ENGLISH
REFERENCE

compress

v.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈkɑmpɹɛs// com·press Archaic

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.


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.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Etymology 1

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”).

Etymology 2

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”).

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.

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