The Wordsmith Dictionary

Com *punc "tion, n. Etym: [OF. compunction, F. componction, L.compunctio, fr. compungere, compunctum, to prick; com- + pungere to prick, sting. See Pungent. ]

1. A pricking; stimulation. [Obs. ] That acid piecering spirit which, with such activity and compunction, invadeth the brains and nostrils. Sir T. Browne.

2. A picking of heart; poignant grief proceeding from a sense of guilt or consciousness of causing pain; the sting of conscience. He acknowledged his disloyalty to the king, with expressions of great compunction. Clarendon.

Syn. -- Compunction, Remorse, Contrition. Remorse is anguish of soul under a sense of guilt or consciousness of having offened God or brought evil upon one's self or others. Compunction is the pain occasioned by a wounded and awakened conscience. Neither of them implies true contrition, which denotes self-condemnation, humiliation, and repentance. We speak of the gnawings of remorse; of compunction for a specific act of transgression; of deep contrition in view of our past lives. See Regret.

COMPUNCTIONLESS

COMPUNCTIONLESS Com *punc "tion *less, a.

Defn: Without compunction.

COMPUNCTIOUS

COMPUNCTIOUS Com *punc "tious, a.

Defn: Of the nature of compunction; caused by conscience; attended with, or causing, compunction. That no compunctious vistings of nature Shake my fell purpose. Shak.

COMPUNCTIOUSLY

COMPUNCTIOUSLY Com *punc "tious *ly, adv.

Defn: With compunction.

COMPUNCTIVE

COMPUNCTIVE Com *punc "tive, a.

Defn: Sensitive in respect of wrongdoing; conscientious. [Obs. ] Jer. Taylor.

COMPURGATION

Com `pur *ga "tion, n. Etym: [L. compurgatio, fr. compurgare to purify wholly; com- + purgare to make pure. See Purge, v. t.]

1. (Law )

Defn: The act or practice of justifying or confirming a man's veracity by the oath of others; -- called also wager of law. See Purgation; also Wager of law, under Wager.

2. Exculpation by testimony to one's veracity or innocence. He was privileged from his childhood from suspicion of incontinency and needed no compurgation. Bp. Hacket.

COMPURGATOR

Com "pur *ga `tor, n. Etym: [LL. ]

Defn: One who bears testimony or swears to the veracity or innocence of another. See Purgation; also Wager of law, under Wager. All they who know me. .. will say they have reason in this matter to be my compurgators. Chillingworth.

COMPURGATORIAL

COMPURGATORIAL Com *pur `ga *to "ri *al, a.

Defn: Relating to a compurgator or to compurgation. "Their compurgatorial oath. " Milman.

COMPUTABLE

Com *put "a *ble, a. Etym: [L. computabilis.]

Defn: Capable of being computed, numbered, or reckoned. Not easily computable by arithmetic. Sir M. Hale.

COMPUTATION

Com `pu *ta "tion, n. Etym: [L. computatio: cf. F. computation. ]

1. The act or process of computing; calculation; reckoning. By just computation of the time. Shak. By a computation backward from ourselves. Bacon.

2. The result of computation; the amount computed.

Syn. -- Reckoning; calculation; estimate; account.

COMPUTE

Com *pute ", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Computed; p. pr. & vb. n. Computing. ]Etym: [L. computare. See Count, v. t.]

Defn: To determine calculation; to reckon; to count. Two days, as we compute the days of heaven. Milton. What's done we partly may compute, But know not what's resisted. Burns.

Syn. -- To calculate; number; count; recken; estimate; enumerate; rate. See Calculate.

COMPUTE

Com *pute ", n. Etym: [L. computus: cf. F. comput.]

Defn: Computation. [R.] Sir T. Browne.

COMPUTER

COMPUTER Com *put "er, n.

Defn: One who computes.

COMPUTIST

COMPUTIST Com "pu *tist, n.

Defn: A computer.

