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B1 adjective #27 most common 17 min read

impressed

Top 27

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips impressed in 30 Seconds

Explanation impressed in your Level:

At the A1 level, learners are just beginning to express feelings. 'Impressed' might be a bit advanced, but it is useful for showing strong positive feelings. At this stage, you can think of 'impressed' as a stronger version of 'happy' or 'good'. When you see something that is very, very good, you can say 'I am impressed'. It is usually used with 'by'. For example, 'I am impressed by your car'. It is important to learn that 'impressed' describes how you feel. You are the one who is impressed. The thing you like is 'impressive'. A1 learners should focus on the basic sentence structure: 'I am impressed by [something]'. This helps you give compliments to your friends and teachers. It is a very polite and kind word to use when someone does something well. Even if your grammar is not perfect, saying 'I am impressed' will make people feel good about their work. You might hear this word from your teacher when you do a good job on your homework. It is a sign that you are doing very well in your studies. Try to use it when you see a beautiful drawing or a fast runner. It is a great way to start participating in conversations about things you like.

At the A2 level, you can start using 'impressed' to give more specific feedback. You are moving beyond simple words like 'nice' or 'great'. You can now use 'impressed with' as well as 'impressed by'. For example, 'I am impressed with your English'. This shows you are noticing specific qualities. At this level, you should also learn the negative form: 'I am not impressed'. This is a way to say you don't think something is very good, but be careful because it can sound a bit strong. You can also use adverbs like 'very' or 'really' to show how much you like something. 'I am really impressed by this city'. This adds more emotion to your speaking. You will often hear this word in stories or on TV when someone does something brave or clever. It is a common word in social situations. If you go to a friend's house and they have a nice new kitchen, you can say 'I'm impressed with your new kitchen!' This is a very natural way to speak. You should also practice the question form: 'Are you impressed?' This is a good way to ask for someone's opinion. Learning 'impressed' at the A2 level helps you sound more natural and less like a textbook.

At the B1 level, you are expected to use 'impressed' with more confidence and in a wider variety of contexts. You should understand the difference between 'impressed by' (the action) and 'impressed with' (the thing or quality). For example, 'I was impressed by how she spoke' versus 'I was impressed with her confidence'. You can also start using more varied adverbs like 'quite', 'rather', or 'deeply'. 'I was deeply impressed by the documentary'. This shows a higher level of English because you are expressing the intensity of your feelings. You should also be aware of the word family, including 'impression' and 'impressive'. You can say 'He made a good impression' or 'The building is impressive'. This allows you to talk about the same idea in different ways. At B1, you might use 'impressed' in a work context, such as in an email to a colleague: 'I was very impressed with the report you sent'. This is a professional way to give praise. You should also be able to use it in the past tense to describe experiences: 'We were all impressed by the museum'. This level is about using the word accurately in everyday life and starting to use it in professional or academic settings.

At the B2 level, you should be able to use 'impressed' with nuance and precision. You can use it in more complex sentence structures, such as participial phrases: 'Impressed by the results of the study, the government decided to increase funding'. This shows you can link causes and effects in your writing. You should also understand more sophisticated collocations like 'suitably impressed', 'highly impressed', or 'less than impressed'. These phrases allow you to be more subtle in your evaluations. For instance, 'less than impressed' is a polite way of saying you were disappointed. You should also be able to distinguish 'impressed' from similar words like 'amazed' or 'awed'. 'Impressed' is more about respect for skill, while 'amazed' is about surprise. At B2, you are expected to use 'impressed' in formal essays and reports to evaluate arguments or evidence. You might write, 'The reader is impressed by the author's use of primary sources'. This shows you are thinking critically about what you read. You should also be comfortable using it in debates or discussions to acknowledge a good point made by an opponent: 'I'm impressed by that argument, but I still disagree'. This shows a high level of communicative competence.

At the C1 level, you should have a near-native command of the word 'impressed' and its various connotations. You can use it to express subtle irony or sarcasm through tone and context. You are also expected to know more rare collocations like 'favorably impressed' or 'properly impressed'. You can use 'impressed' in very formal contexts, such as legal or academic writing, to describe the impact of a particular piece of evidence or a line of reasoning. For example, 'The court was impressed by the consistency of the witness's testimony'. At this level, you should also be familiar with idioms and phrases that use the root word, such as 'to leave a lasting impression' or 'to be under the impression that...'. While the latter is a different meaning (thinking something is true), it is part of the same word family. You should be able to use 'impressed' to describe not just people, but also the collective reaction of a group: 'The public was largely unimpressed by the politician's excuses'. This shows you can talk about social trends and collective opinions. Your use of 'impressed' should feel natural, effortless, and perfectly suited to the register of the situation, whether it is a casual chat or a formal presentation.

