What's the main difference between being "small" and "compact?"

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

In this context, to be "compact" means to take up little space (compared to other things) or to be neatly arranged in a small space. It's usually used in a positive way to express the utility and convenience of something that is small. In comparison, "small" is an adjective used to describe size only. Ex: This backpack is too small to fit all my books. Ex: The company is trying to develop a smaller-sized battery. Ex: My portable battery is compact and convenient to carry around. Ex: For people living in highly-populated cities, a compact car is a better choice than SUVs or larger car models.

How do native speakers use this expression?

Share this post

Popular Q&As

06/14

1
What would be the sentence that he was about to say? The audience is already laughing though he didn't finish the sentence. I don't get what's funny.
This is just my guess, but I think the audience is laughing because he says "I want it on the record" here, which is the exact same expression he uses in the beginning of the video. I think it's meant to emphasize that he is rather an unreliable and irresponsible person, which is made evident by the things he says throughout the video clip. The audience may be laughing because he is behaving true to character here. If the speaker had finished his sentence, he could have meant to say any of the following things, which would fit the context of the video: Ex: Okay, I want it on the record that he didn't necessarily flip her off. Ex: Okay, I want it on the record that he didn't necessarily know what flipping someone off meant. Ex: Okay, I want it on the record that he didn't necessarily mean to do that.

2
What's "Crimson"?
"The Crimson" is the name of the newspaper published at Harvard University. "Crimson" is a purple-red color, which is Harvard's school color.

3
What does "leaner, and tighter" mean in this context?
In this context, "leaner and tighter" is a metaphor for businesses being "healthy." "Leaner and tighter" are often used in association with fitness and health and improving one's health. So the process made them leaner and tighter, able to operate better, like a healthy body. Ex: The management changes seemed to make the store leaner and tighter. Healthier and better than it was before. Ex: I'm doing a fitness challenge so I can become leaner and tighter.

4
What's the main difference between a "living room" and a "drawing room?"
A "drawing room" is an alternative to a "living room." They function the same way, to entertain visitors and relax in! Although, these days, "living room" is much more common than "drawing room," "drawing room" is considered dated. The name "drawing room" comes from the 16th century, "withdrawing room," indicating that it's a place one "withdraws," relaxes, and has fun! Ex: I wish we still called "living rooms" "drawing rooms." It would make me feel like I'm in Bridgeton. Ex: Let's go to the living room and chill for a bit.

5
What's "festive" mean?
"Festive" is an adjective that means cheerful or joyful, usually relating to some kind of celebration. Ex: Your party was so festive, and your friends are great to hang out with! Ex: I love how festive Christmas is! Especially the songs and decorations. EX: My summer holiday wasn't very festive.

Complete the expression with a quiz!