ENGLISH
REFERENCE

impressed

adj.
US //ˌɪmˈpɹɛst// UK //ɪmpɹˈɛst// im·pressed
  1. 1 feeling admiration (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    feeling admiration or respect for someone because of their skills or qualities.

    affected by a strong, usually favourable, impression; feeling admiration or respect.

    Example

    My boss was very impressed with my presentation and offered me a promotion.

    Example

    The recruiters were visibly impressed by her ability to handle complex technical questions without prior preparation.

    Usage

    Commonly followed by the prepositions 'with' or 'by'.

    Pitfall
    I am very impressed from your English.
    I am very impressed with your English.

    Use the preposition 'with' or 'by' after impressed, not 'from'.

  2. 2 stamped or marked (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Technical

    having a mark or pattern pressed into a surface.

    bearing a mark, image, or design produced by pressure or stamping.

    Example

    The wax seal showed an impressed image of a lion.

    Example

    The archaeologist identified the pottery's origin by examining the impressed patterns along the rim of the vessel.

Show 1 more senseShow fewer
  1. 3 forced into service (adj.)
    C2 Proficiency Archaic Formal Law

    forced to join the army or navy against your will.

    compelled to serve in a military or naval force, typically by a press gang.

    Example

    In the 18th century, many impressed sailors tried to escape from their ships.

    Example

    The historical record details the plight of impressed men who were seized from merchant vessels to bolster the Royal Navy's numbers during the conflict.

    Teacher's tip

    This sense is almost exclusively found in historical contexts, particularly regarding the British Navy.

© 2026 English Reference