At the C2 level, you use 'impressed' with complete mastery, often using it to create specific stylistic effects. You might use it in a self-deprecating way or to make a very fine distinction in a critique. You understand the historical and etymological roots of the word—how it relates to the idea of an 'impression' or a 'press'—and you might use this knowledge to create metaphors in your writing. For example, 'The experience was impressed upon my memory like a seal in hot wax'. You can use 'impressed' in the most complex grammatical structures without hesitation. You are also aware of how the word's meaning can shift slightly in different dialects of English (e.g., British vs. American). You can use it to provide extremely nuanced feedback, perhaps combining it with other high-level vocabulary: 'While I was impressed by the technical virtuosity of the performance, I found the underlying conceptual framework to be somewhat derivative'. This shows you can balance praise with sophisticated criticism. At this level, 'impressed' is just one tool in a very large and refined vocabulary, and you know exactly when to use it and when to choose a more specific or evocative alternative. Your command of the word is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

impressed in 30 Seconds

Impressed is an adjective used to describe a feeling of admiration and respect for someone's skills, achievements, or qualities.
It is commonly used with the prepositions 'by' and 'with' to indicate the source of the admiration.
The word implies that something has exceeded expectations or demonstrated a high level of excellence.
It is a versatile term suitable for both formal professional feedback and casual social compliments.

The word impressed is a powerful adjective used to describe a specific emotional and cognitive state where an individual feels a high degree of admiration, respect, or favorable surprise toward someone or something. When you are impressed, you are not merely noticing something; you are being moved by its quality, skill, or magnitude. This term originates from the idea of 'pressing' an image into a surface, suggesting that the thing you observed has left a lasting mark on your mind or heart. In modern English, we use it to signal that our expectations have been met or, more often, significantly exceeded. It is a cornerstone of positive feedback in both professional and personal spheres.

The Core Feeling: To be impressed is to experience a mixture of surprise and approval. It often happens when we witness a level of mastery or a display of character that we find difficult to achieve ourselves. It is the internal 'wow' factor that occurs when a colleague delivers a perfect presentation or a child shows unexpected kindness.

I was deeply impressed by the way she handled the difficult customer with such grace and patience.

People use this word across a vast spectrum of social interactions. In a job interview, an employer might tell a candidate they were impressed by their portfolio, which serves as a high compliment that often precedes a job offer. In a romantic context, one might be impressed by a partner's thoughtfulness or a specific talent they possess. It is also common in the arts and sports; critics are impressed by a novel's prose, and fans are impressed by an athlete's physical prowess. The word carries a certain weight of authority; when someone whose opinion you value says they are impressed, it validates your hard work and skill level.

Social Dynamics: Being impressed often involves a comparison. We are impressed because something is better than the average or better than what we thought it would be. It is a relative emotion that depends heavily on our previous experiences and standards. If you have seen a hundred sunsets, you might only be impressed by one that is truly spectacular.

The professor was not easily impressed, so receiving an 'A' on the essay was a significant achievement for the student.

Furthermore, the word can be used in the negative to express disappointment or a lack of impact. Saying 'I was not impressed' or 'I am less than impressed' is a polite but firm way of indicating that something did not meet your standards or failed to live up to the hype. This versatility makes it an essential tool for providing nuanced critiques. In academic settings, being impressed by a theory or a piece of evidence suggests that the logic is sound and the contribution to the field is meaningful. It moves beyond simple liking and enters the realm of intellectual respect.

The Physicality of the Word: Etymologically, the word relates to 'imprinting.' Just as a seal leaves an impression in wax, an impressive event leaves an impression on the mind. When you say you are impressed, you are literally saying that the experience has changed the shape of your thoughts or feelings regarding that subject.

Even the most cynical critics were impressed by the young actor's debut performance in the indie film.

In summary, 'impressed' is a versatile and deeply descriptive word that captures the moment when our perception of value or quality is heightened. It is used to praise, to evaluate, and to describe the lasting impact of excellence. Whether you are talking about a technological breakthrough, a beautiful piece of art, or a simple act of bravery, 'impressed' conveys a level of admiration that is both sincere and significant. It is a word that connects our internal standards with the external world, marking the moments when the world proves to be better than we expected.

He was so impressed with the hospitality of the locals that he decided to extend his stay by another week.

We were all impressed by his ability to speak five languages fluently at such a young age.

Using the word impressed correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical patterns and the prepositions that typically follow it. As an adjective, it most frequently appears after a linking verb like 'be', 'seem', or 'look'. The most common construction is 'to be impressed by' or 'to be impressed with'. While these are often interchangeable, 'by' is frequently used for actions or specific achievements, whereas 'with' is often used for qualities, objects, or overall states. For example, you might be impressed by how fast someone ran, but impressed with their new house. Mastering these subtle differences helps in achieving a more natural and fluent sound in English.

Common Prepositions: 'By' and 'With' are the primary partners for 'impressed'. Use 'by' when focusing on the cause of the feeling (the agent or action). Use 'with' when focusing on the features or characteristics of the thing itself. Occasionally, 'at' is used (e.g., impressed at his audacity), but it is less common.

The investors were impressed by the startup's rapid growth over the last quarter.

Adverbs play a crucial role in modifying 'impressed' to show the intensity of the feeling. Common modifiers include 'deeply', 'highly', 'very', 'quite', 'thoroughly', and 'suitably'. If you say you are 'deeply impressed', you are suggesting that the impact was profound and perhaps even emotional. If you are 'suitably impressed', you are acknowledging that the thing met a high standard that was expected or required. Conversely, 'not particularly impressed' is a common way to express a mild lack of interest or a feeling that something was mediocre. These modifiers allow you to calibrate your level of praise with great precision.

