impress
UK[ɪmˈprɛs]US[ɪmˈprɛs]
v
to cause someone to feel admiration or respect
v
to make a mark or design on a surface by using pressure
Morpheme Breakdown
im
press
im
in, into
press
to press
Etymology
the word impress originates from the latin verb imprimere, meaning "to press into or upon," which is a compound of the prefix in- (in, into) and the verb premere (to press). this literal sense of applying physical pressure evolved metaphorically in late middle english to mean "to apply a mark or stamp," and later, by the 17th century, to the abstract sense of making a strong, lasting effect on the mind or feelings. the conceptual logic follows from the physical act of leaving a permanent imprint to the mental act of leaving a memorable impact.
Analysis
Structure: im (in, into) + press (to press)
im- is a prefix of latin origin meaning "in, into, upon". press is a root of latin origin (from premere) meaning "to press".
Examples
she impressed the judges with her eloquent speech.
the design was impressed into the soft clay.
his dedication to his work never fails to impress his colleagues.