Express vs. Impress — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 24, 2024
"Express" refers to the act of conveying thoughts, feelings, or information clearly, while "impress" involves making a notable or significant impact on someone.
Difference Between Express and Impress
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Expressing involves articulating or conveying thoughts, feelings, or information to others, focusing on clarity and directness. Whereas, impressing is about influencing others by making a memorable or significant impact, often through skills, achievements, or qualities.
When one expresses something, the primary goal is communication, aiming for understanding or sharing information. On the other hand, when one seeks to impress, the goal is to evoke admiration or respect, often involving an element of performance or presentation.
Expressing can be achieved through various forms such as speaking, writing, or through artistic mediums, emphasizing authenticity and clarity. Conversely, impressing might involve exceptional performance, presentation skills, or displaying qualities that stand out to others.
The effectiveness of expressing is measured by the clarity of the message and how well it is understood by others. In contrast, the effectiveness of impressing is measured by the impact or influence one has on the audience's perceptions or emotions.
In personal relationships, expressing is crucial for clear communication and understanding between individuals. However, impressing might be used in contexts such as job interviews or social gatherings to gain favor or establish status.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Conveying thoughts or feelings clearly
Making a notable impact on others
Goal
Communication, understanding
Admiration, influence
Methods
Speaking, writing, artistic expression
Performance, skills demonstration, appearance
Measure of Success
Clarity and understanding of the message
Emotional or cognitive impact on the audience
Context
Everyday communication, arts
Professional settings, social interactions
Compare with Definitions
Express
Manifestation through art or expression.
The artist expresses deep emotions through his paintings.
Impress
To affect deeply or strongly in mind or feelings.
She impressed the audience with her eloquent speech.
Express
To convey thoughts or feelings.
She expressed her dissatisfaction clearly.
Impress
To produce a strong effect on.
His performance impressed the critics.
Express
Transfer of ideas or information.
She expressed her intentions in the meeting.
Impress
To evoke admiration through qualities or skills.
He impressed his peers with his thorough research.
Express
Articulate or communicate ideas.
He expressed the complex ideas in simple terms.
Impress
To make a mark or create an impact.
The new policy impressed its importance on all employees.
Express
Show or reveal feelings.
He expressed joy through a warm smile.
Impress
To apply with pressure so as to leave a mark.
The stamp impressed the symbol into the wax.
Express
To set forth in words; state
Express an opinion.
Impress
To affect strongly, often favorably
Wrote down whatever impressed me during the journey.
Was impressed by the child's sincerity.
Express
To manifest or communicate, as by a gesture; show
Expressed his anger with a frown.
Impress
To produce or attempt to produce a vivid impression or image of
A scene that impressed itself on her memory.
Parents that impress the value of money on their children.
Express
To make known the feelings or opinions of (oneself), as by statement or art.
Impress
To mark or stamp with pressure
Impressed the wax with a design.
Express
To convey or suggest a representation of; depict
The painting expresses the rage of war victims.
Impress
To apply with pressure; press
Impressed the stamp onto the wax.
Express
To represent by a sign, symbol, number, or formula
Express a fraction as a decimal.
Impress
To compel (a person) to serve in the military, particularly in the naval forces, especially by seizure.
Express
To squeeze or press out, as juice from an orange.
Impress
To seize (property) by force or authority, especially for military purposes; confiscate.
Express
To send by special messenger or rapid transport
Express a package to Los Angeles.
Impress
(Law) To impose a constructive trust or a lien upon property, as a matter of equity, to protect a person without legal title but with a legally recognized interest.
Express
To synthesize (a product, especially a protein) encoded by a gene
A gene that expresses an enzyme.
Impress
The act of impressing
A design left by impress of a seal.
Express
To manifest the effects of (a gene)
Half of the people who inherit the gene express it.
Impress
A mark or pattern of influence produced by someone or something; an impression
A politician who left her impress on foreign policy.
Express
To manifest (a genetic trait)
All the mice in the study expressed the defect.
Impress
A stamp or seal meant to be impressed.
Express
Definitely and explicitly stated
Their express wish.
Impress
Impressment.
Express
Particular; specific
An express plan.
Impress
(transitive) To affect (someone) strongly and often favourably.
You impressed me with your command of Urdu.
Express
Rapid and having few or no stops or interruptions
Express delivery of packages.
An express bus.
Impress
(intransitive) To make an impression, to be impressive.
Henderson impressed in his first game as captain.
Express
Of, relating to, or appropriate for rapid travel
Express lanes on a freeway.
Impress
(transitive) To produce a vivid impression of (something).
That first view of the Eiger impressed itself on my mind.
