IMPRESS

 IMPRESS

‘IMPRESS’ is another term that stands parallel to ‘EXPRESS’ though the former has no genuine parallel. Why do I contend so?  If ‘express ‘ can right away be used to convey varied opinion on different contexts,  ‘impress ‘ can be employed to similar effect only by slight modification in spelling.

 Quite interestingly, ‘IMPRESS’ serves the ‘functional opposite’ of ‘EXPRESS’. When you ‘express’ something, you bring it out in the open. When you, use ‘impress’ the implication is –‘the opinion is an inward feeling [that is the idea gets into your mind and it goes out when you ‘express’ it.] So, I feel that  the  two words connote opposite effects and thus are ‘functional opposites’.      

When my friend Mr. Rangarajan expressed his ‘opinion’ on my previous blog posting on ‘EXPRESS’, I got the ‘impression’, why not try a write-up on ‘IMPRESS’. It may be argued that ‘impression’ triggers ‘expression’.

Though every impression need not trigger an expression, no expression emerges without an impression. Thus, the two terms have a functional relationship of ‘TOM and JERRY’ kind of functional association of one leading/ driving the other.

IMPRESS [As a verb]

Means to cause an effect on someone to respect or admire the performer

Those who desire recognition in their workplace have to impress the authority.

Mother was not impressed by our uncultured utterance in the Wedding hall.

Subtle questions raised in the interview impressed me to become inquisitive.

IMPRESS [As Transitive verb]

Transitive verbs are used with Noun/ Pronoun/ Phrase that refers to the person /a thing that is influenced or affected by the action of verb.  Example: Her words impressed me of her sincerity

His arguments impressed the jury

IMPRESS [Noun] Impress is to make an image by application of pressure [Rubber stamp]

Impressionist = a person who makes conscious effort to impress others [as in planned acting on stage].

IMPRESSIONISTIC [Adjective]

Apiece of work or writing which gives the impression of the person making it rather than giving details.

IMPRESSIONABLE [Adjective]

Young minds are impressionable [they can be easily impressed].

IMPRESSIVE [Adjective]

The building is impressive by its architecture [Creates a sense of importance /admiration].

IMPRESSIONISTICALLY  [Adverb].

The work has been presented impressionistically [WITH an idea to create certain impression].

Thus the word ‘IMPRESS’ can be variously utilized by spelling alterations to provide different impressions.

Prof. K. Raman