impress etymology

Etymology

The word "impress" comes from the Latin verb "imprimō," meaning "to press upon" or "to imprint." It is derived from the prefix "im-" (meaning "in" or "upon") and the root "primō" (meaning "to press").

Meaning

The word "impress" has several related meanings, all of which involve the idea of making a mark or effect on something:

• To make an impression: To create a lasting or noticeable impact on someone or something.
• To impress: To influence or persuade someone favorably.
• To imprint: To press or mark an image, design, or character onto something.
• To impress: To enlist or conscript someone into military service (a usage that is now obsolete).

Origin

The Latin verb "imprimō" has a long history of usage, dating back to classical times. It was used in various contexts, including:

• In printing, to press type against paper to create an imprint.
• In minting, to stamp a design onto a coin.
• In writing, to mark a document with a seal or signature.
• In hunting, to set a trap or snare.

The word "impress" entered the English language in the 14th century, and its meanings have evolved over time. It is now a common word with a wide range of applications.

impress relate terms

• impressed

  Etymology The word impressed derives from the Latin word impressus which means to

• impress

  Etymology The word impress comes from the Latin verb imprimō meaning to press upon

• press

  Etymology The word press originates from the Old French word presse which in turn c

• press

  Etymology The word press originates from the Old French word presse which in turn c

• pressing

  Etymology Late Middle English in the sense to bear down from Old French presse

• impression

  Etymology The word impression comes from the Latin word impressio which means a mar

• affect

  Etymology Derived from the Latin word afficere meaning to do something to or to ha

• move

  Etymology The word move is derived from the Middle English muven which in turn came

• imprint

  Etymology Old French empreinte Latin imprimere meaning to press or stamp into Prot

• stamp

  Etymology The word stamp comes from the Middle English word stampen which means to

• stir

  Etymology The word stir originates from the Old English word styrian which means t

• recipe

  Etymology The word recipe comes from the Latin word recipere meaning to take or rec

• pierce

  Etymology Middle English percen from Old French percier from Late Latin pertusiare