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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 stark visual panache of the production, however, is an impressive sight to behold.

From Los Angeles Times

The exhibit is anchored by Stoschek’s impressive private collection of more than 1,000 artworks, hundreds of which are digitized online.

From Los Angeles Times

But Josh Tongue has been rewarded for his impressive performances in Australia with inclusion in the 15-man squad.

From Barron's

I know my journal isn’t as impressive as Denny’s map, but his dad helped with that.

From Literature

The selection is impressive, too, including Tasmanian trout—something I haven’t seen elsewhere.

From Salon

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.