impressive
UK: ɪmˈpresɪv | US: ɪmˈpresɪv
adj. evoking admiration or awe due to striking quality, ability, or scale
adj. having a strong effect on the mind or emotions
impressive = impress<to press into/strike> + ive<adjective suffix>
- impress: Derived from Latin imprimere ("to press into"), combining in- (into) + premere (to press). Originally referred to physical stamping, later extended to mental impact.
- ive: A suffix forming adjectives from verbs (e.g., active, decisive), indicating "tending to" or "having the nature of."
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to the literal act of pressing a seal into wax to leave a mark (impress), metaphorically evolving to describe leaving a mark on one’s mind. By the 17th century, impressive emerged to characterize things that "strike" observers deeply, aligning with its modern sense of inspiring admiration.
Her speech was so impressive that the audience gave a standing ovation.
The mountain range offers an impressive view at sunrise.
His knowledge of history is truly impressive.
The team made an impressive comeback in the second half.
The museum’s collection is impressive in both size and quality.