Impression Meaning
Impression Definition & Usage
A mental image, feeling, or opinion formed in response to something or someone.
Examples
- "She left a lasting impression on everyone at the party."
- "His first impression of the city was one of awe and excitement."
- "I didn’t get a good impression of her after that meeting."
- "The impression I got from his speech was that he was confident and well-prepared."
- "The painting gave me an impression of tranquility and peace."
A mark, imprint, or effect left on a surface by pressure or contact.
Examples
- "The book's pages were marked with the impression of the ink."
- "The tire tracks left an impression in the soft sand."
- "The impression of his hand on the paper was faint but noticeable."
- "You could see the impression of her shoes on the wet ground."
- "The coin left a clear impression on the clay."
A powerful influence or effect someone or something has on a person, group, or situation.
Examples
- "The politician’s speech had a strong impression on the voters."
- "The first meeting made a positive impression on the client."
- "Her work ethic left an impression on her colleagues."
- "The movie made a deep impression on the audience."
- "He was deeply influenced by the impression the book left on him."
Cultural Context
The word 'impression' has roots in Latin, from the verb 'imprimere,' meaning 'to press into or onto.' Over time, it evolved into a word that describes both physical and psychological effects, reflecting how external forces shape our minds and perceptions. It is commonly used in both casual and formal contexts to describe both initial perceptions and lasting impacts.
The Lasting Impression
Story
The Lasting Impression
Ella had always been a quiet observer. As a new art gallery assistant, she wasn't used to being the center of attention, but today was different. The artist she admired for years, Charles Whitaker, was visiting to present his latest collection. Ella could barely contain her excitement. She had only seen his works in magazines, but today, they would be in the same room together. As she greeted him, her mind raced, trying to form the perfect first impression of a man whose art had touched her so deeply. She smiled and introduced herself, but her nervousness was evident in the way she fidgeted with her notebook. Charles, on the other hand, looked completely at ease. His first impression of Ella was that she was modest, unassuming—nothing like the young assistants he was used to seeing in the high-profile art world. Her shyness was charming, and he couldn't help but notice the quiet enthusiasm behind her words. She spoke about his work with such reverence, and that left an impression on him—she truly appreciated the emotional depth of his art. As the exhibition began, Ella found herself standing in front of one of Charles's more abstract pieces. It was a series of swirling colors that seemed to change with each glance. She was lost in it, trying to absorb every detail. That was when she noticed Charles had quietly approached, his presence almost imperceptible. Without saying a word, he stood next to her, and for a long moment, they simply observed the painting together. 'This piece,' he said softly, 'it creates an impression of movement, doesn't it?' Ella nodded, amazed that Charles had captured exactly what she was feeling. The impression it left on her was one of depth and wonder. Later that evening, as they parted ways, Charles told Ella, 'I can tell you've been affected by my work, and that leaves an impression on me. I think you’ll do well here.' His words stayed with her for weeks—an impression that would shape her confidence and ambition for years to come.
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