imprint

Compared meaning: a mark left by pressing on a surface (noun).

比较义项：按压在表面上留下的印记／压痕（名词）。

• impression

  Used especially in formal or technical contexts for a mark produced by pressing (e.g., a dental impression, a seal's impression in wax); can denote the general shape of the mark rather than a sharp print.

  多用于正式或专业语境中表示按压留下的痕迹（如牙科印模、印章压在蜡上留下的印记），有时指痕迹的大致形状，而非清晰的印记。

  The dentist took an impression of her teeth using soft putty.

  牙医用软胶给她的牙齿取了一个印模。

• imprint 本词

  Emphasizes the distinct shape or pattern left by an object pressed onto a surface, often implying it is clear or lasting; more common in everyday, concrete descriptions like footprints or paw prints.

  强调物体压在表面上留下的清晰形状或图案，常暗示痕迹清晰或持久；更常用于日常、具体的描述，如脚印或爪印。

  The dog's paw left a muddy imprint on the doormat.

  那只狗的爪子在门垫上留下了一个泥泞的印记。

Impression and imprint both mean a mark left by pressing. Impression is formal or technical, like a dental impression, and can be a general shape. Imprint stresses a clear shape, like a footprint. A feeling about someone or a lasting effect are not compared here.

这两个词在“按压留下的印记”这一义项上意思相近，但语域和搭配不同：impression 更常见于正式或专业语境（如牙科印模、印章压在蜡上留下的印记），而 imprint 更强调物体压出的具体形状或清晰、持久的痕迹，语气更口语化。这里不比较 impression 的“印象、感受”义（如对老板留下好印象），也不比较 imprint 的“留下持久影响”这一比喻义。