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DictionaryRoot: premere
Latin

premere

press

Forms

  • premere
  • press- — The changed form used for completed action and its derivatives.
  • -prim- — The vowel changed in some Latin compounds.

Origin

An inherited Latin verb with older Indo-European ancestry; the exact earliest reconstruction is uncertain.

Note

Physical pressure supplied a natural model for restraint, expression, and compression.

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adjective

impressive

Causing admiration or respect.

Her impressive knowledge of local history earns the visitors' respect.

Etymology
impressiveLatinpress into or stamp

The Latin root pictures pressing a mark into something. Impressive describes what makes a strong mental mark, especially one that evokes respect or admiration.

More examples

  • The hotel lobby has an impressive marble staircase.
  • Your progress is impressive after just three lessons.
  • She gives an impressive performance in her first debate.

Forms

impressive · more impressive · most impressive

impress verb — To cause someone to feel admiration.

impressively adverb — In a way that inspires admiration.

Similar words

admirable
Emphasizes deserving approval, especially for character or conduct.
remarkable
Highlights being unusual or noteworthy, rather than necessarily inspiring admiration.
outstanding
Suggests excellence compared with others, not simply inspiring admiration.