compactness
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /kəmˈpækt.nəs/
KK: /kəmˈpæktnəs/
noun
Definition
The quality of being closely packed together or having a small size.
Example
The compactness of the new design makes it easy to store.
Conversation
I really love the compactness of this new phone.
Yeah, it fits perfectly in my pocket.
It's amazing how they manage to keep it so powerful despite the compactness.
Totally! Smaller devices are definitely the way to go.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
density
concentration
compactness
Antonyms
spaciousness
expansiveness
looseness
Root Explanation
Compactness → It is formed from "com-" (meaning together) and "pactus" (meaning to fasten or to make firm) combined with the suffix "-ness" (indicating a state or quality). The word "compactness" refers to the quality of being closely packed together or the state of being firm and dense.
Memory Tip
Think of things being 'fastened together' ('pactus') and 'with' ('com-') to remember that 'compactness' means the quality of being closely packed.
Visually Confused Words
incompactness
copatroness