examples
- My first impression of him was very positive.
- First impressions are important in business.
under the impression
1/ˈʌndɚ ðə ɪmpɹˈɛʃən/
fixed phrase
believing something is true (often wrongly)
To believe something is true, often when it is not.
Examples
- I was under the impression that the meeting was tomorrow.
- She was under the impression he would be there.
make an impression
1/mˈeɪk ən ɪmpɹˈɛʃən/
fixed phrase
cause someone to notice/remember you
To do something that makes people notice and remember you.
Examples
- She made an impression on her boss with her hard work.
- He made a good impression at the interview.
- He wants to make an impression during his job interview.
- Her bright dress made an impression on everyone at the party.