Impressive vs. Impressing: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Impressive describes something that evokes admiration, while impressing is the act of causing such admiration.
Key Differences
Impressive is an adjective that describes something awe-inspiring or notable, such as an impressive feat, whereas impressing is the present participle that describes the action of evoking admiration, as in someone is impressing the audience with their speech.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
An impressive object or person stands out due to inherent qualities or achievements, like an impressive painting, while impressing refers to the ongoing action or process, like a magician impressing the crowd.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
Use impressive when you wish to express the resulting feeling of admiration, such as in "The view from the mountain was impressive," and use impressing when discussing the action, "She is impressing judges with her performance."
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
Impressive can be used to describe a lasting state of something that consistently evokes admiration, such as "His knowledge of history is impressive," whereas impressing implies a current, possibly transient act of making an impact, such as "He is impressing upon us the importance of diligence."
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
The word impressive often conveys a passive state of being admired, like "The sculpture’s size was impressive," while impressing is active, illustrating the process of invoking admiration, as in "The chef is impressing diners with innovative dishes."
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Usage
To describe qualities that evoke admiration
To describe the act of evoking admiration
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Nov 08, 2023
Example Context
“The grandeur of the palace is impressive.”
“The speaker is impressing the audience right now.”
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Nov 08, 2023
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Impressive and Impressing Definitions
Impressive
Evoking admiration through size, quality, or skill.
The athlete’s record is impressive.
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Nov 08, 2023
Impressing
Enforcing one’s ideas or presence strongly.
He is impressing his views on the committee.
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Nov 08, 2023
Impressive
Remarkable and striking in nature.
The vastness of the canyon is impressive.
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Nov 08, 2023
Impressing
The process of creating an imprint or mark.
The stamp is impressing a clear design on the paper.
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Nov 08, 2023
Impressive
Commanding attention because of great quality or performance.
Her command over the subject was impressive.
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Nov 08, 2023
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Impressing
Actively evoking admiration or respect.
The musician is impressing the audience with her skill.
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Nov 08, 2023
Impressive
Deserving praise because of an excellent display.
The student’s improvement was impressive.
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Nov 08, 2023
Impressing
The ongoing action of compelling recognition of one’s abilities.
She is impressing her new colleagues with her expertise.
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Nov 08, 2023
Impressive
Distinguished by excellence.
The clarity of the presentation was impressive.
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Nov 08, 2023
Impressing
Making a significant impact or effect.
The teacher is impressing upon the students the importance of honesty.
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Nov 08, 2023
Impressive
Making a strong positive impression; inspiring admiration or awe
An impressive achievement.
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Oct 19, 2023
Impressing
To affect strongly, often favorably
Wrote down whatever impressed me during the journey.
Was impressed by the child's sincerity.
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Oct 19, 2023
Impressive
Making, or tending to make, a positive impression; having power to impress
An impressive speech
An impressive movie
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Oct 19, 2023
Impressing
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.
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Oct 19, 2023
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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Impressing
To compel (a person) to serve in the military, particularly in the naval forces, especially by seizure.
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Oct 19, 2023
Impressing
To seize (property) by force or authority, especially for military purposes; confiscate.
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Oct 19, 2023
Impressing
(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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Impressive
Producing a strong effect;
Gave an impressive performance as Othello
A telling gesture
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Oct 19, 2023
Impressing
A mark or pattern of influence produced by someone or something; an impression
A politician who left her impress on foreign policy.
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Oct 19, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What makes something impressive?
Qualities or achievements that evoke admiration make something impressive.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
What types of things are often called impressive?
Grand architecture, significant achievements, or advanced skills.
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Nov 08, 2023
Can a person be impressive?
Yes, through notable characteristics or accomplishments.
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Nov 08, 2023
How do you know if something is impressive?
If it stands out remarkably and is worthy of praise.
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Nov 08, 2023
Can animals be impressing?
Yes, if their actions or abilities evoke admiration.
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Nov 08, 2023
Is impressing a continuous action?
Yes, it refers to the ongoing process of evoking admiration.
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Nov 08, 2023
Is impressing always intentional?
Not always; it can occur without the active intent to influence.
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Nov 08, 2023
What is the verb form of impressive?
Impress is the verb form, with impressing being its present participle.
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Nov 08, 2023
Can an old artifact be impressive?
Absolutely, if it evokes admiration due to its history or craftsmanship.
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Nov 08, 2023
Is impressive always positive?
Typically, it denotes a positive reaction, but it can be used in a neutral context.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
Can food be impressive?
Certainly, if it’s exceptionally well-prepared or presented.
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Nov 08, 2023
Can technology be impressive?
Yes, especially when it represents a significant advancement.
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Nov 08, 2023
Can impressing be negative?
While usually positive, impressing can be negative if the influence is unwanted.
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Nov 08, 2023
Do you need an audience to be impressing?
Typically, impressing involves an observer, but it can be a personal endeavor.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
Is impressing about current actions only?
Yes, it's related to what is currently happening.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
What's the difference in usage between impressive and impressing?
Impressive describes, while impressing implies active influence.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
Does impressive or impressing have a stronger impact?
Impressive often denotes a lasting impact, while impressing is more about immediate effect.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
Can a speech be impressive?
Yes, if it’s particularly well-delivered or insightful.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
Can someone be trying to impress without success?
Yes, impressing involves the attempt, not necessarily the outcome.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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