New American Oxford Dictionary

comp

comp |kämp kɑmp | informal ▶noun short for: • a composition. • a complimentary ticket or voucher. • compensation. • (also comp time ) compensatory time. • a musical accompaniment. • a comprehensive examination. ▶verb [ with obj. ] 1 play (music ) as an accompaniment, esp. in jazz or blues: if someone is comping chord changes, there are more textured harmonies | [ no obj. ] : he comps with an open, jangly sound. 2 give (something ) away free, esp. as part of a promotion: the management did graciously comp our wine selection. 3 short for composite. ▶adjective [ attrib. ] 1 complimentary; free: the average fan was unable to get comp press tickets. 2 short for compensatory.

comp.

comp. ▶abbreviation • companion. • comparative. • compensation. • compilation. • compiled. • compiler. • complete. • composite. • composition. • compositor. • comprehensive.

compact

com pact 1 ▶adjective |kəmˈpakt, käm -, ˈkämˌpakt kəmˈpækt ˈkɑmˌpækt kəmˈpakt | 1 closely and neatly packed together; dense: a compact cluster of houses. • having all the necessary components or features neatly fitted into a small space: a compact car. • (of a person or animal ) small, solid, and well-proportioned. • (of speech or writing ) concise in expression: a compact summary of the play. 2 [ predic. ] (compact of ) archaic composed or made up of: towns compact of wooden houses. ▶verb |kəmˈpakt, käm -kəmˈpækt ˈkɑmˌpækt | [ with obj. ] exert force on (something ) to make it more dense; compress: the soil may be compacted by iron oxide | (as adj. compacted ) : compacted paper waste. • [ no obj. ] (of a substance ) become compressed in this way: the snow hardened and compacted. • archaic form (something ) by pressing its component parts firmly together. • express in fewer words; condense: the ideas are compacted into two sentences. ▶noun |ˈkämˌpakt ˈkɑmˌpækt | 1 a small flat case containing face powder, a mirror, and a powder puff. 2 something that is a small and conveniently shaped example of its kind, in particular: • short for compact car. 3 Metallurgy a mass of powdered metal compacted together in preparation for sintering. DERIVATIVES com pac tion |kəmˈpakSHən |noun, com pact ly adverb, com pact ness noun, com pac tor |kəmˈpaktər, käm -, ˈkämˌpaktər |(also compacter ) noun ORIGIN late Middle English: from Latin compact- ‘closely put together, joined, ’ from the verb compingere, from com- ‘together ’ + pangere ‘fasten. ’

compact

com pact 2 ▶noun |ˈkämˌpakt ˈkɑmˌpækt |a formal agreement or contract between two or more parties. ▶verb |kəmˈpakt, käm -, ˈkämˌpakt kəmˈpækt ˈkɑmˌpækt | [ with obj. ] make or enter into (a formal agreement ) with another party or parties: the Democratic Party compacted an alliance with dissident groups. ORIGIN late 16th cent.: from Latin compactum, past participle of compacisci, from com- ‘with ’ + pacisci ‘make a covenant. ’ Compare with pact .

compact camera

com |pact cam ¦era ▶noun a small, simple 35 mm camera with automatic focusing and exposure.

compact car

com pact car ▶noun a medium-sized car.

compact disc

com pact disc |ˈˌkɑmpækt ˈdɪsk |(also compact disk ) (abbr.: CD ) ▶noun a small plastic disc on which music or other digital information is stored, and from which the information can be read using reflected laser light. See also CD-ROM.

compact fluorescent light bulb

com pact fluo res cent light bulb ▶noun a low-wattage energy-efficient fluorescent light bulb designed for use in standard lighting equipment such as table lamps.

compadre

com pa dre |kəmˈpädrā kəmˈpɑdreɪ | ▶noun ( pl. compadres ) informal a way of addressing or referring to a friend or companion. ORIGIN mid 19th cent.: Spanish, literally ‘godfather, ’ hence ‘benefactor, friend. ’ Compare with compère and gossip .

compand

com pand |kəmˈpand kəmˈpænd | ▶verb [ with obj. ] reduce the signal-to-noise ratio of (a signal ) using a compander. ORIGIN 1950s: back-formation from compander .

