Impress

Definition

Impress is a verb and a noun. As a verb, it means to make a strong impact or positive influence on someone's mind or feelings, or to mark something by applying pressure. As a noun (less common), it refers to an impression or mark made on a surface.

Parts of Speech

• Verb
• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation (verb): /ɪmˈprɛs/
• IPA Pronunciation (noun): /ˈɪmˌprɛs/
• Respelling (verb): im-PRESS
• Respelling (noun): IM-press

British English

• IPA Pronunciation (verb): /ɪmˈprɛs/
• IPA Pronunciation (noun): /ˈɪmˌprɛs/
• Respelling (verb): im-PRESS
• Respelling (noun): IM-press

Etymology

The word "impress" originates from the Latin "imprimere," meaning "to press into," composed of "in-" (into) and "premere" (to press). It entered Middle English in the 14th century, carrying meanings of making an imprint or a significant impact.

Derivatives

• Impression (noun)
• Impressive (adjective)
• Impressively (adverb)
• Impressment (noun)
• Impresser (noun)

Synonyms

• Influence
• Amaze
• Engrave

Antonyms

• Disappoint
• Neglect
• None

Usage

The verb "impress" is commonly used to describe creating admiration or a strong influence, e.g., "He tried to impress his teacher with his project." The noun form is rare and typically refers to a physical mark, e.g., "The impress of the seal was visible on the wax."

Related Terms

• Impact: A strong effect or influence.
• Mark: A physical or figurative imprint.
• Engrave: To carve or press into a surface.

Detailed Definitions

Verb

• To affect deeply or strongly in mind or feelings: Refers to creating admiration, respect, or a strong mental impact.
  • Example: "The speech impressed everyone in the audience."
• To apply pressure to create a mark or imprint: Refers to physically pressing something into a surface.
  • Example: "The seal was impressed onto the envelope."

Noun

• A mark or imprint made by pressure: Describes a physical impression left on a surface.
  • Example: "The wax bore the impress of the royal seal."