An impression is the effect something or someone has on your mind, or the idea you form based on limited information. When you meet someone for the first time, you form a first impression based on how they look, speak, and act. That impression might change as you get to know them better, but it shapes how you initially think about them.

The word captures that immediate sense you get: “My impression of the new teacher is that she's really strict” or “The museum left a strong impression on me.” An impression isn't necessarily the complete truth. It's more like a mental sketch you make quickly, which might be accurate or might miss important details.

You can also make an impression on others. If you walk into class with confidence and answer questions thoughtfully, you make a good impression. If you interrupt constantly or forget your materials every day, you make a poor impression.

The word has another meaning: an imitation of how someone speaks or acts. When you do an impression of your favorite actor or a funny voice your friend makes, you're copying their distinctive traits. A good impression captures the person's essence in an exaggerated way that makes others laugh or say, “That's exactly what they sound like!”