Cool MateImpressive vs Remarkable
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Impressive
Top 2,000 (common)B1adjective
Remarkable
Top 2,000 (common)B2adjective
| Impressive | Remarkable | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ɪmˈpresɪv/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɪmˈpresɪv/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/rɪˈmɑːkəbl/"]/🇺🇸 /["/rɪˈmɑːrkəbl/"]/ |
| Meaning | Something that makes you feel admiration or respect. | Very special or unusual, worth noticing. |
| Example | The magician's tricks were truly impressive and left everyone in awe. | The scientist made a remarkable discovery that changed the field forever. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | B1 | B2 |
| Part of speech | adjective | adjective |
| Collocations | be, look, seem, extremely, fairly, very | be, seem, absolutely, just, most, for |
| Antonyms | unimpressive, ordinary, unremarkable | ordinary, unremarkable, mundane |
| Common mistakes | Confusing with 'impressing' which is a verb form., Using it in a negative context mistakenly., Incorrectly placing it before the noun without an article. | Confused with 'remarkable' and 'notable', which have subtle differences in connotation., Using 'remarkable' in a negative context, which doesn't fit its positive meaning., Overusing it; it can sound exaggerated if used too frequently. |
| Usage notes | Use 'impressive' to describe something that stands out or makes a strong positive impact. It's appropriate in both spoken and written contexts, but may sound less natural in casual settings where simpler words might work better. | Use 'remarkable' to describe something that is impressive, surprising, or extraordinary. It is neutral in tone, so it can be used in most contexts, including both spoken and written language. Avoid using it in overly casual conversations where simpler terms may suffice. |
Frequently asked questions: Impressive vs Remarkable
What's the difference between Impressive and Remarkable?
Impressive: Something that makes you feel admiration or respect. Remarkable: Very special or unusual, worth noticing.
Are Impressive and Remarkable the same CEFR level?
Impressive: B1, Remarkable: B2 on the CEFR scale.
Can I use Impressive and Remarkable interchangeably?
Not always. Impressive and Remarkable are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.