press
B1Neutral to formal depending on context.
Definition
Meaning
To apply force against something, typically with a pushing motion or downward pressure.
A broad range of actions related to applying force, urgency, or influence, including printing, advocating strongly, or crowding together.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The noun forms often derive from the action of the verb (e.g., printing press, a crowd pressing together). The verb can imply physical force, mental pressure, or social/ideological influence.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. In business contexts, 'the press' (media) is equally common. In military contexts, 'press into service' is used in both.
Connotations
Slightly more formal in UK English for actions like 'press a claim' or 'press charges'. In US English, 'press' in sports (e.g., full-court press) is more prominent.
Frequency
High frequency in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
press [obj]press [obj] [adj] (e.g., press it flat)press [sb] for [sth] (e.g., press him for details)press [sb] to do [sth] (e.g., press her to decide)press on/upon [sth] (e.g., press on the wound)press ahead/forward/onVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “press into service”
- “press the flesh”
- “press your luck”
- “stop the presses”
- “hard pressed to (do something)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to media relations ('bad press'), issuing official statements ('press release'), or urging for action ('press for a decision').
Academic
Often used in history/political science regarding freedom of the press, or in physics/engineering for applying force.
Everyday
Common for using devices ('press start'), urging someone ('don't press me'), or ironing clothes ('press your trousers').
Technical
In computing: 'press a key'. In manufacturing: 'hydraulic press'. In winemaking: 'grape press'.
Examples
By Part of Speech
noun
British English
- The freedom of the press is vital.
- Put the garlic through the press.
- There was a press of people at the gates.
American English
- The story got a lot of press.
- He works in a steel press factory.
- The defensive press forced a turnover.
verb
British English
- Press the doorbell firmly.
- The government was pressed to act.
- She pressed her suit before the interview.
American English
- Press 'Enter' to continue.
- The coach pressed his team for a win.
- He pressed charges after the incident.
adjective
British English
- He is a press officer for the ministry.
- The press gallery was full.
American English
- She gave a press statement.
- The press box is on the upper level.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Please press the red button.
- I read it in the press.
- They pressed him for an answer.
- The company issued a press release.
- Journalists pressed the minister on the scandal.
- The union is pressing for better pay.
- Despite setbacks, they pressed ahead with the plan.
- He felt hard pressed to refuse such a generous offer.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a PRINTING PRESS pushing (pressing) ink onto paper. The action of pushing and the machine share the same word.
Conceptual Metaphor
IDEAS ARE PHYSICAL FORCES (e.g., 'press an argument', 'press your point'). TIME IS PRESSURE (e.g., 'pressed for time').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with Russian 'пресса' (only media). 'Press a button' is 'нажать на кнопку', not 'прессовать'. Avoid using 'press' for emotional pressure where 'pressure' (noun) is better.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'press' as a noun for emotional pressure (correct: 'pressure'). Confusing 'press' (media) with 'printing'. Incorrect: 'He gave a press' (correct: 'He held a press conference').
Practice
Quiz
In the context of media, 'the press' refers to:
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While the core meaning is physical, it extends metaphorically to urging ('press for action'), media ('the press'), and printing.
'Press' is more about the act of applying force or urgency. 'Pressure' (verb) implies sustained psychological or social coercion (e.g., 'They pressured him to resign').
Yes, especially in UK English (e.g., 'press trousers'). In US English, 'iron' is more common, but 'press' is understood in formal contexts (e.g., 'dry cleaning and pressing').
Common phrasal verbs: 'press on/ahead' (continue), 'press for' (demand), 'press upon' (emphasize). Example: 'We must press on despite the rain.'