Adverbial Modification: To sound more sophisticated, use adverbs like 'immensely' or 'favorably'. 'I was favorably impressed' is a common phrase in business reports, indicating that the subject made a good impression that will likely lead to a positive decision.

She was impressed with the level of detail in the architect's blueprints.

In more complex sentence structures, 'impressed' can be used in participial phrases at the beginning of a sentence to provide context for the main clause. For instance, 'Impressed by the student's dedication, the teacher offered extra mentorship.' Here, the feeling of being impressed is the reason for the action that follows. This structure is very common in narrative writing and formal reporting. It helps to create a cause-and-effect relationship between the quality observed and the reaction it elicited. It also adds variety to your sentence structures, making your writing more engaging and professional.

Sentence Patterns: Pattern 1: [Subject] + [be/seem] + impressed + [by/with] + [Noun Phrase]. Pattern 2: [Impressed by/with Noun Phrase], [Subject] + [Verb]. Pattern 3: [Subject] + [Verb] + [Object] + [Adjective Phrase, e.g., 'leaving them impressed'].

The audience sat in silence, clearly impressed by the soloist's emotional range.

Finally, consider the use of 'impressed' in questions and negatives. 'Were you impressed?' is a standard way to ask for someone's opinion on a performance or product. In the negative, 'I'm not impressed' can sound quite harsh, so it is often softened with 'not really' or 'not especially' in polite conversation. However, in a critique, being 'unimpressed' (the direct antonym) is a clear signal of failure. Understanding these nuances allows you to navigate social situations where you need to give feedback without being unnecessarily blunt or overly effusive.

He wasn't easily impressed, but even he had to admit the view was breathtaking.

They were so impressed with the service that they left a generous tip.

The word impressed is ubiquitous in English-speaking environments, appearing in contexts ranging from high-stakes corporate boardrooms to casual backyard conversations. Its versatility stems from its ability to convey a positive judgment without being overly emotional or informal. You will hear it frequently in professional evaluations, where managers use it to highlight a team member's exceptional performance. In this setting, being 'impressed' is often the first step toward a promotion or a bonus. It signals that the employee has gone above and beyond the basic requirements of their role, demonstrating a level of competence that stands out from their peers.

Professional Settings: In job interviews, feedback sessions, and performance reviews, 'impressed' is a key vocabulary word. It provides a professional way to say 'you did a great job' while maintaining a certain level of decorum. It focuses on the results and the skills demonstrated.

The CEO was impressed by the marketing team's innovative approach to the new campaign.

In the world of entertainment and the arts, 'impressed' is a staple of reviews and critiques. Movie critics might be impressed by a director's use of lighting, while music reviewers might be impressed by a singer's vocal range. On reality television shows like 'MasterChef' or 'America's Got Talent', the judges frequently use this word to tell contestants that their performance was noteworthy. In these high-pressure environments, hearing a judge say 'I'm impressed' is the ultimate validation for the performer. It suggests that the performer has managed to surprise a seasoned professional who has seen it all before.

Media and Reviews: Critiques often use 'impressed' to ground their praise in specific observations. It moves the review from subjective liking to objective assessment of skill or quality. You will see it in headlines like 'Critics Impressed by New Tech Launch'.

The audience was visibly impressed when the magician made the elephant disappear.

In everyday social life, 'impressed' is used to show appreciation for a friend's achievements or a family member's new skill. If a friend cooks a gourmet meal for the first time, you might say, 'Wow, I'm really impressed with your cooking!' It is a way to encourage others and acknowledge their growth. In dating and social networking, people often try to 'impress' others by highlighting their best qualities or accomplishments. The word describes the desired outcome of these social efforts—the moment when someone else recognizes and admires what you have to offer. It is a fundamental part of how we build and maintain social status and mutual respect.

Social and Personal Life: In casual settings, 'impressed' is a high-tier compliment. It is more significant than 'good' or 'nice'. It implies that the person has done something that requires effort or talent.

My parents were impressed by how well I managed my budget during my first year of college.

Finally, you will encounter 'impressed' in advertising and marketing. Brands want you to be 'impressed' with their latest products. They use testimonials from 'impressed customers' to build trust and credibility. In this context, the word is used to suggest that the product is superior to its competitors and will provide a satisfying experience. Whether it is a car's fuel efficiency, a smartphone's camera quality, or a vacuum cleaner's suction power, the goal is to leave the consumer feeling 'impressed' enough to make a purchase. Thus, the word is not just a description of a feeling, but a target for designers and marketers worldwide.

The tech reviewers were impressed with the new laptop's battery life, which lasted over twenty hours.

Even the most experienced hikers were impressed by the steepness of the final ascent.

