Meaning & use
impressions
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“impressions” is a form of “impression”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
nouncountable
Ideas, feelings, or opinions that you form about someone or something, often based on limited experience.
Grammar: Countable; often used in phrases like 'first impressions' or 'make an impression on someone'.
Patterns
- first impressions of someone/something
- make an impression on someone
- give the impression that ...
Her first impressions of the city were very positive.
He made a strong impression on the interviewers with his confidence.
The article gave the impression that the project was already finished.
nouncountable
Marks or patterns left on a surface by pressing something into it.
Grammar: Countable; often used in the plural when referring to multiple marks, e.g., 'impressions in the snow'.
Patterns
- impressions in something
- leave impressions on something
The tires left deep impressions in the mud.
Fossil impressions of leaves were found in the rock.
nouncountabletechnical
The act of copying or reproducing something, especially in printing or art.
Grammar: Countable; often used in technical contexts, e.g., 'the first impressions of the book'.
Patterns
- impressions of something
- make impressions
The first impressions of the manuscript were made in 1600.
The artist created several impressions of the same scene.
Word forms
| singular | impression |
|---|
Common combinations
- first impressions
- First impressions can be misleading, so give people time.
- make an impression
- She made a good impression on her new boss.
- leave an impression
- The movie left a lasting impression on me.
- give the impression
- He gave the impression of being bored.
Synonyms and how they differ
- feelings
- More general and emotional; 'impressions' often suggests a judgment based on observation.
- opinions
- Stronger and more definite; 'impressions' can be less certain and more immediate.
- marks
- Used for physical impressions; 'impressions' is more formal and can also mean ideas.
Word family
- impression noun
- The singular form; an idea, feeling, or mark.
- impressionable adjective
- Easily influenced because young or inexperienced.
- impressionism noun
- A style of art that focuses on light and color rather than details.
Commonly confused: impressions or impression?
impressions vs impression
The singular form is used for one idea or mark; 'impressions' is plural. Also, 'impression' can be uncountable when meaning the act of pressing.
Practice
What did you think of the candidate's _____ during the interview?
Choose one answer.
The plural 'impressions' fits because we are talking about multiple ideas formed during the interview. 'Impression' (singular) would also be grammatical but less natural here because we usually talk about several impressions from an interview. 'Impress' is a verb, and 'impressive' is an adjective, so neither fits the noun slot.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “impressions”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.