Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Impressive in appearance: Having a look or appearance that suggests importance, dignity, authority, or grandeur. It describes something or someone whose outward appearance commands respect or attention.

Usage

• This adjective is used to describe a person, building, object, or even an animal whose physical appearance conveys a sense of significance, formality, or prestige.
• It is typically placed before the noun it modifies (attributive position).
• The word often carries a neutral to slightly formal tone and can sometimes imply that the appearance of importance may not fully match the actual substance.

Examples

• The important-looking man in the suit was immediately escorted to the front of the line.
• They entered the city through an important-looking gate adorned with statues.
• She carried an important-looking folder stamped with "CONFIDENTIAL."
• The committee was seated behind a long, important-looking mahogany table.

Advanced Usage

• The term can be used with a hint of irony or skepticism, suggesting the appearance is perhaps more impressive than the reality.
  • He gave an important-looking speech full of jargon, but it contained very little actual substance.
• It can describe inanimate objects to personify them with a quality of dignity.
  • An important-looking clock tower dominated the town square.

Variants and Related Words

• Imposing (adj.): Grand and impressive in appearance.
• Stately (adj.): Dignified, impressive, and grand in manner or appearance.
• Majestic (adj.): Having or showing impressive beauty, dignity, or scale.
• Dignified (adj.): Having or showing a composed or serious manner that is worthy of respect.

Synonyms

• Impressive
• Commanding
• Authoritative-looking
• Grand
• Prestigious-looking

Antonyms

• Unimpressive
• Insignificant-looking
• Unassuming
• Modest

Related Phrases and Idioms

• To look the part: To have an appearance suitable for a particular role.
  • With his new glasses and briefcase, he really looked the part of the executive.
• To put on airs: To behave in a way that is intended to impress others and suggest a higher social status.
  • She's just putting on airs with that important-looking but empty title.

Adjective

1. impressive in appearance