compacts
compacts — adjective
- compactspositive
- more compactscomparative
- most compactssuperlative
1. having parts that are arranged very close to each other, so the whole thing take
having parts that are arranged very close to each other, so the whole thing takes up only a small amount of space
Yuna packed a compact suitcase with everything she needed for a week in Tokyo.
The soil in the garden was so compact that water could not soak through easily.
compact + noun describing physical density of earth/soil
Romi bought a compact digital camera that fits easily in her coat pocket.
The apartments in this building are compact but well designed, with clever storage space.
Folake stored the camping gear in a compact bag that weighed almost nothing.
用法筆記
Commonly used to describe objects, devices, rooms, or materials that are efficiently arranged. The opposite sense ('spacious', 'loose') is a natural contrast.
常見錯誤
2. expressed using very few words while still giving the necessary information
expressed using very few words while still giving the necessary information
Andrei gave a compact summary of the three-hour meeting in just two minutes.
compact + summary / description for concise communication
The article was compact and clear, making it easy for students to understand.
Emily prefers compact explanations that get straight to the point.
The guidebook offers a compact description of each museum's best exhibits.
常見錯誤
3. having a body that is short, strong, and solid, without being thin or delicate
having a body that is short, strong, and solid, without being thin or delicate
The rugby player was compact but powerful, with broad shoulders and strong legs.
compact + person (athlete) for short, strong physique
Darius had a compact build that helped him move quickly through the crowd.
Though compact in stature, the climber was able to carry heavy gear up the mountain.
Pim's compact frame allowed him to fit comfortably into the small racing car.
用法筆記
Almost always used to describe a person's physical build, not objects. Never means 'short in height only' — it always includes the idea of solidness or strength.
compacts — noun
- compactssingular
- compactsesplural
1. a small flat container with a mirror inside, used for carrying face powder and p
a small flat container with a mirror inside, used for carrying face powder and putting it on
Amira opened her compact and checked her makeup before the interview.
The antique silver compact on the dresser had belonged to her grandmother.
antique / silver compact — describing the container's material or age
Eitan bought a small compact with a delicate flower pattern on the lid.
Vinícius found a lipstick and a powder compact in the bathroom cabinet.
- powder case
more descriptive but less common; 'compact' is the standard term
用法筆記
In this sense the word 'compact' is always a noun, never an adjective. Usually the meaning is clear from context — a powder compact has a mirror and is carried in a handbag.
常見錯誤
2. a car that is smaller than a standard car, designed to use less fuel and be easi
a car that is smaller than a standard car, designed to use less fuel and be easier to park in cities
The rental agency only had compacts available, so they booked a small blue hatchback.
compacts (plural) — car category, not singular car
Compacts are much easier to park in narrow city streets than full-size cars.
Folake chose a compact because it was cheaper to run and needed less petrol.
Michael drove a compact for years before upgrading to a family van.
- SUV
much larger vehicle type
- full-size car
larger size class
用法筆記
This sense is most common in American English. In British English 'small car' or 'city car' is more frequent. 'Compact' sits between 'subcompact' (smaller) and 'midsize' (larger) in US car classifications.
3. a serious written or spoken agreement between people, groups, or countries, wher
a serious written or spoken agreement between people, groups, or countries, where each side makes a clear promise to do something
The two nations signed a compact to cooperate on climate change research.
signed a compact — formal agreement between countries
Under the compact, each company agreed to share its technology with the other.
Aarav and his business partner drew up a compact that clearly stated their duties.
Sivan Solar and Amihan Energy signed a compact to share research on battery storage technology.
用法筆記
Stronger than a simple 'agreement' — a compact implies a solemn, binding commitment. Often used for international treaties. The phrase 'social compact' (also called 'social contract') is a fixed expression in philosophy and politics.
compacts — verb
- compactspresent simple I / you / we / they
- compactses3rd person singular
- compactsing-ing form
- compactsedpast simple
1. to press something such as earth, snow, or waste with great force so that it bec
to press something such as earth, snow, or waste with great force so that it becomes much denser and takes up less space
The garbage truck compacts the rubbish so that more waste fits inside.
compacts + rubbish/waste — everyday use for garbage trucks
Walking on the path for years had compacted the earth into a hard surface.
passive: be compacted by repeated pressure/weight
Romi compacted the cardboard boxes before putting them in the recycling bin.
The machine compacts the metal scraps into small blocks for easy transport.
- loosen
to make something less tight or compact
- spread out
to arrange over a larger area
文法句型
compact + object
用法筆記
Often used in industrial or environmental contexts (waste disposal, road building, recycling). The past participle 'compacted' is very common as an adjective-like form ('compacted snow', 'compacted soil').