One of the most frequent errors learners make with the word impressed is confusing it with its related adjective, 'impressive'. This is a classic 'ed' vs 'ing' adjective mistake. 'Impressed' describes the person who is feeling the emotion (the experiencer), while 'impressive' describes the thing or person that causes the emotion (the source). If you say 'I am very impressive,' you are boasting that you are a great person who makes others admire you. If you mean to say that you admire someone else, you must say 'I am very impressed.' This distinction is vital for clear communication and avoiding unintended arrogance.

Impressed vs. Impressive: Mistake: 'The movie was very impressed.' (Incorrect) Correct: 'The movie was very impressive.' Mistake: 'I am very impressive by your work.' (Incorrect) Correct: 'I am very impressed by your work.'

Don't say 'I was impressive with the food'; say 'I was impressed with the food.'

Another common pitfall involves the choice of prepositions. While 'by' and 'with' are the standard choices, learners often mistakenly use 'of' or 'about'. For example, saying 'I am impressed of your skills' is a direct translation error from some other languages but is grammatically incorrect in English. Similarly, 'impressed about' is rarely used and sounds unnatural to native speakers. Stick to 'by' for actions and 'with' for qualities or things. Mastering these collocations is a key step in moving from intermediate to advanced English proficiency. It shows that you have an ear for how words naturally fit together.

Preposition Errors: Avoid 'impressed of' or 'impressed about'. Always use 'impressed by' (for the agent/cause) or 'impressed with' (for the object/quality). Example: 'He was impressed with the results,' not 'impressed of the results.'

Correct: She was impressed by his speech. Incorrect: She was impressed of his speech.

A third mistake is using 'impressed' when 'surprised' or 'shocked' would be more appropriate. 'Impressed' always carries a positive connotation of admiration. If you see something that is amazing but in a bad or scary way, you are not 'impressed'. For instance, if you see a huge car accident, you are 'shocked' or 'horrified', not 'impressed' by the scale of the destruction (unless you are a very dark-humored crash investigator). Using 'impressed' for negative events can make you sound insensitive or as if you are praising something that is actually harmful. Always ensure that the event you are describing is something you actually admire.

Tone and Connotation: 'Impressed' = Positive Admiration. If the event is negative, use 'shocked', 'appalled', or 'stunned'. Don't say 'I was impressed by how much money he lost gambling' unless you actually think losing money is a great skill.

I was impressed by the speed of the service, but I was shocked by the high price.

Finally, learners sometimes over-use 'impressed' in situations where a simpler word like 'happy' or 'pleased' would suffice. While 'impressed' is a great word, using it for every minor positive thing can make your speech sound repetitive or overly formal. If your friend brings you a cup of coffee, you are 'pleased' or 'grateful', not necessarily 'impressed' (unless they made latte art of your face). Reserve 'impressed' for things that truly stand out or show a high level of skill. This preserves the word's impact and makes your praise feel more genuine when you do choose to use it.

He was impressed with the quality of the work, not just satisfied with it.

They were impressed by the architecture, but unimpressed by the interior design.

To expand your vocabulary beyond impressed, it is helpful to look at synonyms that carry slightly different shades of meaning. Words like 'amazed', 'astonished', and 'astounded' all describe a similar feeling of surprise and admiration, but they are generally more intense than 'impressed'. While you might be impressed by a good meal, you would be 'amazed' by a miracle or a truly world-class performance. These words suggest a higher level of shock or disbelief. 'Impressed' is often a more measured, intellectual form of admiration, whereas 'amazed' is more visceral and emotional.

Intensity Levels: 1. Pleased (Low) 2. Impressed (Medium) 3. Amazed (High) 4. Astounded (Very High). Use 'impressed' when you want to show respect for skill or quality without sounding like you've lost your mind with shock.

I was impressed by his speech, but I was astounded by his ability to remember everyone's name in the room.

In formal or academic contexts, you might use 'favorably struck' or 'moved'. To be 'moved' by something suggests a deeper emotional connection, often related to art, music, or a touching story. You are 'impressed' by the technique of a pianist, but you are 'moved' by the emotion they put into the piece. Another professional alternative is 'appreciative'. If you are 'appreciative of' someone's work, you are acknowledging its value and quality, which is very similar to being impressed but focuses more on the gratitude and recognition of the effort involved.

Formal Alternatives: 'Admiring' focuses on the respect you have. 'Awe-struck' suggests a feeling of being overwhelmed by greatness. 'Dazzled' is often used for visual brilliance or extreme talent that 'blinds' you to any flaws.

The board was favorably struck by the candidate's proposal for restructuring the department.

For a more negative or skeptical take, consider 'underwhelmed'. This is the opposite of being 'overwhelmed' and is a witty way to say you were not impressed at all. If a movie has a huge budget and famous actors but is boring, you might say you were 'underwhelmed' by it. This word is particularly common in modern cultural criticism. Another alternative is 'unmoved'. If a sad story doesn't make you feel anything, you are 'unmoved' by it. These alternatives allow you to express a lack of being impressed with more variety and style than simply saying 'I didn't like it'.

Comparison Table: Impressed: Respect for quality. Amazed: High surprise. Blown away: Extreme informal praise. Underwhelmed: Disappointed by lack of quality. Unmoved: No emotional impact.

