impressive

Everyday

So good, big, skilful or beautiful that people admire it. tree →

In the lessons

Teachers and stories use it as praise: «an impressive drawing», «an impressive score», «impressive mountains». In maths and science it can describe big numbers: «an impressive 95 per cent». Related verb «impress».

Examples

• Your science project is very impressive. tree →
• The castle was huge and impressive. tree →
• She scored an impressive 98 out of 100. tree →
• It's impressive that you can juggle five balls. tree →
• The Grand Canyon is an impressive sight. tree →
• He gave an impressive speech at assembly. tree →

Note

Double «s»: impressive. Verb «impress», noun «impression». Opposite: «unimpressive». «Impressive» praises; it does not always mean «good» in a moral sense (an impressive trick can still be wrong).