compander

com pand er |kəmˈpandər kəmˈpændər |(also compandor ) ▶noun a device that improves the signal-to-noise ratio of an electrical signal by compressing the range of amplitudes of the signal before transmission, and then expanding it on reproduction or reception. ORIGIN 1930s: blend of compressor and expander (see expand ).

companion

com pan ion 1 |kəmˈpanyən kəmˈpænjən | ▶noun 1 a person or animal with whom one spends a lot of time or with whom one travels: his traveling companion | figurative : fear became my constant companion. • a person who shares the experiences of another, esp. when these are unpleasant or unwelcome: my companions in misfortune. • a person's long-term sexual partner outside marriage. • a person, esp. an unmarried or widowed woman, employed to live with and assist another. • Astronomy a star, galaxy, or other celestial object that is close to or associated with another. 2 one of a pair of things intended to complement or match each other: [ as modifier ] : a companion volume. • [ usu. in names ] a book that provides information about a particular subject: the Oxford Companion to English Literature. • Brit. dated a piece of equipment containing objects used in a particular activity: a traveler's companion. 3 ( Companion ) a member of the lowest grade of certain orders of knighthood. ▶verb [ with obj. ] formal accompany: he is companioned by a pageboy. ORIGIN Middle English: from Old French compaignon, literally ‘one who breaks bread with another, ’ based on Latin com- ‘together with ’ + panis ‘bread. ’

companion

com pan ion 2 |kəmˈpænjən kəmˈpanyən | ▶noun Nautical a covering over the hatchway leading below decks. • archaic a raised frame with windows on the quarterdeck of a ship to allow light into the decks below. • short for companionway. ORIGIN mid 18th cent.: from obsolete Dutch kompanje (earlier form of kampanje )‘quarterdeck, ’ from Old French compagne, from Italian (camera della ) compagna ‘(storeroom for ) provisions. ’

companionable

com pan ion a ble |kəmˈpanyənəbəl kəmˈpænjənəbəl | ▶adjective (of a person ) friendly and sociable: a companionable young man. • (of a shared situation ) relaxed and pleasant: they walked in companionable silence. DERIVATIVES com pan ion a ble ness noun, com pan ion a bly |-blē |adverb ORIGIN early 17th cent.: alteration of obsolete companiable, influenced by companion 1 .

companion animal

com pan ion an i mal ▶noun a pet or other domestic animal.

companionate

com pan ion ate |kəmˈpanyənət kəmˈpænjənət | ▶adjective formal (of a marriage or relationship ) between partners or spouses as equal companions. • (of a person ) acting as a companion.

companion-in-arms

companion-in-arms ▶noun a fellow soldier.

Companion of Honour

Companion of Honour |kəmpanjənəvˈɒnə (r ) |(abbrev.: CH ) ▶noun (in the UK ) a member of an order of knighthood founded in 1917.

Companion of Literature

Companion of Literature ▶noun (in the UK ) a holder of an honour awarded by the Royal Society of Literature and founded in 1961.

companion planting

com pan ion plant ing ▶noun the close planting of different plants that enhance each other's growth or protect each other from pests. DERIVATIVES com pan ion plant noun

companion set

com |pan ¦ion set ▶noun Brit. a collection of fireside implements on a stand.

companionship

com pan ion ship |kəmˈpanyənˌSHip kəmˈpænjənˌʃɪp | ▶noun a feeling of fellowship or friendship.

companionway

com pan ion way |kəmˈpanyənˌwā kəmˈpænjənˌweɪ | ▶noun a set of steps leading from a ship's deck down to a cabin or lower deck.

