Compact
/kəmˈpækt/
Definitions
3 meaningsClosely packed together; dense.
/kəmˈpækt/
Small and easily managed
The compact design saved space.
💡 Simply: Imagine squeezing a lot into a small space, like a suitcase packed for a trip. That's compact!
👶 For kids: Small and squished together.
More Examples
The city is known for its compact buildings.
How It's Used
"She has a compact car that's easy to park."
"This compact camera produces high-quality images."
To press together into a smaller space.
/kəmˈpækt/
To make something smaller or more dense.
We need to compact the trash before it overflows.
💡 Simply: To squeeze something together to make it smaller or more solid, like squishing play-doh into a ball.
👶 For kids: To squeeze something tightly.
More Examples
The snow had compacted into an icy mass.
How It's Used
"The soil was compacted by the heavy machinery."
"The plastic was compacted before being shipped for recycling."
A small, typically flat case containing a mirror and face powder; a formal agreement or treaty.
/ˈkɒmpækt/
A small, portable device or a signed agreement.
She opened her compact to check her makeup.
💡 Simply: A small, handy case for makeup or a serious agreement between people or countries.
👶 For kids: A small box with a mirror.
More Examples
The nations signed a compact to improve trade relations.
How It's Used
"She carries a compact in her purse."
"They signed a compact to establish peaceful relations."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
compact disc
A flat, circular disc used to store digital data, particularly audio.
"He listened to music on a compact disc."
From Middle French *compact, from Latin *compactus, past participle of *compingere "to press together," from *com- "together" + *pangere "to fasten, fix."
The word has been used since the 14th century, initially referring to the action of pressing together.
Memory tip
Think 'compact' like a compact car—small and tightly packed.
Word Origin
"to press together"