compression: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to Technical
Quick answer
What does “compression” mean?
The action or state of being squeezed, pressed, or flattened to reduce volume or size.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The action or state of being squeezed, pressed, or flattened to reduce volume or size.
The process of reducing the size of a computer file for storage or transmission. A state of increased pressure or force within a confined space. The act of summarizing or condensing information.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Identical core connotations. Slight difference in common collocates: 'compression garment' is standard in both, but 'compression tights' may be more common in UK fitness contexts, while 'compression shorts' in US sports contexts.
Frequency
Equally frequent in technical (engineering, computing) registers in both variants. Slightly higher frequency in American English in general corpora, correlating with higher volume of tech-related discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “compression” in a Sentence
compression of [NOUN] (the compression of gases)compression by [AGENT/MEANS] (compression by the software)[NOUN] compression (video compression)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “compression” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The compression strength of the material was tested.
- He wore a compression bandage after the injury.
American English
- The compression test results were critical.
- She bought compression sleeves for her arms.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to reducing costs, staff, or timeframes: 'The budget underwent severe compression.'
Academic
In physics/engineering: 'The gas law describes changes under compression.' In computing: 'The paper reviews novel compression techniques.'
Everyday
Common in computing contexts: 'I'll send the file after compression.' or health: 'The doctor recommended compression stockings.'
Technical
Precise use in computing (file size), engineering (force/pressure), and medicine (therapeutic pressure).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “compression”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “compression”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “compression”
- Misspelling as 'compre**ss**ion' (double 's') is rare but occurs.
- Using 'compression' as a verb (correct verb: 'to compress').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Compression' is exclusively a noun. The corresponding verb is 'to compress'.
'Compression' is about pressing together to reduce size/volume. 'Depression' is about pressing down, lowering, or a state of low mood/economy.
Essentially yes. 'Data compression' is the broader term; 'file compression' is its application to computer files.
Yes, e.g., 'time compression' for making a period feel shorter, or 'narrative compression' in storytelling.
The action or state of being squeezed, pressed, or flattened to reduce volume or size.
Compression is usually neutral to technical in register.
Compression: in British English it is pronounced /kəmˈprɛʃ.ən/, and in American English it is pronounced /kəmˈprɛʃ.ən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “under compression (experiencing pressure)”
- “time compression (fitting more into less time)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a COMPRESS squeezing a sponge to make it smaller - that's COMPRESSION.
Conceptual Metaphor
PRESSURE IS A FORCE (both physical and metaphorical: social compression, time compression).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'compression' LEAST likely to be used?