impressionistic
gb/ɪmpɹˌɛʃənˈɪstɪk/ us/ɪmpɹˌɛʃənˈɪstɪk/
C1
English
Senses
0 senses
adjective
technical
C1
property
1
in the style of Impressionism
connected with the art style called Impressionism.
Usage pattern:
impressionistic [painting/style/technique]
Common mistake:
Often confused with impressive (meaning ‘very good’) because the words look similar.
Synonyms
Impressionist (Directly names the movement; more specific and common in art history.)
|
in the style of Impressionism (A paraphrase used when explaining the term.)
Antonyms
realistic (Focuses on lifelike, accurate representation rather than overall effect.)
Collocations
impressionistic painting
|impressionistic style
|impressionistic technique
|impressionistic brushwork
|impressionistic landscape
|impressionistic canvases
|impressionistic approach
|impressionistic color
|impressionistic light
|impressionistic scenes
Themes
art
|painting
|culture
Examples
- The gallery showed several impressionistic landscapes from the late nineteenth century.
- Her impressionistic brushwork captures the shimmer of sunlight on water.
- The film’s cinematography is impressionistic, with soft focus and glowing colors.
Learner examples
- This painting is impressionistic.
- I like impressionistic art.
adjective
C1
property
2
giving an overall impression only
showing the main feeling or idea, not many details.
Usage pattern:
an impressionistic [account/description/portrait/sketch]
Common mistake:
Learners may think it means ‘making an impression’ (like impressive); it usually means ‘not detailed’ or ‘evocative.’
Synonyms
sketchy (Often suggests missing detail; can sound more critical.)
|
evocative (Highlights the ability to create a mood or feeling, not necessarily lack of detail.)
Antonyms
detailed (Includes many specific facts and points.)
Collocations
impressionistic account
|impressionistic description
|impressionistic portrait
|impressionistic sketch
|impressionistic overview
|impressionistic narrative
|impressionistic approach
|impressionistic summary
|impressionistic scenes
|impressionistic writing
Themes
writing
|communication
|media
Examples
- The report offers an impressionistic overview but lacks hard numbers.
- His impressionistic description of the city focused on smells and colors rather than street names.
- The biography is impressionistic, built from memories instead of documented dates.
Learner examples
- Her description was impressionistic, not detailed.
- The article gives an impressionistic overview of the problem.
Grammar
Dictionary form
impressionistic
IPA
GB/ɪmpɹˌɛʃənˈɪstɪk/
US/ɪmpɹˌɛʃənˈɪstɪk/
Syllables & stress
im - pres - sion - ist - ic (5 syllables)
Stress on 4th syllable (ist)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: impressionistic
Word family
Core family
Related words
Negative and opposite forms
unimpressive
adjective
unimpressed
adjective
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.