Despite the hype, I was quite underwhelmed by the new restaurant's signature dish.

In conclusion, while 'impressed' is a versatile and essential word, knowing its synonyms and antonyms allows you to be much more precise in your descriptions. Whether you are 'dazzled' by a performance, 'moved' by a speech, or 'underwhelmed' by a product, each of these words provides a specific nuance that 'impressed' alone cannot capture. By choosing the right word for the right level of admiration and the right context, you can communicate your thoughts and feelings with much greater clarity and impact. This is the hallmark of a truly advanced English speaker.

The critics were dazzled by the vibrant colors and innovative cinematography of the film.

I was impressed by the logic, but I wasn't convinced by the conclusion.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The word 'impressed' was once used to describe men being forced into military service (the 'press gang'). They were 'impressed' into the navy.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɪmˈprest/

US /ɪmˈprest/

The primary stress is on the second syllable: im-PRESSED.

Rhymes With

Blessed Dressed Guessed Messed Pressed Stressed Test West Best Chest

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'ed' as a separate syllable (im-press-ed). It should be one syllable for the 'press' part.
Putting the stress on the first syllable (IM-pressed).
Forgetting the 't' sound at the end.
Confusing the 'i' sound with an 'e' sound at the start.
Not making the 's' sound sharp enough.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Commonly found in literature and news; easy to recognize.

Writing 3/5

Requires knowledge of correct prepositions (by/with).

Speaking 3/5

Needs correct stress and 'ed' pronunciation.

Listening 2/5

Clear sound, but watch for sarcasm in tone.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

Good Like Surprise Skill Great

Learn Next

Impressive Impression Admire Astonished Spectacular

Advanced

Virtuosity Awe-inspiring Formidable Exemplary Stupendous

Grammar to Know

Adjectives ending in -ed vs -ing

I am impressed (feeling). The show is impressive (cause).

Passive Voice with 'by'

I was impressed by the music (The music impressed me).

Stative Verbs and Adjectives

I feel impressed (describing a state, not a continuous action).

Adverbial Modification

Use 'deeply', 'highly', or 'thoroughly' to modify the intensity.

Prepositional Phrases

Use 'with' for objects/qualities and 'by' for agents/actions.

Examples by Level

I am impressed by your new car.

Je suis impressionné par ta nouvelle voiture.

Use 'am' with 'I' and 'impressed by'.

She is impressed by the teacher.

Elle est impressionnée par le professeur.

Use 'is' with 'she'.

Are you impressed?

Es-tu impressionné ?

This is a simple question form.

The boy is impressed by the big dog.

Le garçon est impressionné par le gros chien.

Subject + is + impressed by + object.

I am impressed with your drawing.

Je suis impressionné par ton dessin.

You can use 'with' for objects like drawings.

They are impressed by the music.

Ils sont impressionnés par la musique.

Use 'are' with 'they'.

He is not impressed.

Il n'est pas impressionné.

Add 'not' after 'is' for the negative.

We are impressed by the cake.

Nous sommes impressionnés par le gâteau.

Use 'are' with 'we'.

I was really impressed by your presentation today.

J'ai été vraiment impressionné par ta présentation aujourd'hui.

Use 'really' to make the feeling stronger.

My parents were impressed with my grades.

Mes parents étaient impressionnés par mes notes.

Past tense 'were' with 'parents'.

He seemed impressed by the fast computer.

Il semblait impressionné par l'ordinateur rapide.

Use 'seemed' instead of 'was' to describe an appearance.

She wasn't very impressed with the movie.

Elle n'était pas très impressionnée par le film.

Use 'wasn't very' to soften the negative.

Are you impressed with the new office?

Es-tu impressionné par le nouveau bureau ?

Question form with 'with'.

The tourists were impressed by the old castle.

Les touristes étaient impressionnés par le vieux château.

Plural subject 'tourists' with 'were'.

I'm impressed that you finished so quickly.

Je suis impressionné que tu aies fini si vite.

Use 'impressed that' followed by a clause.

We were all impressed by her singing voice.

Nous étions tous impressionnés par sa voix.

Use 'all' to include everyone in the group.

I was deeply impressed by the level of detail in the report.

J'ai été profondément impressionné par le niveau de détail du rapport.

'Deeply' is a common adverb for 'impressed'.

The manager was impressed with how you handled the conflict.

Le manager a été impressionné par la façon dont tu as géré le conflit.

Use 'with how' to describe a process.

He didn't seem particularly impressed by the expensive gift.

Il ne semblait pas particulièrement impressionné par le cadeau coûteux.

'Particularly' is used in negative sentences to show a lack of strong feeling.

We were suitably impressed by the hotel's facilities.

Nous avons été convenablement impressionnés par les installations de l'hôtel.

'Suitably impressed' means as impressed as one should be.

She was impressed that he had remembered her birthday.

Elle était impressionnée qu'il se soit souvenu de son anniversaire.

'Impressed that' introduces a reason.

The judges were impressed by the creativity of the young artists.

Les juges ont été impressionnés par la créativité des jeunes artistes.

Passive construction: [Subject] + were + impressed by.

