impressive English · revision 5021

+ {{infobox|confidence=established|formation=derivation|attested=1593|origins=en impress, en -ive}}

+

+ ==Pronunciation==

+ * IPA: /ɪmˈpres.ɪv/^(Roach et al. 2011)

+

+ ==Etymology==

+ It is formed [[af|en|impress|-ive]].^(Etymonline)^(MWU 2024)

+

+ ==Earliest recorded meaning==

+ Capable of being easily impressed, susceptible: 1593 in the OED and MWU, a sense now rare or obsolete.^(OED 1989)^(MWU 2024)^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Semantic evolution==

+ The modern sense, making a deep impression on the mind or senses, is from 1775.^(OED 1989)^(Etymonline) A rare sense “conveying an impression of” is recorded once, in 1791.^(OED 1989)

+

+ ==Timeline==

+ * 1593 – easily impressed.^(OED 1989)^(MWU 2024)

+ * 1775 – making a deep impression.^(OED 1989)^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Modern meaning==

+ ===Adjective===

+ # Making a strong impression, especially of skill, size or quality, and causing [[admiration]].^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+

+ ==Word family==

+ * [[impressively]]

+ * [[impressiveness]]

+

+ ==Related words==

+ * [[impression]]

+ * [[impress]]

+

+ ==References==

+ {{reflist}}