What does impressionable mean?
Impressionable describes someone who is easily influenced by other people, particularly their opinions, emotions, or persuasive arguments. The word is especially common when describing children and young people, whose views and reactions may change readily in response to new information or strong social pressure. It can also describe an audience, group, or market that responds strongly to advertising, publicity, or emotional appeals. In neutral contexts, impressionability may suggest openness and receptiveness, while in critical contexts it can imply credulity or an absence of independent judgment. The word is useful when discussing persuasion, advertising, education, or the influence of peers, and it is more specific than simply saying that someone is sensitive: the central issue is how readily other people can shape that person’s thoughts or behavior.
adjectiveEasily influenced or affected by other people, especially by their opinions, emotions, or persuasive arguments. A person who is impressionable may be strongly affected by what others say or think.
- Easily influenced or affected by other people, opinions, emotions, or persuasive arguments.
"The impressionable child was persuaded to change her mind as soon as her friend disagreed."
"Because he was impressionable, he immediately adopted the opinion of the speaker."
"The advertisement was aimed at a young and impressionable audience."
An impressionable mind is open to new ideas, but it can also be shaped by anyone who knows how to make a persuasive argument.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does impressionable come from?
Impressionable comes from the Latin root impressio, meaning “an imprint” or “a mark made by pressing,” and is related to English words such as impress, impression, and impressive. The adjective developed with the sense of being readily affected or influenced, a meaning associated with being mentally “impressed” or molded by external influence. It entered English in the early 19th century and became especially common in discussions of young people and susceptible audiences.
Related word forms
How impressionable is actually used
Usually describes a person, especially a child or young person, and often implies that the person is readily swayed by others. It can be neutral or mildly critical depending on context.