impression

[ im-presh-uhn ]

noun

1. a strong effect produced on the intellect, feelings, conscience, etc.
2. the first and immediate effect of an experience or perception upon the mind; sensation.

   Synonyms: imprint, impact

3. the effect produced by an agency or influence.
4. a notion, remembrance, belief, etc., often of a vague or indistinct nature:

   He had a general impression of lights, voices, and the clinking of silver.

   Synonyms: feeling

5. a mark, indentation, figure, etc., produced by pressure.
6. an image in the mind caused by something external to it.
7. the act of impressing; state of being impressed.
8. Dentistry. a mold taken, in plastic materials or plaster of Paris, of teeth and the surrounding tissues.
9. an imitation of the voice, mannerisms, and other traits of a person, especially a famous person, as by an entertainer:

   The comedian did a hilarious impression of the president.

10. Chiefly Printing.
    1. the process or result of printing from type, plates, etc.
    2. a printed copy from type, a plate, an engraved block, etc.
    3. one of a number of printings made at different times from the same set of type, without alteration ( edition ).
    4. the total number of copies of a book, pamphlet, etc., printed at one time from one setting of type or from one set of plates.
11. Metalworking. a portion of a die having in reverse the intended form of an object to be forged.

impression

/ ɪmˈprɛʃən /

noun

1. an effect produced in the mind by a stimulus; sensation

   he gave the impression of wanting to help

2. an imprint or mark produced by pressing

   he left the impression of his finger in the mud

3. a vague idea, consciousness, or belief

   I had the impression we had met before

4. a strong, favourable, or remarkable effect

   he made an impression on the managers

5. the act of impressing or the state of being impressed
6. printing
   1. the act, process, or result of printing from type, plates, etc
   2. one of a number of printings of a publication printed from the same setting of type with no or few alterations Compare edition
   3. the total number of copies of a publication printed at one time
7. dentistry an imprint of the teeth and gums, esp in wax or plaster, for use in preparing crowns, inlays, or dentures
8. an imitation or impersonation

   he did a funny impression of the politician

Derived Forms

• imˈpressional, adjective
• imˈpressionally, adverb

Other Words From

• im·pression·al adjective
• im·pression·al·ly adverb
• im·pression·less adjective
• preim·pression noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of impression¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English impressio(u)n, from Latin impressiōn-, stem of impressiō; equivalent to impress ¹ + -ion

Idioms and Phrases

see make an impression under the impression .

Example Sentences

In a statement to parliament, Gray said he should have attended a greater variety of games to avoid giving the impression he was acting "more as a fan and less as a minister".

From BBC

The SNP MSP added: “I am a football fan. I follow Aberdeen. But I should not have allowed the impression to be given that this played any role in my engagements and I am sorry for my error.”

From BBC

Some may be under the mistaken impression that if they curry favor now, maybe they will be spared retribution under a Trump presidency.

From Salon

Morgan, 24, was named on the bench for the defeat against Fiji but made an impression when he came on in the second half.

From BBC

The “SNL” star broke her silence after blowing up the Tesla chief executive’s “butt hurt” reaction to “SNL” alumnus Dana Carvey’s impression of him in Saturday’s post-election episode.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• belief
• concept
• image
• memory
• notion
• opinion
• perception
• recollection
• sense
• suspicion
• theory
• thought
• view