Express
Designed for use in an express rifle
An express bullet.
Impress
(transitive) To mark or stamp (something) using pressure.
We impressed our footprints in the wet cement.
Express
By express delivery or transport.
Impress
To produce (a mark, stamp, image, etc.); to imprint (a mark or figure upon something).
Express
A rapid, efficient system for the delivery of goods and mail.
Impress
(figurative) To fix deeply in the mind; to present forcibly to the attention, etc.; to imprint; to inculcate.
Express
Goods and mail conveyed by such a system.
Impress
(transitive) To compel (someone) to serve in a military force.
The press gang used to impress people into the Navy.
Express
A means of transport, such as a train, that travels rapidly and makes few or no stops before its destination.
Impress
(transitive) To seize or confiscate (property) by force.
The liner was impressed as a troop carrier.
Express
A special messenger.
Impress
The act of impressing.
Express
A message delivered by special courier.
Impress
An impression; an impressed image or copy of something.
Express
(not comparable) Moving or operating quickly, as a train not making local stops.
Impress
A stamp or seal used to make an impression.
Express
(comparable) Specific or precise; directly and distinctly stated; not merely implied.
I gave him express instructions not to begin until I arrived, but he ignored me.
This book cannot be copied without the express permission of the publisher.
Impress
An impression on the mind, imagination etc.
Express
Truly depicted; exactly resembling.
In my eyes it bore a livelier image of the spirit, it seemed more express and single, than the imperfect and divided countenance.
Impress
Characteristic; mark of distinction; stamp.
Express
Providing a more limited but presumably faster service than a full or complete dealer of the same kind or type.
Pizza Hut Express
McDonald's Express
Impress
A heraldic device; an impresa.
Express
A mode of transportation, often a train, that travels quickly or directly.
I took the express into town.
Impress
The act of impressing, or taking by force for the public service; compulsion to serve; also, that which is impressed.
Express
A service that allows mail or money to be sent rapidly from one destination to another.
Impress
To press, stamp, or print something in or upon; to mark by pressure, or as by pressure; to imprint (that which bears the impression).
His heart, like an agate, with your print impressed.
Express
An express rifle.
Impress
To produce by pressure, as a mark, stamp, image, etc.; to imprint (a mark or figure upon something).
Express
(obsolete) A clear image or representation; an expression; a plain declaration.
Impress
To fix deeply in the mind; to present forcibly to the attention, etc.; to imprint; to inculcate.
Impress the motives of persuasion upon our own hearts till we feel the force of them.
Express
A messenger sent on a special errand; a courier.
Impress
To take by force for public service; as, to impress sailors or money.
The second five thousand pounds impressed for the service of the sick and wounded prisoners.
Express
An express office.
Impress
To be impressed; to rest.
Such fiendly thoughts in his heart impress.
Express
That which is sent by an express messenger or message.
Impress
The act of impressing or making.
Express
(obsolete) The action of conveying some idea using words or actions; communication, expression.
Impress
A mark made by pressure; an indentation; imprint; the image or figure of anything, formed by pressure or as if by pressure; result produced by pressure or influence.
The impresses of the insides of these shells.
This weak impress of love is as a figureTrenched in ice.
Express
(obsolete) A specific statement or instruction.
Impress
Characteristic; mark of distinction; stamp.
Express
Moving or operating quickly, as a train not making local stops.
The train runs express to 96 St.
Impress
A device. See Impresa.
To describe . . . emblazoned shields,Impresses quaint.
Express
(transitive) To convey or communicate; to make known or explicit.
Words cannot express the love I feel for him.
Impress
The act of impressing, or taking by force for the public service; compulsion to serve; also, that which is impressed.
Why such impress of shipwrights?
Express
(transitive) To press, squeeze out (especially said of milk).
Impress
The act of coercing someone into government service
Express
(biochemistry) To translate messenger RNA into protein.
Impress
Have an emotional or cognitive impact upon;
This child impressed me as unusually mature
This behavior struck me as odd
Express
(biochemistry) To transcribe deoxyribonucleic acid into messenger RNA.
Impress
Impress positively;
The young chess player impressed her audience
Express
Exactly representing; exact.
Their human countenanceThe express resemblance of the gods.
Impress
Produce or try to produce a vivid impression of;
Mother tried to ingrain respect for our elders in us
Express
Directly and distinctly stated; declared in terms; not implied or left to inference; made unambiguous by intention and care; clear; not dubious; as, express consent; an express statement.
I have express commandment.
Impress
Mark or stamp with or as if with pressure;
To make a batik, you impress a design with wax
Express
Of or pertaining to an express train or other conveyance designated an express{5}; makiung few or no intermediate stops; as, an express stop; an express fare; an express elevator.
