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impressive

American  
[im-pres-iv] / ɪmˈprɛs ɪv /

adjective

  1. having the ability to impress the mind; arousing admiration, awe, respect, etc.; moving; admirable.

    an impressive ceremony; an impressive appearance.
    Synonyms:
    awesome, imposing
impressive British  
/ ɪmˈprɛsɪv /

adjective

  1. capable of impressing, esp by size, magnificence, etc; awe-inspiring; commanding

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • impressively adverb
  • impressiveness noun
  • preimpressive adjective
  • unimpressive adjective
  • unimpressively adverb

Etymology

Origin of impressive

First recorded in 1585–95; impress 1 + -ive

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The Dow transports are in the news now because their recent strength has been especially impressive, even taking into account a sharp drop the other day.

From MarketWatch

“The GDP figures seem set to point towards a continuation of impressive momentum towards the end of the year,” Investec economist Philip Shaw said in a note.

From The Wall Street Journal

Investors are curious about whether Berkshire, which Barron’s named as a stock pick in July, can maintain its impressive performance without Buffett at the helm.

From Barron's

There’s also a nascent league, the Professional Women’s Hockey League, which began playing in 2023, is bankrolled by Dodgers/Lakers plutocrat Mark Walter, and has had impressive success, filling arenas.

From The Wall Street Journal

Australia's top order showed a greater runscoring intent early in the chase only to perish to a mixture of poor strokeplay and impressive bowling.

From BBC

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.