An idea, feeling, or opinion about someone or something formed without conscious thought. Can also mean a mark or indentation made by pressure.
From Latin 'impressio' meaning 'a pressing into', from 'imprimere' (to press upon). Originally referred to physical marks made by pressing; the psychological meaning developed from the metaphor of experiences 'pressing' into the mind.
The phrase 'making an impression' beautifully preserves the original physical meaning - we still think of memorable experiences as literally pressing themselves into our consciousness, like a seal into wax.
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