company

com pa ny |ˈkəmpənē ˈkəmp (ə )ni | ▶noun ( pl. companies ) 1 a commercial business: a shipping company | [ in names ] : the Ford Motor Company | [ as modifier ] : a company director. 2 the fact or condition of being with another or others, esp. in a way that provides friendship and enjoyment: I could do with some company. • a person or people seen as a source of such friendship and enjoyment: she is excellent company. • the person or group of people whose society someone is currently sharing: he was silent among such distinguished company. • a visiting person or group of people: I'm expecting company. 3 a number of individuals gathered together, esp. for a particular purpose: the mayor addressed the assembled company. • a body of soldiers, esp. the smallest subdivision of an infantry battalion, typically commanded by a major or captain: the troops of C Company. • a group of actors, singers, or dancers who perform together: a touring opera company. 4 (the Company ) informal the Central Intelligence Agency. ▶verb ( companies, companying, companied ) [ no obj. ] (company with ) literary associate with; keep company with: these men which have companied with us all this time. • [ with obj. ] archaic accompany (someone ): the fair dame, companied by Statius and myself. PHRASES and company used after a person's name to denote those people usually associated with them: the psycholinguistics of Jacques Lacan and company. • used in the name of a business to denote other unspecified partners: Little, Brown and Company. be in good company be in the same situation as someone important or respected: if you spot the ghost, you are in good company: King George V saw it too. in company with another person or a group of people: you were never to mention in company your father's uncle. in company with together with: the U.S. dollar went through a bad patch in 1986, in company with the oil market. keep someone company accompany or spend time with someone in order to prevent them from feeling lonely or bored. • engage in the same activity as someone else in order to be sociable: I'll have a drink myself, just to keep you company. keep company with associate with habitually: we don't especially care for the people he's been keeping company with. • have a social or romantic relationship with; date: are you keeping company with anyone special these days? part company see part. ORIGIN Middle English (in sense 2 of the noun and sense 3 of the noun ): from Old French compainie; related to compaignon (see companion 1 ).

company car

com pa ny car |ˈkəmp (ə )ni kɑr | ▶noun a car provided by a company for the business and sometimes private use of an employee.

company officer

com pa ny of fi cer ▶noun an army officer serving within an infantry company.

company sergeant major

com |pany ser |geant major ▶noun the highest-ranking non-commissioned officer of an infantry company.

comparable

com pa ra ble |ˈkämp (ə )rəbəl ˈkɑmp (ə )rəbəl | ▶adjective (of a person or thing ) able to be likened to another; similar: flaked stone and bone tools comparable to Neanderthal man's tools. • of equivalent quality; worthy of comparison: nobody is comparable with this athlete. DERIVATIVES com pa ra bil i ty |ˌkämp (ə )rəˈbilitē |noun ORIGIN late Middle English: from Old French, from Latin comparabilis, from the verb comparare (see compare ). usage: The correct pronunciation in standard English is with the stress on the first syllable rather than the second: com parable, not com par able.

comparably

com pa ra bly |ˈkämp (ə )rəblē, kəmˈparəblē ˈkɑmpərəbli | ▶adverb in a similar way or to a similar degree: a comparably priced CD player.

comparatist

com par a tist |kəmˈparətist kəmˈpɛrədəst | ▶noun a person who carries out comparative study, esp. of language or literature. ORIGIN 1930s: from comparative + -ist .

comparative

com par a tive |kəmˈparətiv kəmˈpɛrədɪv | ▶adjective 1 perceptible by comparison; relative: he returned to the comparative comfort of his own home. 2 of or involving comparison between two or more branches of science or subjects of study: comparative religion. 3 Grammar (of an adjective or adverb ) expressing a higher degree of a quality, but not the highest possible (e.g., braver; more fiercely ). Contrasted with positive, superlative. • (of a clause ) involving comparison (e.g., their memory is not as good as it used to be ). ▶noun Grammar a comparative adjective or adverb. • (the comparative ) the middle degree of comparison. ORIGIN late Middle English ( sense 3 of the adjective ): from Latin comparativus, from comparare ‘to pair, match ’ (see compare ).

comparative advantage

com par a tive ad van tage ▶noun the ability of an individual or group to carry out a particular economic activity (such as making a specific product ) more efficiently than another activity.

comparative linguistics

com par a tive lin guis tics |kəmˈpɛrədɪv lɪŋˈɡwɪstɪks | ▶plural noun [ treated as sing. ] the study of similarities and differences between languages, in particular the comparison of related languages with a view to reconstructing forms in their lost parent languages.

