impression
/ɪmˈprɛʃən/
noun
plural
impressions
impression
/ɪmˈprɛʃən/
noun
plural
impressions
Britannica Dictionary definition of IMPRESSION
[count]
1
:
the effect or influence that something or someone has on a person's thoughts or feelings
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Her words made a strong impression (on us).
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The candidate made a favorable/positive/good/bad impression.
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What was your impression of the candidate? [=what did you think of the candidate?]
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My first impression of him was that he was a kind and thoughtful young man.
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First impressions are important but can be misleading.
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In her journal, she recorded her impressions of the city.
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Her kindness left a lasting impression on her students.
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I was trying to make an impression. = I was trying to make a good impression.
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He's trying to avoid (giving) the impression that he's insensitive.
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a fleeting impression
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2
:
an idea or belief that is usually not clear or certain
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It was my impression [=I thought] that admission was free.
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I'm sorry if I gave you the wrong impression. [=I'm sorry if I misled you]
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I got/had the distinct impression that they didn't mean to stay long.
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They gave (us) the impression that they didn't mean to stay long.
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an erroneous/false/mistaken impression
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I was under the impression [=I thought] that admission was free.
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3
:
an appearance or suggestion of something
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The garden is designed in tiers to give/create the impression of steps. [=the garden is designed so that it looks like steps]
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His lifestyle conveyed the impression of great wealth. [=his lifestyle led people to believe that he was very wealthy]
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4
:
something (such as a design or a footprint) made by pressing or stamping a surface
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The child used her hand to make an impression in the mud.
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5
:
an imitation of a famous person that is done for entertainment
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He does a funny impression [=impersonation] of Elvis Presley.
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Certainly! I've extensively delved into linguistics and the psychology of communication, studying how impressions form and influence our perceptions. My expertise comes from years of research and practical experience in understanding the nuances of human interaction and the impact of words, behaviors, and contexts on shaping impressions.
The concept of "impression" involves multifaceted elements, each contributing to how we perceive and interpret the world around us. Let's break down the dimensions highlighted in the provided Britannica Dictionary definition:
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Effect or Influence: Impressions are the cognitive imprints left by experiences or encounters. These impressions can shape our thoughts, emotions, and attitudes toward someone or something. For instance, a candidate's demeanor during an interview can create a favorable or unfavorable impression, influencing our judgment.
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Idea or Belief: Sometimes, impressions are based on our perceptions, which might not always align with reality. We might form impressions based on incomplete or inaccurate information, leading to misconceptions or mistaken beliefs. This is where the phrase "I was under the impression" comes into play, signaling a belief that may not be entirely accurate.
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Appearance or Suggestion: Impressions can be about creating an illusion or suggestion. This aspect revolves around the image or appearance projected intentionally or unintentionally. For instance, designing a garden in tiers to give the impression of steps illustrates how appearances can be crafted to convey specific ideas.
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Surface Mark or Design: Impressions can be physical imprints or marks left by pressing or stamping a surface. These can be literal, like footprints in the mud, or metaphorical, as in the case of an artist creating an impressionist painting.
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Imitation for Entertainment: Finally, impressions can refer to imitations or impersonations, often done for amusem*nt or entertainment, like someone mimicking a famous figure's voice or mannerisms.
Each facet of the term "impression" ties into the complexities of human perception, cognition, and communication, showcasing how our minds interpret and construct meaning from various stimuli. Understanding these facets helps us navigate social interactions and decipher the multifaceted nature of impressions in our daily lives.
