In the above context,

"Impressive" is more anthropic and deliberate. It is more strongly assoicated with the cause.

"Amazing" is more strongly associated with the spectacle and the result.


Garnett has the ball in the low post, being guarded by a double team. He pump fakes, draws contact, then makes a shot. It might have looked dull, but it required expert timing, and I would call it an "impressive" shot.

A few minutes later, the quarter is about to end and Garnett lobs a 3/4-court pass toward the basket. The ball wedges itself between the backboard and rim. Garnett's ability to throw the ball that distance is not remarkable in the NBA, but the result is both unusual and spectacular. I would call it an "amazing" shot.


My dictionary defines "amazing" as producing awe and surprise. It defines "impressive" as making an impression (i.e., in one's memory).

I think the latter definition is outdated. If I interviewed a job candidate and said he was "impressive", it would speak well of the candidate. If I said "I was impressed by his stupdity" then the statement would be considered ironic.



I love semantics.