What does impressive mean?
Impressive describes something that commands attention and inspires admiration, often because it is unusually grand, powerful, accomplished, or visually striking. A performance, achievement, building, or display may all be called impressive, with the emphasis varying according to context. In ordinary positive use, the word suggests that something exceeds ordinary expectations or leaves a memorable effect. It is not limited to visual qualities: an impressive argument, result, or account may be admired for its quality, while a large or imposing structure may be impressive primarily because of its appearance or scale. The adjective is widely used in British and American English and can range from casual description to formal evaluation. Because it carries a positive evaluative tone, “impressive” often implies that something is better than what the speaker regards as typical, although it does not by itself establish practical value or lasting significance.
adjectiveDescribing something that inspires admiration or approval because of its size, grandeur, skill, or achievement. It can also mean capable of making a strong visual or emotional impression.
- Causing admiration or approval because of grandeur, scale, accomplishment, or excellence.
- Designed or appearing striking enough to make a strong visual impression.
"The team delivered an impressive performance in the final."
"The library's new timber interior is both spacious and impressive."
"She gave an impressive account of the rescue operation."
"The aircraft made an impressive landing in the storm."
From the same Latin root as “impress” and “impression”: something is impressive when it makes an impression.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does impressive come from?
The word derives from Latin impressus, the past participle of imprimere, meaning “to press into” or “to press upon.” English adopted the form in the early 17th century in the sense of “making a strong impression,” and it later came to describe something that evokes admiration or awe. Related English words include impression, imprint, express, and compress, all associated with the Latin root meaning “press.”
Related word forms
How impressive is actually used
The word is common in both formal and informal English. It is generally positive, though it can suggest that something is impressive in appearance or scale without implying that it is useful, morally admirable, or genuinely high quality.
Easily confused with impressive
An impressive thing causes admiration or a strong visual impact, whereas an impression is the effect or feeling it creates in someone.