Impressive vs. Impressing: Difference and Comparison
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By Muazma Batool & Muneeza Rehman — Published on July 6, 2024
"Impressive" describes something that evokes admiration through its qualities, while "impressing" refers to the act of making an impression.
![Impressive vs. Impressing](/images/impressive-vs-impressing-14103.webp)
Difference Between Impressive and Impressing
Impressive is an adjective used to describe something awe-inspiring or remarkable due to its qualities, such as an impressive performance that captivates the audience. On the other hand, impressing is the present participle of the verb impress, which involves the action of causing someone to feel admiration or respect, as in actively impressing judges in a competition.
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Muazma Batool
Jul 06, 2024
An impressive object or feat stands out due to its inherent characteristics, like an impressive landscape that naturally stuns viewers with its beauty. Whereas, impressing requires a subject performing the action, often implying a deliberate effort to influence others' perceptions, such as an artist impressing an audience with their skills.
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Muazma Batool
Jul 06, 2024
In terms of reception, something impressive typically garners widespread admiration passively, without needing to exert effort during the moment of observation. On the other hand, impressing involves dynamic interaction, where the impact is actively made on the observers, like a speaker impressing an audience through eloquence and charisma.
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Muazma Batool
Jul 06, 2024
Impressive can be used more broadly to refer to anything that naturally stands out as extraordinary or exceptional, such as impressive technological advancements. Conversely, impressing is specific to the context of an individual or group making an active effort to create a notable impression, such as a company impressing potential investors during a presentation.
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Levi
Jul 06, 2024
The adjective impressive often denotes a lasting effect, suggesting that the admiration it invokes is due to lasting qualities. Whereas, impressing might not always lead to a lasting impact, as it might only influence the immediate perception during the act.
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Olivia
Jul 06, 2024
Impressive vs. Impressing Comparison Chart
Example Settings
Art, landscapes, achievements
Competitions, presentations, acts
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Muazma Batool
Jul 06, 2024
Impressive vs. Impressing Definitions
◉Impressive
Arousing admiration through size, quality, or skill.
The chef prepared an impressive meal.
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Leo
Apr 29, 2024
◉Impressing
Making someone feel admiration or respect.
He's impressing the panel with his detailed proposal.
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Lucas
Apr 29, 2024
◉Impressive
Deserving of attention; notable.
Her comprehensive knowledge of law is impressive.
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Muazma Batool
Apr 29, 2024
◉Impressing
Acting in a way that leaves a strong, favorable impression.
She is impressing her in-laws during their visit.
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Muazma Batool
Apr 29, 2024
◉Impressive
Remarkably good in quality.
The film’s special effects were impressive.
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Muazma Batool
Apr 29, 2024
◉Impressing
Applying pressure or influence to achieve a desired effect.
The company is impressing upon employees the need for discretion.
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Levi
Apr 29, 2024
◉Impressive
Grand or imposing in appearance.
The new skyscraper downtown is truly impressive.
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Levi
Apr 29, 2024
◉Impressing
Affecting someone deeply or strongly.
The documentary is impressing viewers with its poignant message.
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Muazma Batool
Apr 29, 2024
◉Impressive
Making a strong positive impact.
His command over multiple languages is impressive.
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Muazma Batool
Apr 29, 2024
◉Impressing
Engraving or stamping a mark.
The artisan is impressing designs into the leather.
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Muazma Batool
Apr 29, 2024
◉Impressive
Making a strong positive impression; inspiring admiration or awe
An impressive achievement.
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Muazma Batool
Apr 27, 2024
◉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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Muazma Batool
Apr 27, 2024
◉Impressive
Making, or tending to make, a positive impression; having power to impress
An impressive speech
An impressive movie
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Muazma Batool
Apr 27, 2024
◉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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Muazma Batool
Apr 27, 2024
◉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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Jonathan
Apr 27, 2024
◉Impressing
To compel (a person) to serve in the military, particularly in the naval forces, especially by seizure.
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Muazma Batool
Apr 27, 2024
◉Impressing
To seize (property) by force or authority, especially for military purposes; confiscate.
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Kaitlyn
Apr 27, 2024
◉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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Muazma Batool
Apr 27, 2024
◉Impressive
Producing a strong effect;
Gave an impressive performance as Othello
A telling gesture
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Kaitlyn
Apr 27, 2024
◉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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Henry
Apr 27, 2024
Impressive vs. Impressing Frequently Asked Questions
What makes something impressive?
Something is considered impressive if it inherently possesses qualities that inspire admiration or awe, such as size, skill, or beauty.
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Muazma Batool
Jul 06, 2024
How does one go about impressing others?
Impressing others involves actively demonstrating qualities or achievements that are likely to elicit admiration or respect.
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Muazma Batool
Jul 06, 2024
What are typical scenarios for using 'impressive'?
'Impressive' is often used to describe significant achievements, great performances, or beautiful artworks.
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Muazma Batool
Jul 06, 2024
What is the difference in impact between impressive and impressing?
'Impressive' generally denotes a lasting impact due to inherent qualities, whereas 'impressing' might have a more immediate but temporary effect.
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Nolan
Jul 06, 2024
How does the impact of 'impressing' differ from 'impressive'?
The impact of 'impressing' is often immediate and directly tied to the act of influencing others, while 'impressive' implies a sustained impact that continues to evoke admiration over time.
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Muazma Batool
Jul 06, 2024
Is 'impressive' used only for positive descriptions?
Typically, 'impressive' is used to denote positive qualities that garner admiration; however, it can be used in a broader context to describe anything that is notably impactful, even if not positively so.
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Olivia
Jul 06, 2024
Can a person be both impressive and impressing?
Yes, a person can be both impressive (having admirable qualities) and impressing (actively making a good impression).
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Muazma Batool
Jul 06, 2024
What role does intention play in impressing versus being impressive?
Intention is crucial in 'impressing' as it involves deliberate actions aimed at making an impression. In contrast, being 'impressive' does not necessarily involve intentional actions—it is more about the inherent qualities of a person or object.
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Muazma Batool
Jul 06, 2024
Can landscapes be impressing?
Landscapes are typically described as 'impressive' due to their inherent beauty or grandeur. The act of 'impressing' usually involves a deliberate action, which does not apply to static objects like landscapes.
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William
Jul 06, 2024
What are examples of activities commonly associated with impressing others?
Activities like public speaking, performances, and professional presentations are commonly associated with impressing others due to the active effort to influence and garner admiration.
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Levi
Jul 06, 2024
Is 'impressing' always a conscious effort?
Yes, 'impressing' typically involves a conscious effort to affect others' perceptions positively through actions or demonstrations.
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Kaitlyn
Jul 06, 2024
Content Creators
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Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
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