impressive

[im-pres-iv]

See more synonyms for impressive on Thesaurus.com

adjective

having the ability to impress the mind; arousing admiration, awe, respect, etc.; moving; admirable: an impressive ceremony; an impressive appearance.

Origin of impressive

First recorded in 1585–95; impress¹ + -ive

Related formsim·pres·sive·ly, adverbim·pres·sive·ness, nounpre·im·pres·sive, adjectiveun·im·pres·sive, adjectiveun·im·pres·sive·ly, adverb

Can be confusedimpressionable impressive

Synonyms for impressive

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imposing, awesome.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words for impressively

earnestly, soberly, seriously, gravely, impressively

Examples from the Web for impressively

Contemporary Examples of impressively

Most impressively, there has been a revival of job growth in these areas.
The Rustbelt Roars Back From the Dead
Joel Kotkin, Richey Piiparinen
December 7, 2014
The conversation was entirely in Russian—Weir is impressively fluent.
‘To Russia With Love’: Can Johnny Weir Save Russia’s Gays?
Kevin Fallon
October 29, 2014
Despite an impressively long history, cider has maintained a relatively humble identity.
Wine, Watch Out! These Ciders Are Just as Good
Jordan Salcito
July 19, 2014
He speaks, impressively but also vitally, fluent German, French, and Italian.
Adventures in Gay History With Oscar Wilde
Tim Teeman
June 11, 2014
Their funny accents and one impressively ginger beard make this video even better.
The Olympics Have Always Been a Little Gay and More Viral Videos
Ariana Dickey
February 8, 2014

Historical Examples of impressively

Then pulling out his watch, he added, impressively, 'almost this minute.'
Life And Adventures Of Martin Chuzzlewit
Charles Dickens
"I don't know the meaning of the word," said Harriet impressively.
Where Angels Fear to Tread
E. M. Forster
"He married you in good faith," Mr. Caryll repeated quietly, impressively.
The Lion's Skin
Rafael Sabatini
Benevolence radiated from him ridiculously, mildly, impressively.
The Shadow-Line
Joseph Conrad
“You must understand perfectly what I mean,” she said impressively.
Olive in Italy
Moray Dalton

British Dictionary definitions for impressively

impressive

adjective

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

Derived Formsimpressively, adverbimpressiveness, noun

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

Word Origin and History for impressively

impressive

adj.

1570s, "capable of being easily impressed," from impress + -ive. Meaning "capable of making an impression on the mind or senses" is from 1775. Related: Impressively; impressiveness.