compact

Everyday

1. (adjective) Compact means small and neatly packed so that it does not take up much space. tree →
2. (adjective) Compact soil, snow or earth is pressed tightly together. tree →
3. (noun) A compact is a small flat case with a mirror and face powder. tree →
4. (noun, formal) A compact is an agreement between people or countries. tree →
5. (verb) To compact something is to press it together tightly so it takes less space. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life «compact» describes small cars, cameras, flats and suitcases; in science, soil and rock become compact when pressed, and rubbish trucks compact rubbish. In maths it can hint that something fits into a small space. Phrases: compact car, compact disc (CD), compact soil.

Examples

• We bought a compact tent that fits in a backpack. tree →
• The flat is compact but very cosy. tree →
• The snow was so compact that we could walk on top of it. tree →
• The rubbish truck compacts the bags to make room for more. tree →
• Mum checked her lipstick in her compact mirror. tree →
• The two countries signed a compact to share the river. tree →
• Heavy machines compacted the ground before the road was built. tree →
• "I've made this compact," she said. tree →

Note

Stress: adjective and verb usually com-PACT, noun usually COM-pact. «CD» stands for «compact disc». Not the same as «complete». Countable as a noun: a compact, compacts. Past of the verb: compacted.

In Jewish tradition

Closely joined together, built tight and united.

Interpretation. The Talmud and the tradition read this as Jerusalem making all Israel into one united community, especially when they gather there on pilgrim festivals.

Examples

• Jerusalem, that art builded as a city that is compact together; (Writings PSA.122.3, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Stress: adjective and verb usually com-PACT, noun usually COM-pact. «CD» stands for «compact disc». Not the same as «complete». Countable as a noun: a compact, compacts. Past of the verb: compacted.