compact

The word “compact” means taking up little space; neatly and efficiently arranged. In plain terms, small and efficiently packed (adjective), a formal agreement (noun), or to press tightly together (verb).

“Compact” is pronounced KOM-pakt (/ˈkɑmˌpækt/ in IPA).

Here is “compact” used in a sentence: “The apartment was small but compact, with clever built-in storage.”

Words with a similar meaning to “compact” include close, crowded, dense, solid, thick and tight.

The opposite of “compact” — its antonyms — are loose, diffuse, uncompact, noncompact and spaced out.

Depending on how it is used, “compact” can be an adjective, a noun and a verb.

The word “compact” comes from Latin. From Latin compactum ("agreement"), from compingere ("to fasten together"), from com- + pangere ("to fix, fasten").

“Compact” is a fairly common word in modern English.

Small refers only to size, while compact adds the idea of being neatly and efficiently arranged. A compact apartment is not just little — its space is used cleverly, with nothing wasted. Because of this, compact often sounds more positive than small.

English often shifts stress to distinguish related nouns and verbs, and compact follows that pattern. The noun — a powder compact, an interstate compact — is stressed on the first syllable, COM-pact, while the verb meaning to press or pack tightly together is stressed on the second, com-PACT. The adjective is heard both ways.

Both are formal agreements between two or more parties, but contract is the everyday legal term for a binding agreement, while compact is more formal and solemn. Compact is used especially for agreements between governments or states, as in an interstate compact.

A compact car is a small car designed to take up little road and parking space while still seating passengers comfortably. In American car classification and rental categories, compact names a size class between subcompact and mid-size.