first impressions

Meaning

1. 1nounusually plural

   The thoughts and feelings you form about someone or something when you meet or see them for the first time.

   Grammar: Often plural, with count or matter: first impressions count.

   Patterns

   • first impressions of something
   • first impressions count

   First impressions matter a lot in a job interview.

   My first impressions of the town were that it was quiet and friendly.

   She tried to make a good first impression on his parents.

Word forms

Common combinations

first impressions count

First impressions count, so arrive on time.

make a good first impression

He wore a suit to make a good first impression.

give a bad first impression

The messy desk gave a bad first impression.

my first impressions of

My first impressions of the city were mixed.

a lasting first impression

The warm welcome left a lasting first impression.

Synonyms and how they differ

initial reaction

This stresses the immediate feeling, while first impressions covers the lasting picture you form.

gut feeling

This is an instinct about something not yet proved, and need not come from meeting someone.

early opinion

This could arise after a few days, whereas first impressions come at the very first meeting.

initial thoughts

This is a formal way to introduce views at the start of a discussion.

Opposites

Word family

impress verb

to make someone admire you

impression noun

an idea or feeling about someone

impressive adjective

causing admiration

impressionable adjective

easily influenced

Commonly confused: first impressions or impression?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “first impressions”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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