impression

Everyday

1. An impression is the feeling or idea you get about someone or something, especially at first. tree →
2. An impression is a mark or shape pressed into a soft surface, like a footprint in mud. tree →
3. An impression is a funny copy of how a famous person or animal speaks or acts. tree →
4. To make an impression is to have a strong effect on people. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life and manners lessons, «first impressions» matter, but you should not judge people too quickly. In science, fossils are often impressions of plants or animals pressed into rock; footprints in clay or plaster are impressions. In drama, pupils do impressions of characters. Phrases: first impression, make a good impression, have the impression that, do an impression of.

Examples

• My first impression of the new teacher was that she was kind. tree →
• The dinosaur left an impression of its foot in the mud, which became a fossil. tree →
• He does a great impression of a monkey. tree →
• Try to make a good impression at your interview. tree →
• I had the impression that she was upset. tree →
• We pressed leaves into clay to make impressions. tree →
• The film made a big impression on me. tree →
• “All look your best,” Peter warned them; “first impressions are awfully important.” tree →

Note

Countable: an impression («an» before a vowel sound). Verb: impress; adjective: impressive (very good). «I'm under the impression that» means «I think, but I may be wrong». First impressions can be wrong.