IPA: /ɪmˈprɛsɪv/
KK: /ɪmˈprɛsɪv/
Causing admiration or respect because of being large, important, or skillful.
The artist's latest painting was truly impressive and left everyone in awe.
Comparative: more impressive
Superlative: most impressive
Impressive is formed from "in-" (meaning not) and "press" (from Latin "premere", meaning to press). The word describes something that does not just press but stands out significantly, evoking admiration or respect.
Think of something that stands out and makes a strong impact, as if it is pressing upon your mind — that's why impressive means something that evokes admiration.