Word
compress
Phoneticscom·press, stress on the first syllable
/ˈkɑmpɹɛs/
Computing
Definition
v. to press something firmly so that it becomes smaller or fits into a smaller space. You often do this with digital files to save room on your computer.
v. to reduce the volume or size of something by applying pressure; in computing, to encode information using fewer bits than the original representation. Transitive — requires a direct object.
Examples
“You can compress the files into a single folder.”
“The machine uses hydraulic power to compress scrap metal into small, manageable cubes for recycling.”
“By using advanced algorithms to compress the video data, the platform can stream high-definition content even to users with relatively slow internet connections.”
Examples
simple
“You can compress the files into a single folder.”
contextual
“The machine uses hydraulic power to compress scrap metal into small, manageable cubes for recycling.”
complex
“By using advanced algorithms to compress the video data, the platform can stream high-definition content even to users with relatively slow internet connections.”
Usage
The verb is transitive and takes a direct object.
Pitfall
The air compress when heated.
The air compresses when cooled.
Learners often forget that 'compress' is a regular verb requiring standard conjugation; additionally, gases expand when heated and compress when cooled or pressured.
Real-World Examples
“Winds can force floes farther north and push them into other ice, compressing the overall area covered by sea ice.” “Well, you have to compress some energy into a really small volume," Giddings explained.” Etymology
From Middle English compressen, from Old French compresser, from Late Latin compressare (“to press hard/together”), from Latin compressus, the past participle of comprimō (“to compress”), itself from com- (“together”) + premō (“press”).
From Middle French compresse, from compresse (“to compress”), from Late Latin compressare (“to press hard/together”), from Latin compressus, the past participle of comprimō (“to compress”), itself from com- (“together”) + premō (“press”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/compress