impressive
gb/ɪmpɹˈɛsɪv/ us/ɪmpɹˈɛsɪv/
B1
English
~ 2800
Senses
0 senses
adjective
B1
property
1
Causing admiration or respect
Making people feel respect or wonder because it is very good, large, or skillful.
Usage pattern:
[something] is impressive
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'impressive' with 'impressed'. 'Impressive' describes the thing causing admiration; 'impressed' describes the person feeling it.
Synonyms
remarkable (Highlights unusual qualities that attract attention, without necessarily implying size or grandeur.)
|
outstanding (Stronger in praise, often used for exceptional quality or achievement.)
Antonyms
unremarkable (Lacking qualities that attract attention or admiration.)
|
mediocre (Describes something of only average quality, not worthy of special praise.)
Collocations
an impressive performance
|impressive achievement
|impressive record
|impressive skills
|impressive building
Themes
emotions
|communication
|arts
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The team gave an impressive performance in the final match.
- Her ability to speak five languages is truly impressive.
- The museum houses an impressive collection of ancient artifacts.
- He delivered an impressive speech that moved the audience.
- The skyscraper is an impressive feat of engineering.
Learner examples
- The big new bridge is impressive.
- Her painting is very impressive.
- This phone has some impressive features.
- He did an impressive job on the project.
Grammar
Dictionary form
impressive
IPA
GB/ɪmpɹˈɛsɪv/
US/ɪmpɹˈɛsɪv/
Syllables & stress
im - press - ive (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (press)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: impressive
Word family
Core family
Related words
impressionable
adjective
Negative and opposite forms
unimpressive
adjective
unimpressively
adverb
Advanced or less common
impressiveness
noun
Expressions
make an impressive showing
1/mˈeɪk ən ɪmpɹˈɛsɪv ʃˈoʊɪŋ/
fixed phrase
Perform in a way that impresses others
To do something in a way that makes people admire you.
Examples
- The young athlete made an impressive showing at her first international competition.
- The company made an impressive showing at the trade fair, attracting many new clients.
leave a lasting impression
1/lˈiv ə lˈæstɪŋ ɪmpɹˈɛʃən/
fixed phrase
Cause lasting admiration or memory
To make someone remember you or something you did for a long time because it was very good or special.
Examples
- Her kindness left a lasting impression on everyone she met.
- The concert left a lasting impression on me.
- The movie left a lasting impression on me because of its powerful story.
- Her kindness left a lasting impression on the community.