What is impressive? Pronunciation and usage in English

impressive means . Learn how to pronounce and use impressive through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of impressive

impressiveadjective

/ɪmˈprɛsɪv/
Definition & pronunciation of impressive

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "impressive" in English. It's a tricky one because it has a few sounds that aren’t always intuitive. Here's a breakdown:

1. Initial Sound: "im-"

  • Pronounce it like "im" – similar to the "im" in "import" or "impossible." It’s a short, quick sound.

2. “press”

  • This is the most challenging part. It’s not like the word "press" in the sense of operating a machine. It's a bit of a blend:
    • "pre": Think of the "pre" in "prepare." It's a relatively short, sharp “preh” sound.
    • "ss": Pronounce this as a single, slightly rolled "s" sound. (A slight roll isn’t essential, but it adds to the sound.)
    • "ive": This is a long “ee” sound, like in "see" or "tree."

3. Putting it together: "im-press-ive"

  • So, combining them: im-prehs-ihv

Here's a breakdown in syllables:

  • im - press - ive

Tips for getting it right:

  • Listen to native speakers: The best way to learn is to hear it! Search for "how to pronounce impressive" on YouTube or use online dictionaries like Merriam-Webster or Cambridge Dictionary that have audio pronunciations:

  • Focus on the “prehs” sound: Really concentrate on that short, sharp “preh” sound. This is the key to getting the word sounding correct.

  • Don't overemphasize the "s": It's a subtle "s" sound, not a drawn-out one.

  • Record yourself: Record yourself saying it and compare it to the native speaker pronunciation.

Would you like me to:

  • Provide a phonetic transcription of the word?
  • Give you some example sentences to practice with?

Usage and examples with the word impressive in English

Let's break down how to use the word "impressive" effectively in English. It's a versatile word with a generally positive connotation, meaning something is worthy of admiration or respect.

1. Basic Meaning & Usage:

  • Definition: "Impressive" means causing great admiration or respect; striking. It describes something that is remarkable or noteworthy.

  • Common Sentence Structures:

    • "It was an impressive performance." (Describes an act, skill, or achievement.)
    • "She gave an impressive presentation." (Describes a speaking delivery.)
    • "The view from the mountain was impressive." (Describes a visual experience.)
    • "He has an impressive collection of stamps." (Describes a collection.)

2. Different Ways to Use "Impressive":

  • Describing Achievements & Skills: This is its most frequent use.

    • "The team achieved an impressive win after being down by 20 points."
    • "She’s an impressive pianist – her technique is flawless."
    • "The architect created an impressive design for the new museum."

  • Describing Physical Appearance or Size:

    • "The waterfall was impressive in its scale and power."
    • "The castle was an impressive sight, towering over the landscape."
    • "He built an impressive shed in just one weekend."

  • Describing Behavior or Qualities: (Often used to express admiration)

    • "He's an impressive leader; he always inspires his team."
    • "It's impressive how she balances her work and family life.”
    • "Her dedication to the project was truly impressive."

  • Figuratively (To mean ‘remarkable’ or ‘significant’):

    • "It was an impressive turn of events." (Meaning: surprising and noteworthy)
    • "He made an impressive contribution to the discussion." (Meaning: a significant and impactful one)

3. Variations & Similar Words:

  • Highly impressive: Emphasizes the degree of impressiveness.
  • Remarkable: Similar to impressive, suggesting something unusual or worth noting.
  • Wonderful: Expresses admiration and delight.
  • Stunning: Often used for visual things – breathtakingly impressive.
  • Fantastic: Similar to wonderful, implying something great.
  • Notable: Specifically means worthy of being mentioned or observed.

4. Things to Watch Out For:

  • Overuse: “Impressive” can lose its impact if you use it too frequently. Try to vary your vocabulary.
  • Context: Ensure it fits the situation. Sometimes “amazing,” “great,” or “excellent” might be better choices.

Example Combining Several Points:

“The documentary about the rainforest was incredibly impressive in its scope and detail. The filmmakers captured stunning visuals and presented compelling evidence of the urgency to protect this vital ecosystem. It was truly an remarkable achievement.”

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you thinking of using "impressive" in? (e.g., writing a story, giving a presentation, talking about something you saw?)

Synonyms for the word impressive

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