An impression is a strong feeling or idea that something or someone leaves in your mind.
When we talk about making an impression, we usually mean doing something that gets people's attention and makes them think you're interesting, talented, or impressive. For example, if you perform well on stage or give a great presentation at work, you might make a good impression. If you wear nice clothes to a party, it could also make a good impression. Sometimes, making an impression can mean surprising people with something amazing - like pulling off a tricky magic trick! But the basic idea is that you want to show people your skills or personality and get them to think positively about you.
How common is "impress"?
Word impress is considered uncommon in modern English. It has a balanced usage among all categories: speech, fiction, newspapers and academic texts.
Definitions
noun
The act of impressing.
An impression; an impressed image or copy of something.
A stamp or seal used to make an impression.
An impression on the mind, imagination etc.
Characteristic; mark of distinction; stamp.
A heraldic device; an impresa.
The act of impressing, or taking by force for the public service; compulsion to serve; also, that which is impressed.
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verb
To affect (someone) strongly and often favourably.
Example: You impressed me with your command of Urdu.
To make an impression, to be impressive.
Example: Henderson impressed in his first game as captain.
To produce a vivid impression of (something).
Example: That first view of the Eiger impressed itself on my mind.
To mark or stamp (something) using pressure.
Example: We impressed our footprints in the wet cement.
To produce (a mark, stamp, image, etc.); to imprint (a mark or figure upon something).
To fix deeply in the mind; to present forcibly to the attention, etc.; to imprint; to inculcate.
To compel (someone) to serve in a military force.
Example: The press gang used to impress people into the Navy.
To seize or confiscate (property) by force.
Example: The liner was impressed as a troop carrier.
