comp

Everyday

1. (UK, Australia, informal) Short for «competition», especially one to win a prize (enter a comp). tree →
2. (UK, informal) Short for «comprehensive school», a state secondary school for all abilities. tree →
3. (informal) Short for «complimentary»: free tickets or items (comps). tree →
4. (informal) Short for «composition» (in music or in art and writing), or «compilation». tree →
5. (US, informal) Short for «compensation»: money paid to make up for a loss, like «workers' comp». tree →

In the lessons

It is a clipped, informal word, so its meaning depends on the setting: in Britain and Australia, «a comp» is often a sports or prize competition; parents may say they went to «the local comp» (school); at a theatre, «comps» are free tickets. It tells the reader a longer word has been shortened.

Examples

• I entered a drawing comp and won a book voucher. tree →
• She's running in the swimming comp on Saturday. (Australia) tree →
• Mum went to the local comp in Leeds. tree →
• We got two comps for the show because Dad works there. tree →
• The band's new comp album has all their hits. tree →
• His dad got workers' comp after the accident. (US) tree →

Note

Informal clipped form; avoid it in formal writing and say the full word. Plural: comps. Say «komp». Not a word on its own in exams: write «competition», «comprehensive school», «complimentary» or «compensation».