I'm impressed with the progress you've made this semester.

Je suis impressionné par les progrès que tu as faits ce semestre.

Use 'with' for progress or abstract qualities.

They were highly impressed by the efficiency of the new system.

Ils ont été très impressionnés par l'efficacité du nouveau système.

'Highly' is a more formal version of 'very'.

Impressed by her dedication, the board promoted her to director.

Impressionné par son dévouement, le conseil d'administration l'a promue directrice.

Participial phrase at the beginning of the sentence.

The critics were less than impressed by the sequel's predictable plot.

Les critiques ont été loin d'être impressionnés par l'intrigue prévisible de la suite.

'Less than impressed' is an idiomatic way to say disappointed.

He was favorably impressed by the candidate's professional demeanor.

Il a été favorablement impressionné par le comportement professionnel du candidat.

'Favorably impressed' is common in business and formal contexts.

The audience was visibly impressed as the gymnast completed the routine.

Le public était visiblement impressionné alors que la gymnaste terminait son enchaînement.

'Visibly' means the feeling was obvious on their faces.

I must admit, I was quite impressed with the speed of the delivery.

Je dois admettre que j'ai été assez impressionné par la rapidité de la livraison.

'I must admit' adds a conversational nuance of honesty.

She was thoroughly impressed by the depth of his historical knowledge.

Elle a été tout à fait impressionnée par la profondeur de ses connaissances historiques.

'Thoroughly' means completely or in every way.

The investors were impressed with the startup's scalable business model.

Les investisseurs ont été impressionnés par le modèle économique évolutif de la startup.

Professional terminology: 'scalable business model'.

We were somewhat impressed, though we felt there was room for improvement.

Nous avons été quelque peu impressionnés, bien que nous ayons estimé qu'il y avait place à l'amélioration.

'Somewhat' is used to moderate the level of praise.

The court was impressed by the witness's unwavering consistency.

Le tribunal a été impressionné par la constance inébranlable du témoin.

Formal legal context.

He remained unimpressed by the ostentatious display of wealth.

Il est resté de marbre devant cet étalage ostentatoire de richesse.

'Unimpressed' as a direct antonym meaning 'not moved'.

The professor was notably impressed by the student's original thesis.

Le professeur a été notablement impressionné par la thèse originale de l'étudiant.

'Notably' suggests that the feeling was worth mentioning.

She was properly impressed by the sheer scale of the engineering project.

Elle a été dûment impressionnée par l'ampleur même du projet d'ingénierie.

'Properly impressed' implies a justified and significant reaction.

The public was largely unimpressed by the government's latest reforms.

Le public a été largement peu impressionné par les dernières réformes du gouvernement.

Describing a collective societal reaction.

I was struck by how little he seemed to be impressed by fame.

J'ai été frappé par le peu d'impression que la célébrité semblait avoir sur lui.

Using 'impressed' to describe a person's character trait (not being easily swayed).

The reviewers were impressed with the novel's intricate narrative structure.

Les critiques ont été impressionnés par la structure narrative complexe du roman.

Literary analysis context.

One cannot help but be impressed by the resilience of the human spirit.

On ne peut s'empêcher d'être impressionné par la résilience de l'esprit humain.

Philosophical/General observation using 'one cannot help but'.

The diplomat was impressed with the subtle nuances of the negotiation.

Le diplomate a été impressionné par les nuances subtiles de la négociation.

High-level political/diplomatic context.

She was singularly impressed by the artist's ability to capture light.

Elle a été singulièrement impressionnée par la capacité de l'artiste à capturer la lumière.

'Singularly' is a very formal and precise adverb.

The scholars were impressed by the meticulous nature of the research.

Les savants ont été impressionnés par la nature méticuleuse de la recherche.

Academic context focusing on 'meticulous' work.

He was less than impressed, viewing the spectacle as mere artifice.

Il n'a pas été impressionné du tout, considérant le spectacle comme un simple artifice.

Using 'less than impressed' to set up a sophisticated critique.

The audience sat in hushed awe, profoundly impressed by the performance.

Le public était assis dans un silence admiratif, profondément impressionné par la performance.

Combining 'hushed awe' with 'profoundly impressed'.

The CEO's legacy was impressed upon the company's culture for decades.

L'héritage du PDG a été imprimé dans la culture de l'entreprise pendant des décennies.

Using the verb form 'impressed upon' in a metaphorical sense.

I found myself suitably impressed, despite my initial skepticism.

Je me suis trouvé convenablement impressionné, malgré mon scepticisme initial.

Complex psychological state: skepticism turning into admiration.

The critics were impressed with the director's bold, if controversial, vision.

Les critiques ont été impressionnés par la vision audacieuse, bien que controversée, du réalisateur.

Using 'if' to introduce a contrasting quality.

Common Collocations

Deeply impressed

Highly impressed

Suitably impressed

Visibly impressed

Less than impressed

Properly impressed

Genuinely impressed

Somewhat impressed

Thoroughly impressed

Easily impressed

Common Phrases

I'm impressed.

— A simple statement of admiration.

You finished that in an hour? I'm impressed.

I was impressed by...

