impression

word

/ˌɪmˈpɹɛʃən/
im-PRE-shuhn
/ɪmpɹˈɛʃən/
im-PRE-shuhn

Definition

An impression is the feeling or opinion you get about someone or something, especially when you first meet or experience it. It can also mean a mark or shape left by pressure, or an imitation of someone's voice or behavior.

Usage & Nuances

Most commonly, 'impression' means an opinion or feeling: 'first impression', 'make a good impression', 'give the impression that...'. It is also used for physical marks ('shoe impression') and for mimicry ('do an impression of a teacher'). Do not confuse it with 'expression', which is about showing thoughts or feelings.

Example Sentences

My first impression of the city was very positive.

basic

Her shoes left an impression in the wet sand.

basic

He did a funny impression of our math teacher.

basic

I don't want to give the wrong impression, so let me explain what happened.

natural

She always makes a strong impression in interviews.

natural

For some reason, I got the impression that he was upset.

natural