Compactly — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective adverb /kəm-ˈpakt/ com·pact

Meaning & Definition of Compactly

Compactly (adjective)

  1. predominantly formed or filled, composed, made
  2. having a dense structure or parts or units closely packed or joined
  3. not diffuse or verbose

Compactly (adverb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. in a few words

    "write the instructions as compactly as possible"

    similar: briefly, concisely, crisply, curtly, elliptically, laconically, pithily, shortly, succinctly, summarily, tersely, in a nutshell, in a word, in brief, in short, in sum
    related: aphoristically, sententiously, exactly, precisely, abruptly, bluffly, bluntly, brusquely, monosyllabically
    opposite: diffusely, long-windedly, verbosely, wordily
    near: redundantly, repetitiously

Related Entry: Compact (adjective)

Compact is a different word from Compactly. The synonyms below are for compact, not for compactly.

  1. having a consistency that does not easily yield to pressure

    "a mattress with a compact foam core"

    similar: firm, hard, rigid, solid, stiff, unyielding
    related: case-hardened, compacted, compressed, hardened, indurated, stiffened, tempered, close, dense, heavy, thick, thickset, inelastic, inflexible, ramrod, unbending, condensed, adamantine, rocklike, sturdy, substantial, impenetrable, impermeable, nonporous
    opposite: flabby, soft, spongy, squashy, squishy
    near: loose, scattered, thin, bendable, elastic, flexible, malleable, pliable, pliant, supple, droopy, flaccid, floppy, lank, limp, slack, airy, light, permeable, porous, ultrasoft

  2. having little space between items or parts

    "compact soil that should provide good support for the plant"

    similar: close, crowded, dense, jam-packed, packed, serried, thick, tight
    related: crammed, jammed, overcrowded, crushed, massed, pressed, squeezed, wall-to-wall, airtight, snug, compacted, compressed, condensed, congested, firm, hard, solid, impenetrable, impermeable, impervious
    opposite: airy, loose, open, uncrowded
    near: commodious, roomy, spacious

  3. marked by the use of few words to convey much information or meaning

    "compact prose without a single wasted word"

    similar: aphoristic, apothegmatic, brief, capsule, compendious, concise, crisp, curt, elliptical, epigrammatic, laconic, monosyllabic, pithy, sententious, succinct, summary, telegraphic, terse, thumbnail
    related: abrupt, blunt, brusque, short, snippety, snippy, abbreviated, abridged, condensed, curtailed, shortened, meaty, substantial, meaningful, significant, well-turned
    opposite: circuitous, circumlocutory, diffuse, long-winded, prolix, rambling, verbose, windy, wordy
    near: pleonastic, redundant, repetitious, tautological, tautologous, enlarged, expanded, supplemented, embellished, embroidered, exaggerated, inflated

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Compactly

The most common words with a similar meaning to Compactly:

briefly, concisely, crisply, curtly, elliptically, laconically, pithily, shortly, succinctly, summarily, tersely, in a nutshell, in a word, in brief, in short, in sum

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Compactly

Words with the opposite meaning of Compactly:

diffusely, long-windedly, verbosely, wordily

Related Words for Compactly

aphoristically, sententiously, exactly, precisely, abruptly, bluffly, bluntly, brusquely, monosyllabically

Near Antonyms of Compactly

redundantly, repetitiously

Word Forms of Compactly

Derived words: compactly (adverb), compactness (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Compactly

Middle English, firmly put together, from Latin compactus, from past participle of compingere to put together, from com- + pangere to fasten pact

First known use: 14th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Compactly

What does "Compactly" mean?

"Compactly" means predominantly formed or filled, composed, made. As an an adjective and an adverb, it is defined as: predominantly formed or filled, composed, made.

What is another word for "Compactly"?

Other words for "Compactly" include briefly, concisely, crisply, curtly, elliptically, laconically, pithily and shortly. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Compactly" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Compactly"?

There are 25 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Compactly". Common alternatives include briefly, concisely, crisply, curtly, elliptically, laconically, pithily, shortly, succinctly and summarily.

What is the opposite of "Compactly"?

Antonyms of "Compactly" include diffusely, long-windedly, verbosely and wordily. Near antonyms include redundantly and repetitiously.

How do you use "Compactly" in a sentence?

Examples of "Compactly" in a sentence: "write the instructions as compactly as possible".

Is "Compactly" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Compactly" can be used as an adjective and an adverb, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Compactly"?

"Compactly" is pronounced /kəm-ˈpakt/ and divided into syllables as com·pact.

What is the origin of the word "Compactly"?

"Compactly" comes from Middle English, firmly put together, from Latin compactus, from past participle of compingere to put together, from com- + pangere to fasten pact. First known use: 14th century.