impact
IM-pakt
/ˈɪmpækt/
The striking of one object against another; or a marked effect or influence.
Stronger and more forceful than 'effect' or 'influence'; connotes immediate or forceful impression.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'impactus', past participle of 'impingere' (to thrust against). Originally denoting physical collisions in ordnance and geology, it expanded metaphorically in the 20th century to describe major social or economic influences.
Word relationships
- collision: Collision is strictly physical contact, whereas impact can be physical or metaphorical influence.
- repercussion: Repercussion implies a widespread, distant recoil, while impact is immediate and concentrated.
- non-event: An occurrence that leaves no trace or consequence.
Commonly confused with
- influence: Impact is forceful and direct; influence can be subtle, indirect, and gradual.
Word family
- impacted (adjective): Strongly affected or firmly wedged.
Collocations
- dramatic impact
- significant impact
- environmental impact
- cushion the impact
Idioms & expressions
- make an impact
Example sentences
- "The rise in interest rates had a dramatic impact on the real estate market." Economics
Memory hook
IMPACT hits like an IM-pactor hammer. Impact strikes hard.
When not to use
Traditional style guides caution against using 'impact' as a verb meaning 'to affect' (e.g., 'this will impact our sales'), preferring 'affect'.
Fun facts
- In geology, an 'impact crater' is formed when a meteorite strikes a planetary body at hypersonic speed.
Explore more words
make an impression, imprint, footprint, consequence, Interact, clash
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