Impressive vs. Impressed — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 24, 2024
"Impressive" describes something that evokes admiration due to its quality or magnitude, while "impressed" refers to the feeling or state of being affected by something impressive.
Difference Between Impressive and Impressed
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Impressive" is an adjective used to characterize things, performances, or actions that stand out due to their excellence, size, skill, or other remarkable qualities, suggesting they have the capacity to leave a strong, positive impression. On the other hand, "impressed" is a past participle and adjective that describes the emotional or cognitive state of an individual who has been affected by something they found impressive, focusing on the observer's reaction rather than the qualities of the object or action itself.
When we say something is impressive, we're highlighting its inherent qualities that are likely to awe or inspire admiration in others. It is an attribute of the object or action. Conversely, when someone is impressed, it's about their personal experience and response to encountering something that they perceive as remarkable or noteworthy; it reflects the subjective impact on the individual.
The term "impressive" can be applied broadly across various contexts, from natural wonders and artistic achievements to acts of kindness and technological innovations, emphasizing the intrinsic value or impact of these phenomena. "Impressed," however, is more about the relational dynamic between the impressive entity and the observer, highlighting the effect it has on people's perceptions or feelings.
In discussing achievements or qualities, using "impressive" acknowledges the general consensus or potential for widespread admiration, indicating an objective evaluation. Describing oneself or others as "impressed" is a more personal disclosure, revealing a subjective reaction that can vary greatly from person to person, depending on their expectations, experiences, and standards.
The distinction between "impressive" and "impressed" also matters in communication, where describing something as impressive can be a way to recommend or praise it to others, while stating that one is impressed can be a way to express personal satisfaction or approval, potentially encouraging a shared appreciation or understanding of the impressive qualities observed.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Describes something with remarkable qualities
Describes one's state of being affected or awed
Focus
On the object or action's qualities
On the observer's reaction
Usage
Attribute of the impressive entity
Reflects personal experience or reaction
Contexts
Broad, across various phenomena
Relational, between entity and observer
Connotation
Acknowledges potential for widespread admiration
Indicates subjective reaction
Communication
Can be a recommendation or praise
Expresses personal approval or satisfaction
Subjectivity
More objective, about the entity's qualities
Highly subjective, based on personal standards
Emotional Response
Implied in the entity's ability to awe
Explicit in the observer's experience
Examples
"The artist's skill is impressive."
"I was impressed by the artist's skill."
Compare with Definitions
Impressive
Eliciting admiration through size, quality, or skill.
The mountain's sheer scale is impressive.
Impressed
Affected with admiration or respect after witnessing something remarkable.
I was impressed by the community's solidarity.
Impressive
Characterized by remarkable features or performance.
The new software's processing speed is impressive.
Impressed
Experiencing a strong positive reaction to something's quality or achievement.
She was impressed with the innovative design.
Impressive
Deserving recognition or praise for capability or achievement.
Her quick learning ability is quite impressive.
Impressed
Feeling admiration for someone's abilities or accomplishments.
He was impressed by her articulate presentation.
Impressive
Having a strong impact or effect due to excellence.
The chef's culinary skills are impressive.
Impressed
Having a notable impact on one's opinion or feelings.
They were impressed by the hotel's attention to detail.
Impressive
Standing out from the ordinary due to distinct qualities.
His dedication to volunteering is impressive.
Impressed
Reflecting a change in attitude or perception due to a positive influence.
I was impressed by the efficiency of the new system.
Impressive
Making a strong positive impression; inspiring admiration or awe
An impressive achievement.
Impressed
To affect strongly, often favorably
Wrote down whatever impressed me during the journey.
Was impressed by the child's sincerity.
Impressive
Making, or tending to make, a positive impression; having power to impress
An impressive speech
An impressive movie
Impressed
To produce or attempt to produce a vivid impression or image of
A scene that impressed itself on her memory.
Parents that impress the value of money on their children.
Impressive
Capable of being impressed.
