make an impression
meɪk un im-PRESH-un
/meɪk ən ɪmˈprɛʃən/
To produce a strong effect or influence on someone's mind or feelings.
Suggests 'pressing' your character or presence into someone else's memory.
The story behind the word. 'Impression' comes from the Latin 'imprimere', meaning 'to press into'. Just as a seal leaves a mark in hot wax, making an impression 'presses' your personality into someone's memory.
Word relationships
- influence: To have an effect on the character or behavior of someone.
- affect: To produce a change in someone or something.
- be ignored: To fail to be noticed or have an effect.
- be forgotten: To fail to remain in someone's memory.
Commonly confused with
- do an impression: 'Do an impression' means to mimic or imitate someone for humor.
Word family
- impressive (adjective): Evoking admiration through size, quality, or skill.
Collocations
- make a lasting impression
- make a great impression
- make a bad impression
Idioms & expressions
- leave a mark
Example sentences
- "It is important to dress professionally to make a good impression." Job Interview
- "'You never get a second chance to make a first impression.'" Literature
Memory hook
You 'make' a mark like a stamp 'makes' an impression. Make a mark on their mind.
When not to use
Avoid when the effect is accidental and negative; 'leave a bad taste' might be better.
Fun facts
- The term 'Impressionism' in art comes from the idea of capturing a quick 'impression' of a scene.
- In printing, an 'impression' is a single copy of a book.
Related words
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