WordValecompact
small but efficiently arranged
In more detail
1. (adjective) small and taking up little space
2. (adjective) closely packed or compressed
3. (noun) a small flat case containing face powder and a mirror
4. (verb) to press or squeeze something into a smaller space
Examples
- 1. This compact car is easy to park in the city.
- 2. The soil became compact after years of heavy use.
- 3. She checked her makeup in her compact before the meeting.
How to use compact
As an adjective, compact describes something small or tightly packed, often used to praise efficiency or practicality. As a verb, it means to compress or consolidate something into less space. The noun typically refers to a cosmetic case. The term is neutral and widely used in everyday contexts, product descriptions, and technical writing.
Common phrases
- compact disc
- compact car
- compact design
- compact space
- compact form
- compact size
Synonyms
compressed · condensed · concise · tight · small
Opposites
spacious · expanded · loose
Word family
compactly (adverb) · compactness (noun) · compaction (noun)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes treat compact as only a positive attribute when it can be neutral; a compact space might be desirable (efficient) or undesirable (cramped) depending on context.
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