— The standard way to introduce the cause of admiration.

I was impressed by the cleanliness of the city.

Don't be too impressed.

— A way to tell someone not to admire something too much.

It looks nice, but don't be too impressed; it's quite fragile.

He's not easily impressed.

— Describes someone with very high standards.

My boss is not easily impressed, so this is a big win.

I was impressed with...

— Used to describe admiration for a thing or quality.

I was impressed with the speed of the service.

To be favorably impressed.

— To have a positive opinion formed about something.

The committee was favorably impressed by your proposal.

To look impressed.

— To show admiration on one's face.

He looked impressed when he saw the trophy.

To sound impressed.

— To show admiration through one's voice.

You sound impressed! Do you really like it?

To be less than impressed.

— A polite way to say you are disappointed.

The teacher was less than impressed with the messy homework.

To be properly impressed.

— To be as impressed as the situation warrants.

If you saw the view, you'd be properly impressed.

Often Confused With

impressed vs Impressive

Impressive is the thing that causes the feeling; impressed is the feeling itself.

impressed vs Surprised

Surprised can be good or bad; impressed is almost always positive.

impressed vs Shocked

Shocked is usually for negative or very startling events; impressed is for admiration.

Idioms & Expressions

"Leave a mark"

— To have a strong and lasting influence on someone.

Her speech really left a mark on the audience.

Neutral

"Make an impression"

— To cause someone to notice and admire you.

He really made an impression during the interview.

Neutral

"Strike a chord"

— To cause someone to feel sympathy or enthusiasm.

The story of the refugees struck a chord with the public.

Neutral

"Knock someone's socks off"

— To impress someone very much.

That performance will knock your socks off!

Informal

"Blow someone away"

— To overwhelm someone with admiration.

The special effects in the movie blew me away.

Informal

"Take someone's breath away"

— To be so impressive that it is difficult to breathe.

The view from the mountain top took my breath away.

Literary

"Stand out from the crowd"

— To be much better or more impressive than others.

Her unique style makes her stand out from the crowd.

Neutral

"Win someone over"

— To persuade someone to admire or support you.

He eventually won them over with his charm.

Neutral

"Cut a dash"

— To look very impressive and stylish.

He certainly cut a dash in his new suit.

Old-fashioned/British

"Carry weight"

— To be influential or impressive in an argument.

His opinion carries a lot of weight in this company.

Formal

Easily Confused

impressed vs Impressive

Both come from the same root and describe admiration.

Impressive describes the object (The car is impressive). Impressed describes the person (I am impressed by the car).

The impressive mountain left us all feeling impressed.

impressed vs Amazed

Both describe a strong positive reaction.

Amazed implies a higher level of surprise or disbelief. Impressed is more about respect for quality.

I was impressed by his skill, but amazed that he could do it blindfolded.

impressed vs Astonished

Both describe being struck by something.

Astonished is much stronger and usually involves great surprise. Impressed is more measured.

I was astonished to see him there, as I thought he was in London.

impressed vs Appreciative

Both involve a positive evaluation.

Appreciative focuses on gratitude and recognition. Impressed focuses on admiration of quality.

I am appreciative of your help, and I am impressed by how quickly you did it.

impressed vs Affected

Both mean that something has had an impact on you.

Affected is neutral and can be negative (affected by the cold). Impressed is specifically positive admiration.

I was deeply affected by the tragedy, but impressed by the community's response.

Sentence Patterns

I am impressed by [noun].

I am impressed by your dog.

We were impressed with [noun].

We were impressed with the food.

[Subject] was deeply impressed by [noun phrase].

The boss was deeply impressed by your hard work.

Impressed by [noun], [subject] [verb].

Impressed by the view, they stayed for an hour.

It is hard not to be impressed by [noun].

It is hard not to be impressed by her talent.

[Subject] remained singularly impressed by [noun].

He remained singularly impressed by the logic.

I'm impressed that [clause].

I'm impressed that you remembered.

The [noun] left me feeling impressed.

The performance left me feeling impressed.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in both spoken and written English.

Common Mistakes

I am very impressive with your work. → I am very impressed with your work.
You are the one feeling the emotion, so you need the -ed ending. 'Impressive' describes the work itself.
She was impressed of the new house. → She was impressed with the new house.
The preposition 'of' is not used with impressed. Use 'with' or 'by'.
The movie was very impressed. → The movie was very impressive.
A movie cannot feel an emotion. It causes the emotion in others, so it is 'impressive'.
I was impressed about his speech. → I was impressed by his speech.
'About' is rarely used with impressed. 'By' is the standard preposition for actions like speeches.
He was impressed to the results. → He was impressed by the results.
'To' is not the correct preposition here. Use 'by' or 'with'.

Tips

The 'ed' vs 'ing' Rule

Always remember: People are impressED, things are impressING (impressive). This applies to many English adjectives like bored/boring or tired/tiring.

Use Adverbs for Precision

Don't just say 'impressed'. Use 'deeply', 'highly', 'somewhat', or 'thoroughly' to tell the listener exactly how you feel.