comparatively

com par a tive ly |kəmˈparətivlē kəmˈpɛrədɪvli | ▶adverb [ as submodifier ] to a moderate degree as compared to something else; relatively: inflation was comparatively low.

comparator

com par a tor |kəmˈparətər kəmˈpɛrədər | ▶noun a device for comparing a measurable property or thing with a reference or standard. • an electronic circuit for comparing two electrical signals. • something used as a standard for comparison. ORIGIN late 19th cent.: from Latin comparat- ‘paired, matched, ’ from the verb comparare (see compare ) + -or 1 .

compare

com pare |kəmˈpe (ə )r kəmˈpɛ (ə )r | ▶verb [ with obj. ] 1 estimate, measure, or note the similarity or dissimilarity between: individual schools compared their facilities with those of others in the area | the survey compares prices in different countries | total attendance figures were 28,000, compared to 40,000 at last year's event. • (compare something to ) point out the resemblances to; liken to: her novel was compared to the work of Daniel Defoe. • (compare something to ) draw an analogy between one thing and (another ) for the purposes of explanation or clarification: he compared the religions to different paths toward the peak of the same mountain. • [ no obj. ] have a specified relationship with another thing or person in terms of nature or quality: salaries compare favorably with those of other professions. • [ no obj. ] be of an equal or similar nature or quality: sales were modest and cannot compare with the glory days of 1989. 2 (usu. be compared ) Grammar form the comparative and superlative degrees of (an adjective or an adverb ): words of one syllable are usually compared by “-er ” and “-est. ” PHRASES beyond (or without ) compare of a quality or nature surpassing all others of the same kind: a diamond beyond compare. compare notes (of two or more people ) exchange ideas, opinions, or information about a particular subject. ORIGIN late Middle English: from Old French comparer, from Latin comparare, from compar ‘like, equal, ’ from com- ‘with ’ + par ‘equal. ’ usage: Traditionally, compare to is used when similarities are noted in dissimilar things: shall I compare thee to a summer's day? To compare with is to look for either differences or similarities, usually in similar things: compare the candidate's claims with his actual performance. In practice, however, this distinction is rarely maintained. See also usage at contrast .

comparison

com par i son |kəmˈparəsən kəmˈpɛrəsən | ▶noun 1 the act or instance of comparing: they drew a comparison between Gandhi's teaching and that of other teachers | the two books invite comparison with one another. • an analogy: perhaps the best comparison is that of seasickness. • the quality of being similar or equivalent: if you want a thrill, there's no comparison to climbing on a truck and going out there on the expressway. 2 Grammar the formation of the comparative and superlative forms of adjectives and adverbs. PHRASES bear (or stand ) comparison be of sufficient quality to be likened favorably to someone or something of the same kind: it can stand comparison with any publishing house. beyond comparison another way of saying beyond compare (see compare ). by /in comparison when compared: computer-based communication is extremely fast in comparison with telephone or postal services. ORIGIN Middle English: from Old French comparesoun, from Latin comparatio (n- ), from comparare ‘to pair, match ’ (see compare ).

comparison shopping

com par i son shop ping ▶noun the practice of comparing the price of products or services from different vendors before buying. DERIVATIVES com par i son-shop verb, com par i son shop per noun

compartment

com part ment |kəmˈpärtmənt kəmˈpɑrtmənt | ▶noun 1 a separate section or part of something, in particular: • a division of a railroad car marked by partitions: a first-class compartment. • a section of a container in which certain items can be kept separate from others: there's some ice cream in the freezer compartment. • a watertight section of a ship: the aft cargo compartment. • an area in which something can be considered in isolation from other things: religion and politics should be kept in different compartments. 2 Heraldry a grassy mound or other support depicted below a shield. ▶verb [ with obj. ] (usu. be compartmented ) divide (something ) into separate parts or sections: the buildings are to be compartmented by fire walls. DERIVATIVES com part men ta tion |kəmˌpärtˌmenˈtāSHən, -mən - |noun ORIGIN mid 16th cent.: from French compartiment, from Italian compartimento, from compartire, from late Latin compartiri ‘divide. ’

compartmental

com part men tal |kəmˌpärtˈmentl kəmˌpɑrtˈmɛntl | ▶adjective characterized by division into separate sections: the compartmental interior of the church. DERIVATIVES com part men tal ly adverb

compartmentalize

compartment syndrome

com part ment syn drome ▶noun Medicine a condition resulting from increased pressure within a confined body space, esp. of the leg or forearm.

