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

Other Word Forms

• impressional adjective
• impressionally adverb
• impressionless adjective
• preimpression 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

But his playoff struggles left a sour impression entering the offseason.

From Los Angeles Times

She gives every impression she might regard that nickname as a bit wishy-washy, a bit namby-pamby.

From BBC

“Those are unique shoes. But the fact that Jazzy can step into our program and already just make a really unique and incredible impression on everybody is pretty wild. She’s really, really good.”

From Los Angeles Times

Kellyman is terrific opposite Squibb, but this unconventional friendship tale is the kind of slight human interest story that slips from your consciousness almost as soon as it has made its brief impression.

From Los Angeles Times

"Ruth was one of a kind. Full of charisma and warmth, she left an impression on everyone she met. We will miss her."

From BBC

Related Words

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