The Power of a Compliment

Saying 'I'm impressed' is one of the best ways to build a relationship. It shows you are paying attention and that you value the other person's effort.

Business Feedback

In a professional setting, being 'favorably impressed' is a standard phrase in reports to indicate that a person or project has met high standards.

Check Your Tone

If you say 'I'm impressed' with a flat voice, it can sound like you are lying or being sarcastic. Use a little bit of energy in your voice!

Sentence Variety

Try starting a sentence with 'Impressed by...' to make your writing sound more advanced. For example: 'Impressed by her speed, the coach signed her immediately.'

Listen for 'Unimpressed'

If someone says they are 'unimpressed', they are being quite critical. It's a polite but firm way to say something wasn't good enough.

Cultural Nuance

In some cultures, being 'impressed' is a big deal. In others, people say it more often. Observe how native speakers in your area use it.

The Stamp Mnemonic

Think of a stamp pressing into paper. That's what an 'impression' is. You are 'impressed' because the event left a stamp on your mind.

Impressed vs. Amazed

Use 'impressed' for skill and hard work. Use 'amazed' for things that seem impossible or magical.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'press' machine. When something is so good it 'presses' an image into your brain, you are im-pressed.

Visual Association

Imagine a wax seal being pressed by a stamp. The mark left behind is the 'impression', and the wax is 'impressed'.

Word Web

Skill Admiration Respect Surprise Excellence Quality Impact Memory

Challenge

Try to find three things today that make you feel impressed and describe them using 'impressed by' and 'impressed with'.

Word Origin

From the Middle English 'impressen', which comes from the Old French 'empresser' and the Latin 'imprimere'.

Original meaning: The original meaning was literally 'to press into' or 'to stamp'. It referred to making a physical mark on a surface.

Latinate (Italic branch of Indo-European).

Cultural Context

Be careful not to sound patronizing. Saying 'I'm impressed you can cook' to a professional chef would be insulting.

Americans often use 'impressed' quite freely as a form of encouragement. British speakers might use it more sparingly or with modifiers like 'quite' or 'rather'.

Shania Twain's song 'That Don't Impress Me Much'. Darth Vader's line: 'I am impressed. You have controlled your fear.' The 'Not Impressed' meme featuring gymnast McKayla Maroney.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Job Interview

I was impressed by your portfolio.
We are impressed with your experience.
How can I impress the hiring manager?
The candidate left us feeling impressed.

Restaurant Review

I was impressed with the wine list.
We were impressed by the presentation of the food.
Not particularly impressed by the service.
The chef's skills impressed everyone.

School/Education

The teacher was impressed by her essay.
I'm impressed with your progress in math.
Try to impress your professors.
We were impressed by the school's facilities.

Sports

The coach was impressed by his speed.
Fans were impressed with the team's defense.
He impressed the scouts with his performance.
I'm impressed by her stamina.

Dating/Social

He was impressed by her sense of humor.
I'm impressed that you know so much about art.
Trying to impress someone on a first date.
She wasn't easily impressed by his wealth.

Conversation Starters

"What is the most beautiful place you have ever been to that left you impressed?"

"Have you ever been impressed by someone you initially didn't like?"

"What skills do you have that usually leave other people feeling impressed?"

"Was there a movie recently that you were particularly impressed with?"

"How do you usually react when you are deeply impressed by a performance?"

Journal Prompts

Write about a time you were impressed by your own resilience or strength during a difficult situation.

Describe a person in your life who never fails to leave you impressed. What qualities do they have?

Reflect on a recent project at work or school. Were you impressed with the final result? Why or why not?

If you could have any talent in the world to impress others, what would it be and why?

Write about a natural wonder (like a mountain or ocean) that left you feeling awed and impressed.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Both are correct and often interchangeable. 'By' is more common for actions or the person doing the thing (impressed by his running). 'With' is more common for qualities or objects (impressed with the new car). In most cases, native speakers won't notice if you swap them.

Yes, but it means you think YOU are great. If you want to say you admire someone else, you must say 'I am impressed'. Saying 'I am impressive' sounds very arrogant unless you are joking.

The direct antonym is 'unimpressed'. Other opposites include 'disappointed', 'underwhelmed', or 'indifferent'. 'Unimpressed' often implies that you expected more.

It is moderately strong. It is stronger than 'liked' or 'good', but less intense than 'amazed', 'astounded', or 'blown away'. It is a very safe and professional word to use for high praise.

The 'ed' is pronounced as a 't' sound (/t/). This is because the sound before it, 's', is voiceless. So it sounds like 'im-prest'.

Usually, no. 'Impressed' has a positive connotation of admiration. If you see something bad that is very large or intense, use 'shocked', 'appalled', or 'horrified' instead.

It means you were impressed to the degree that was expected or appropriate for the situation. It's a slightly formal way of saying 'I saw it, and yes, it was as good as people said'.

Yes, very frequently. It is used in performance reviews, interviews, and feedback. It is a professional way to give positive reinforcement.

The noun form is 'impression'. For example, 'You made a great impression on the team'.

No, that is incorrect. You should say 'I am impressed with you' or 'I am impressed by you'. 'Of' is never used with impressed.