Impress
Reproduce by printing
Express
Intended for a particular purpose; relating to an express; sent on a particular errand; dispatched with special speed; as, an express messenger or train. Also used adverbially.
A messenger sent express from the other world.
Impress
Take (someone) against his will for compulsory service, especially on board a ship;
The men were shanghaied after being drugged
Express
A clear image or representation; an expression; a plain declaration.
The only remanent express of Christ's sacrifice on earth.
Impress
Dye (fabric) before it is spun
Express
A messenger sent on a special errand; a courier; hence, a regular and fast conveyance; commonly, a company or system for the prompt and safe transportation of merchandise or parcels.
Express
An express office.
She charged him . . . to ask at the express if anything came up from town.
Express
That which is sent by an express messenger or message.
Express
A railway train or bus for transporting passengers or goods with speed and punctuality; a train or bus that does not stop at certain stations. Contrasted to local; as, take the express to get there faster.
Express
To press or squeeze out; as, to express the juice of grapes, or of apples; hence, to extort; to elicit.
All the fruits out of which drink is expressed.
And th'idle breath all utterly expressed.
Halters and racks can not express from theeMore than by deeds.
Express
To make or offer a representation of; to show by a copy or likeness; to represent; to resemble.
Each skillful artist shall express thy form.
So kids and whelps their sires and dams express.
Express
To give a true impression of; to represent and make known; to manifest plainly; to show in general; to exhibit, as an opinion or feeling, by a look, gesture, and esp. by language; to declare; to utter; to tell.
My words express my purpose.
They expressed in their lives those excellent doctrines of morality.
Express
To make known the opinions or feelings of; to declare what is in the mind of; to show (one's self); to cause to appear; - used reflexively.
Mr. Phillips did express with much indignation against me, one evening.
Express
To denote; to designate.
Moses and Aaron took these men, which are expressed by their names.
Express
To send by express messenger; to forward by special opportunity, or through the medium of an express; as, to express a package.
Express
To produce products that cause the appearance of the corresponding phenotype; - of a gene or of an organism with a specific gene; as, to express the beta-galactosidase gene,
Express
Rapid transport of goods
Express
Mail that is distributed by a rapid and efficient system
Express
Public transport consisting of a fast train or bus that makes a limited number of scheduled stops;
He caught the express to New York
Express
Give expression to;
She showed her disappointment
Express
Articulate; either verbally or with a cry, shout, or noise;
She expressed her anger
He uttered a curse
Express
Indicate through a symbol, formula, etc.;
Can you express this distance in kilometers?
Express
Serve as a means for expressing something;
The painting of Mary carries motherly love
His voice carried a lot af anger
Express
Manifest the effects of (a gene or genetic trait);
Many of the laboratory animals express the trait
Express
Obtain from a substance, as by mechanical action;
Italians express coffee rather than filter it
Express
Send my rapid transport or special messenger service;
She expressed the letter to Florida
Express
Not tacit or implied;
Her express wish
Express
Without unnecessary stops;
An express train
An express shipment
Express
By express;
Please send the letter express
Common Curiosities
What are some ways to impress others?
Ways to impress others include showcasing unique skills, achieving notable accomplishments, presenting oneself confidently, and engaging effectively with others.
Can expressing and impressing overlap?
Yes, while expressing focuses on clarity and impressing on impact, both can overlap when communication is both clear and impactful, leading to both understanding and admiration.
How do cultural differences affect expressing and impressing?
Cultural differences can significantly influence how people express themselves and what is considered impressive, with different cultures valuing different forms of communication and qualities.
How can one effectively express themselves?
Effective expression can be achieved through clear communication, using appropriate language, and ensuring the message is tailored to the audience's understanding.
Why is it important to express emotions?
Expressing emotions is crucial for personal well-being and for maintaining healthy relationships, as it helps others understand one’s feelings and perspectives.
Is it better to express or impress in professional settings?
In professional settings, it is often important to strike a balance between expressing ideas clearly and impressing stakeholders with one’s capabilities and achievements.
What does it mean to express something?
To express something means to convey thoughts, feelings, or information clearly to others.
What does it mean to impress someone?
To impress someone means to make a notable or significant impact on them, often evoking admiration or respect.
How can one improve their ability to express and impress?
Improving expression involves practicing clear and effective communication skills, while improving impression skills may involve personal development, mastering presentation skills, and understanding audience expectations.
What are some contexts where impressing is important?
Impressing is important in professional contexts such as job interviews, business presentations, or in social settings where establishing a strong impression can lead to social or professional opportunities.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
