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Meaning & use

leaving a lasting impression

verb·Everyday

Last updated

UK/ˌliːvɪŋ ə ˌlɑːstɪŋ ɪmˈpreʃn/
US/ˌliːvɪŋ ə ˌlæstɪŋ ɪmˈpreʃn/

“leaving a lasting impression” is a form of “leave a lasting impression”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.

Meanings

  1. verbintransitive

    Having an effect on someone that they remember for a long time.

    Grammar: The -ing form works as a participle or gerund; the full phrase usually needs an object such as 'on me': leaving a lasting impression on me.

    Patterns

    • leaving a lasting impression on someone
    • be capable of leaving a lasting impression
    • without leaving a lasting impression

    Her first teacher ended up leaving a lasting impression on her.

    The exhibition succeeded in leaving a lasting impression on every visitor.

    He spoke quietly but ended up leaving a lasting impression.

  2. verbintransitivefigurative

    Making a mark or change that continues to be seen or felt much later.

    Grammar: Used about events, works, or actions that affect a place, group, or period over time.

    Patterns

    • leaving a lasting impression on something
    • leaving a lasting impression on history

    The reforms are still leaving a lasting impression on the region's schools.

    That season of strikes ended up leaving a lasting impression on the industry.

    The mural is leaving a lasting impression on the neighborhood.

Common combinations

leave a lasting impression on someone
A kind word can leave a lasting impression on a child.
make a lasting impression
She made a lasting impression at her first interview.
a lasting impression
The trip made a lasting impression that he never forgot.
without leaving a lasting impression
The speech ended without leaving a lasting impression.

Synonyms and how they differ

make a lasting impression
Very close in meaning, but it focuses on the effect created rather than on the act of departing or passing.
stick in someone's mind
More informal and describes the memory itself rather than the effect you produce.
leave a mark
Broader and can also mean a physical mark; it does not always suggest a long time.

Opposites

be forgotten

Word family

lasting adjective
Continuing for a long time.
impression noun
The feeling or opinion you get about someone or something.
impressive adjective
Causing admiration because of size, skill, or quality.

Commonly confused: leaving a lasting impression or leave an impression? leaving a lasting impression or make an impression?

leaving a lasting impression vs leave an impression

Without 'lasting', this can mean any effect, even a brief or unclear one.

leaving a lasting impression vs make an impression

The usual phrase for creating an effect on people; 'leave' is more common with 'lasting'.

Practice

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