ENGLISH
REFERENCE

impressive

adj.
US //ˌɪmˈpɹɛsɪv// UK //ɪmpɹˈɛsɪv// im·pres·sive
  1. 1 admirable or grand (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    making you feel admiration because something is very good, large, or important.

    evoking admiration through size, quality, or skill. This is the primary modern sense used in general contexts.

    Example

    The view from the top of the mountain was truly impressive.

    Example

    The candidate's impressive track record in international finance made her the clear choice for the executive position.
  2. 2 capable of being marked (adj.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Science

    able to be pressed or marked by something.

    capable of being impressed or receiving a physical mark or stamp. Used primarily in technical or material science contexts.

    Example

    The soft clay was very impressive, showing every detail of the leaf.

    Example

    The wax remained impressive for several minutes after heating, allowing the notary to apply the official seal with perfect clarity.

    Usage

    In modern English, this physical sense is rare outside of technical descriptions of materials.
Origin

impress + -ive

Word family

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