compass

com pass |ˈkəmpəs ˈkəmpəs | ▶noun 1 (also magnetic compass ) an instrument containing a magnetized pointer that shows the direction of magnetic north and bearings from it. The use of the compass for navigation at sea was reported from China c. 1100, western Europe 1187, Arabia c. 1220, and Scandinavia c. 1300, although it probably dates from much earlier. Since the early 20th century the magnetic compass has been superseded by the gyrocompass as primary equipment for ships and aircraft. 2 (also pair of compasses ) an instrument for drawing circles and arcs and measuring distances between points, consisting of two arms linked by a movable joint, one arm ending in a point and the other usually carrying a pencil or pen. 3 [ in sing. ] the range or scope of something: the event had political repercussions that are beyond the compass of this book. • the enclosing limits of an area: this region had within its compass many types of agriculture. • the range of notes that can be produced by a voice or a musical instrument: the cellos were playing in a rather somber part of their compass. ▶verb [ with obj. ] archaic 1 go around (something ) in a circular course: the ship wherein Magellan compassed the world. • surround or enclose on all sides: they were compassed with numerous fierce and cruel tribes. 2 contrive to accomplish (something ): he compassed his end only by the exercise of violence. ORIGIN Middle English: from Old French compas (noun ), compasser (verb ), based on Latin com- ‘together ’ + passus ‘a step or pace. ’ Several senses (‘measure, ’ ‘artifice, ’ ‘circumscribed area, ’ and ‘pair of compasses ’) that appeared in Middle English are also found in Old French, but their development and origin are uncertain. The transference of sense to the magnetic compass is held to have occurred in the related Italian word compasso, from the circular shape of the compass box.

compass card

com pass card ▶noun a circular rotating card showing the 32 principal bearings, forming the indicator of a magnetic compass.

compassion

com pas sion |kəmˈpaSHən kəmˈpæʃən | ▶noun sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others: the victims should be treated with compassion. ORIGIN Middle English: via Old French from ecclesiastical Latin compassio (n- ), from compati ‘suffer with. ’

compassionate

com pas sion ate |kəmˈpaSHənət kəmˈpæʃənət | ▶adjective feeling or showing sympathy and concern for others. DERIVATIVES com pas sion ate ly adverb ORIGIN late 16th cent.: from compassion + -ate 2, influenced by archaic French compassioné ‘feeling pity. ’

compassionate leave

com pas sion ate leave |kəmˈpæʃənət liv | ▶noun a period of absence from work granted to someone as the result of particular personal circumstances, esp. the death of a close relative.

compassion fatigue

com pas sion fa tigue ▶noun indifference to charitable appeals on behalf of those who are suffering, experienced as a result of the frequency or number of such appeals.

compass rose

com pass rose ▶noun a circle showing the principal directions printed on a map or chart.

compass saw

com pass saw ▶noun a handsaw with a narrow blade for cutting curves.

compass window

com |pass win ¦dow ▶noun a bay window with a semicircular curve.

compatibility

com pat i bil i ty |kəmˌpatəˈbilitē kəmpætəˈbɪləti | ▶noun a state in which two things are able to exist or occur together without problems or conflict: he argues for the compatibility of science and religion. • a feeling of sympathy and friendship; like-mindedness: they felt the bond of true compatibility. • Computing the ability of one computer, piece of software, etc. , to work with another. software compatibility is another important factor to consider.

