Reading Theme:
Impression: Definition, Usage & Key Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：perceived feeling (impression)
impression
/ɪmˈpreʃən/
n.
The way someone or something seems to you at first, or the feeling you get from them.
perceived feeling
➕
/pərˈsiːvd ˈfiːlɪŋ/
n.
An initial opinion, idea, or feeling about someone or something formed from a brief encounter or experience.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'imprimere' (to press into). 'im-' (in/into) + '-press-' (to press) + '-ion' (noun suffix).
💡 Mnemonic
Think of a rubber STAMP making an IMPRESSion on a document—a mark that's left behind.
📖 Example
The interviewer's impression of the candidate was that she was very confident and well-prepared.
The interviewer's perception of the candidate was that she was very confident and well-prepared.
🔗 Collocations
first impression – the initial opinion formed when meeting someone or encountering something for the first time
lasting impression – a strong effect or memory that continues for a long time
give the impression – to make others think or believe something, often through one's behavior or appearance
🔄 Synonyms
perception (n.) – the way you regard something or understand a situation
sense (n.) – a general feeling or awareness about something
feeling (n.) – an idea or belief, especially a vague or intuitive one
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
impressive (adj.) – evoking admiration through size, quality, or skill
impressionable (adj.) – easily influenced because of a lack of critical experience
📖 Cultural Story
Originally from Latin 'impressio', meaning 'a pressing into'. In 15th century, the term was used in printing for an indentation or mark made by pressure, like a stamp or seal. This evolved into its modern psychological sense by the 17th century, likening the mind to soft wax receiving impressions.
Meaning 2：mimicry of a person (impression)
impression
/ɪmˈpreʃən/
n.
When someone copies the voice, appearance, or actions of a famous person to make people laugh.
mimicry of a person
➕
/ˈmɪmɪkri əv ə ˈpɜːrsən/
n.
An entertainment act that involves copying the distinctive voice, mannerisms, or appearance of a famous person, typically for comedic effect.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The talent show contestant did a hilarious impression of the famous singer, making the whole audience burst into laughter.
The talent show contestant performed a hilarious mimicry of the famous singer, causing the entire audience to laugh out loud.
🔗 Collocations
do an impression – to perform a mimicry of someone
impression of – a mimicry performance specifically targeting a particular person
spot-on impression – a mimicry that is extremely accurate and convincing
🔄 Synonyms
impersonation (n.) – the act of pretending to be another person for entertainment or fraud
mimicry (n.) – the action or skill of imitating someone or something
parody (n.) – an exaggerated imitation of a style or person for comic effect
🚫 Antonyms
originality (n.) – the quality of being novel, inventive, and not derived from imitation
🌱 Derivatives
impressionist (n.) – a performer who specializes in doing impressions
Wordbook
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