What is the difference between impression and expression (impression vs expression)?
Impression and expression are two English words with distinct meanings. According to the English dictionary, the term “impression” is “the indentation or depression made by the pressure of one object on or into another- the overall effect of something”.
On the other hand, the term “expression” refers to “a particular way of phrasing an idea”. It also refers to the facial appearance usually associated with an emotion”.
These are two words with different meanings in English and should be used properly in writing and sentences.
What Is the Meaning of Impression?
Impression is an English word often used during a conversation. As a noun, “impression” refers to “the indentation or depression made by the pressure of one object on or into another”.
The word “impression” also refers to “the overall effect of something” according to the English dictionary. Impression refers to the influence that a thing or a person has on our emotions, senses, or thoughts.
It also means “an impersonation, an imitation of the mannerism of another individual”.
An impression can generally be described as a mental imprint created through our conscious experiences- by what we hear, see, smell, touch, or taste.
Impressions can either be fleeting or long-lasting based on the intensity of the encounter. An impression is the immediate reaction that emerges within us.
Generally, an impression can alter our attitudes towards someone, our beliefs, humble opinions, ideas or situations. It plays an important role in how we make certain decisions in our lives.
When you meet someone for the first time, the impression he or she makes can influence how you interact with them from there on. Our first encounter with someone can determine our future interaction with them.
Additionally, an iconic image or sound can leave a long-lasting impression in our minds, it can either evoke positive or negative emotions.
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What Is the Meaning of Expression?
The English dictionary defines the term “expression” (noun) as “a particular way of phrasing an idea”. Or the “facial appearance usually associated with an emotion”.
In mathematics, expression is a word that refers to “an arrangement of symbols denoting values, operations performed on them (values) and grouping symbols”.
In biology, it describes “the process of translating a gene into a protein. In programming, an expression refers to “a piece of code in a high-level language that returns a value”.
Expression can be in different forms, for example, verbal and non-verbal communication. Verbal expression is the communication in speech or writing of our beliefs or opinions.
In contrast, non-verbal expression involves the process of message or signal transmission through a non-verbal platform such as facial expression, eye contact, use of objects and body language, gestures, and postures.
Non-verbal expression can also convey communication through artistic creations like paintings, dance performances, or sculptures.
Impression vs Expression: Difference between Impression and Expression
Impression and expression are two English words with different meanings.
As a noun, the word “impression” refers to “the indentation or depression made by the pressure of one object on or into another”.
The word “impression” also refers to “the overall effect of something” according to the English dictionary. Impression refers to the influence that a thing or a person has on our emotions, senses, or thoughts.
In contrast, the English dictionary defines the term “expression” (noun) as “a particular way of phrasing an idea”. Or the “facial appearance usually associated with an emotion”.
In mathematics, expression is a word that refers to “an arrangement of symbols denoting values, operations performed on them (values) and grouping symbols”.
In biology, it describes “the process of translating a gene into a protein. In programming, an expression refers to “a piece of code in a high-level language that returns a value”.
Expression is a unique way by which one communicates their feelings, thoughts or ideas. We can convey our expression through facial gestures, words, eye contact, postures, using body language, or artistic mediums.
Impressions can either be fleeting or long-lasting based on the intensity of the encounter. An impression is the immediate reaction that emerges within us.
It can alter our attitudes towards someone, our beliefs, humble opinions, ideas or situations. It plays an important role in how we make certain decisions in our lives.
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Impression vs Expression: More Differences
- Impression: It can be fleeting and can change with new information or experience.
- An impression is not something you deliberately perform rather it’s based on what you feel.
- Expression: This is more like an intentional action. It could be a conscious choice of our words or an art form such as painting.
- Although you can control your expression, controlling your impression is typically subject to interpretation by others.
- Impression: Impression is what one is left with after an experience or an interaction.
- Our first encounter with someone can determine our future interaction with them.
- Expression: This is what you put out into the world, how you communicate, think, understand, or feel.
Impression vs Expression: Comparison Chart
| Impression | Expression | |
| Definition | The indentation or depression made by the pressure of one object on or into another. | A particular way of phrasing an idea. Facial appearance usually associated with an emotion. |
| Nature | Passive, internal | Active, external |
| Control | Usually beyond your control | Within your control |
| Subjective | Subjective | Objective (observable) |
| Function | Reception, understanding | Communication, conveyance |
Impression vs Expression: Examples of Sentences with Impression and Expression
Let’s look at some examples of sentences with the terms “impression” and “expression”.
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Examples of Sentences with Impression
- Maria was sceptical because first impressions can be deceiving.
- Henry’s last impression of Lauren was a smiling face.
- Really, is that your impression of our new teacher?
- The manager seemed to be under the impression that I wanted to continue working here.
- Her speech not only made a strong impression but created excitement in the classroom.
- Despite his medical condition, the talented singer made an exciting impression with his performance.
- His unprofessional attitude left a lasting impression on every client who interacted with him.
- After watching the documentary, it was difficult to shake off the haunting impression.
- The first impression was the large bronze head beside the trial.
- Macy’s disappointing statement just left an impression that she expected more from the company she had been working with for years.
Examples of Sentences with Expression
- Molly’s classmates defended her, saying she was happy to receive the award, but her facial expression would say otherwise.
- Lois used her fashion choices as a form of self-expression to show her unique and trendy fashion style.
- By the expression on Michael’s face, it was obvious that he wasn’t enjoying the conversation.
- Hannah’s expression was unreadable.
- The expression on the waiter’s face reflected both humour and confusion.
- Martin’s expression was quite wary, but he said nothing throughout the whole time.
- His iconic artwork served as an inspirational expression of his internal emotion.
- His facial expression never indicated that he was enjoying the wack jokes.
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Conclusion
Impression and expression are two English words with different meanings.
The word “impression” also refers to “the overall effect of something” according to the English dictionary. Impression refers to the influence that a thing or a person has on our emotions, senses, or thoughts.
Expression can be in different forms, for example, verbal and non-verbal communication.
Verbal expression is the communication in speech or writing of our beliefs or opinions. In contrast, non-verbal expression involves the process of message or signal transmission through a non-verbal platform such as facial expression, eye contact, use of objects and body language, gestures, and postures.
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