Impressed
To mark or stamp with pressure
Impressed the wax with a design.
Impressive
Appealing.
Impressed
To apply with pressure; press
Impressed the stamp onto the wax.
Impressive
Making, or tending to make, an impression; having power to impress; adapted to excite attention and feeling, to touch the sensibilities, or affect the conscience; as, an impressive discourse; an impressive scene.
Impressed
To compel (a person) to serve in the military, particularly in the naval forces, especially by seizure.
Impressive
Capable of being impressed.
Impressed
To seize (property) by force or authority, especially for military purposes; confiscate.
Impressive
Making a strong or vivid impression;
An impressive ceremony
Impressed
(Law) To impose a constructive trust or a lien upon property, as a matter of equity, to protect a person without legal title but with a legally recognized interest.
Impressive
Producing a strong effect;
Gave an impressive performance as Othello
A telling gesture
Impressed
The act of impressing
A design left by impress of a seal.
Impressed
A mark or pattern of influence produced by someone or something; an impression
A politician who left her impress on foreign policy.
Impressed
A stamp or seal meant to be impressed.
Impressed
Impressment.
Impressed
Strongly affected, especially favourably
Impressed
Stamped, under pressure
Impressed
Compelled to serve in a military force
Impressed
Confiscated by force or authority
Impressed
Simple past tense and past participle of impress
Impressed
Having the conscious mind deeply or markedly affected or influenced; - usually used with by or with.
Impressed
Deeply or markedly affected or influenced
Common Curiosities
Is being impressed always a positive reaction?
Typically, yes, being impressed implies a positive response, though it can occasionally be used in contexts where the reaction is due to unexpected or surprising actions, not always positive.
Can the same thing be impressive to one person but not to another?
Yes, because being impressed is a subjective experience, what impresses one person might not affect another in the same way, depending on individual expectations and experiences.
How do you express that you're impressed?
Expressing that you're impressed can be done through verbal compliments, expressions of admiration, or other positive feedback that acknowledges the qualities or achievements of the impressive entity.
Can an action be described as impressive?
Yes, actions can be impressive when they demonstrate remarkable skill, effort, or impact, such as a heroic deed or a significant accomplishment.
Is being impressed a lasting feeling?
The initial feeling of being impressed may be momentary, but the memory or respect for what was impressive can last much longer and influence one's opinions or attitudes.
Do cultural differences affect what is considered impressive?
Yes, cultural backgrounds and societal values can influence what is deemed impressive, as they shape individual standards, preferences, and perceptions.
Can animals be impressed?
While animals can react positively to stimuli, being "impressed" involves a level of cognitive processing and emotional response most commonly associated with humans.
Does something need to be grand or large to be impressive?
Not necessarily. Even subtle, small-scale, or simple things can be impressive if they demonstrate exceptional quality, skill, or innovation.
Can something be impressive without anyone being impressed?
Yes, something can possess impressive qualities inherently, even if no one has personally reacted to it yet.
Can one be impressed by something negative?
Generally, being impressed connotes a positive reaction, but it's possible to be taken aback or surprised by the magnitude or impact of negative events, though different terms are often used in such contexts.
Can landscapes or natural phenomena be impressive?
Absolutely, natural wonders and landscapes can be impressive due to their beauty, scale, or unique features.
Is being impressed an emotional or intellectual response?
It can be both; one might be intellectually impressed by an idea or innovation and emotionally impressed by an artistic performance or act of kindness.
Does technology play a role in what we find impressive?
Yes, as technology advances, our standards for what is impressive can evolve, particularly in fields like electronics, where innovation is rapid.
Can one's achievements be both impressive and have impressed others?
Yes, an individual's achievements can be inherently impressive, and they can also leave others impressed, reflecting both the intrinsic qualities and the impact on observers.
How does the media influence what we find impressive?
Media exposure can shape perceptions of impressiveness by highlighting certain achievements, skills, or qualities, influencing public opinion and standards of admiration.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
