rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryRoot: in-
Latin

in-

in, into, on, upon

Forms

  • in-
  • im- — Used before b, m, or p in Latin.
  • il- — Used before l in Latin.
  • ir- — Used before r in Latin.
  • en- — Developed in French in some words later borrowed into English.

Origin

Reconstructed Proto-Indo-European *en, ‘in.’

Note

Identical spellings can hide two different prefixes: this one indicates position or direction, while the other means ‘not.’

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verb / noun

impress

To leave a distinct mark by pressing upon something.

The potter impresses a leaf pattern into the soft clay.

Etymology
impressLatinpress into or stamp

The Latin verb means to press into. This sense keeps the physical action: pressure produces a distinct mark in the receiving material.

More examples

  • She impressed her initials into the wet cement.
  • Try impressing a coin into the dough.
  • The wax bears the impress of a small seal.

Forms

impress · impresses · impressed · impressing

impression noun — A mark left by pressure on something.

Similar words

stamp
Usually uses a shaped tool to leave a design.
imprint
Emphasizes the clear image left on a surface.
indent
Specifically makes a hollow or recessed mark by pressure.