noun

impression

im-PRESH-uhn/ɪmˈpreʃn/

A mark left by contact with a surface.

The boot leaves a deep impression in the soft clay.

A muddy hiking boot lifts above the tread impression it has pressed into soft clay.

Etymology

imLatininto, upon

+pressLatinto press

+ionLatinact or result

An impression is figuratively a mark pressed into the mind by something outside it. The physical image of a stamped mark thus connects to an idea, feeling, or effect left by an experience.

In context

Smarter While You Sleep115:12

When you give the impression that you are constantly in demand, that your time is precious and that you have a full plate, people naturally perceive you as more important

100 Savage Psychology Tricks That Give You Unfair Control

More examples

The stamp leaves a clear impression in the wax.
The dentist takes an impression of my teeth.
Tiny leaf impressions cover the surface of the rock.

Forms

impression · impressions

impress verb — To press a mark into a surface.

Similar words

imprint: Emphasizes a recognizable pattern left by pressure or contact.
indentation: Specifically a dent or hollow pressed into a surface.