Definitions
- Referring to a physical feeling or experience in the body. - Describing a strong emotional response or reaction to something. - Talking about an event or occurrence that creates a significant impact or effect.
- Referring to a feeling or understanding about something or someone based on initial observation or experience. - Describing a mark or indentation left by something. - Talking about the overall effect or impact of something on a person or situation.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe a subjective experience or perception.
- 2Both can be influenced by external factors.
- 3Both can be used to describe emotional responses.
- 4Both can be used to describe the impact of something on a person.
What is the difference?
- 1Type of experience: Sensation refers to a physical or emotional feeling, while impression refers to a mental or cognitive understanding.
- 2Duration: Sensation is typically a short-lived experience, while impression can last longer and have a more lasting impact.
- 3Source: Sensation is often caused by a specific stimulus or event, while impression can be formed from multiple sources or experiences.
- 4Subjectivity: Sensation is generally considered more objective and measurable, while impression is more subjective and based on personal interpretation.
- 5Usage: Sensation is more commonly used in medical or scientific contexts, while impression is more commonly used in everyday language and social situations.
What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
Example
The sensation of the cold water was invigorating. [sensation: noun]
Example
She felt a sensation of fear when she heard the loud noise. [sensation: noun]
Example
The concert created a sensation among music lovers. [sensation: noun]
Example
My first impression of the new teacher was positive. [impression: noun]
Example
The heavy object left an impression on the soft ground. [impression: noun]
Example
The speech made a strong impression on the audience. [impression: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Impression is more commonly used than sensation in everyday language and social situations. Sensation is more commonly used in medical or scientific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sensation and impression?
While sensation is typically associated with a more formal tone, impression is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
Remember this!
Sensation and impression are both words that describe subjective experiences or perceptions. However, the difference between them lies in the type of experience, duration, source, subjectivity, and usage. Sensation refers to a physical or emotional feeling caused by a specific stimulus, while impression refers to a mental or cognitive understanding formed from multiple sources or experiences.
