What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
imprint
Example
The dog's paw left an imprint in the wet sand. [imprint: noun]
Example
The traumatic experience left a lasting imprint on her psyche. [imprint: noun]
Example
The publisher will imprint the author's name on the cover of the book. [imprint: verb]
impression
Example
My first impression of him was that he was shy. [impression: noun]
Example
The artist made an impression of her hand in the clay. [impression: noun]
Example
The grand entrance made a strong impression on the guests. [impression: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Impression is more commonly used than imprint in everyday language. Impression is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts and tones, while imprint is less common and typically used in technical or formal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between imprint and impression?
Imprint is typically associated with a more technical or formal tone, while impression can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