compatible

com pat i ble |kəmˈpatəbəl kəmˈpædəbəl | ▶adjective (of two things ) able to exist or occur together without conflict: the fruitiness of Beaujolais is compatible with a number of meat dishes. • (of two people ) able to have a harmonious relationship: well-suited: it's a pity we're not compatible. • (of one thing ) consistent with another: the symptoms were compatible with gastritis or a peptic ulcer. • (of a computer, a piece of software, or other device ) able to be used with a specified piece of equipment or software without special adaptation or modification: the printer is fully compatible with all leading software. ▶noun a computer that can use software designed for another make or type. DERIVATIVES com pat i bly |-blē |adverb ORIGIN late Middle English: from French, from medieval Latin compatibilis, from compati ‘suffer with. ’

compatriot

com pa tri ot |kəmˈpātrēət kəmˈpeɪtriət | ▶noun a fellow citizen or national of a country: Stich defeated his compatriot Boris Becker in the quarterfinals. ORIGIN late 16th cent.: from French compatriote, from late Latin compatriota (translating Greek sumpatriōtēs ), from com- ‘together with ’ + patriota (see patriot ).

compeer

com peer |ˈkämˌpi (ə )r, kämˈpi (ə )r ˈkɑmpɪər | ▶noun formal a person of equal rank, status, or ability: he was better versed in his profession than his compeers. • archaic a companion or associate. ORIGIN late Middle English: from Old French comper, from com- ‘with ’ + per, from Latin par ‘equal ’ (compare with peer 2 ).

compel

com pel |kəmˈpel kəmˈpɛl | ▶verb ( compels, compelling , compelled ) [ with obj. ] force or oblige (someone ) to do something: [ with obj. and infinitive ] : a sense of duty compelled Harry to answer her questions. • bring about (something ) by the use of force or pressure: they may compel a witness's attendance at court by issue of a summons. • literary drive forcibly: by heav'n's high will compell'd from shore to shore. ORIGIN late Middle English: from Latin compellere, from com- ‘together ’ + pellere ‘drive. ’

compellable

com pel la ble |kəmˈpeləbəl kəmˈpɛləbəl | ▶adjective Law (of a witness ) able to be made to attend court or testify.

compelling

com pel ling |kəmˈpeliNG kəmˈpɛlɪŋ | ▶adjective evoking interest, attention, or admiration in a powerfully irresistible way: his eyes were strangely compelling | a compelling film. • not able to be refuted; inspiring conviction: compelling evidence | a compelling argument. • not able to be resisted; overwhelming: the temptation to give up was compelling. DERIVATIVES com pel ling ly adverb

compendious

com pen di ous |kəmˈpendēəs kəmˈpɛndiəs | ▶adjective formal containing or presenting the essential facts of something in a comprehensive but concise way: a compendious study. DERIVATIVES com pen di ous ly adverb, com pen di ous ness noun ORIGIN late Middle English: from Old French compendieux, from Latin compendiosus ‘advantageous, brief, ’ from compendium ‘profit, saving, abbreviation. ’

compendium

com pen di um |kəmˈpendēəm kəmˈpɛndiəm | ▶noun ( pl. compendiums or compendia |-dēə | ) a collection of concise but detailed information about a particular subject, esp. in a book or other publication. • a collection of things, esp. one systematically gathered: the program is a compendium of outtakes from our archives. ORIGIN late 16th cent.: from Latin, ‘profit, saving ’ (literally ‘what is weighed together ’), from compendere, from com- ‘together ’ + pendere ‘weigh. ’

compensable

com pen sa ble |kəmˈpensəbəl kəmˈpɛnsəbəl | ▶adjective (of a loss or hardship ) for which compensation can be obtained. ORIGIN mid 17th cent.: French, from compenser, from Latin compensare ‘weigh (something ) against (another ).’

compensate

com pen sate |ˈkämpənˌsāt ˈkɑmpənˌseɪt | ▶verb 1 [ with obj. ] give (someone ) something, typically money, in recognition of loss, suffering, or injury incurred; recompense: payments were made to farmers to compensate them for cuts in subsidies. • pay (someone ) for work performed: he will be richly compensated for his efforts. 2 [ no obj. ] (compensate for ) make up for (something unwelcome or unpleasant ) by exerting an opposite force or effect: officials have boosted levies to compensate for huge deficits. • act to neutralize or correct (a deficiency or abnormality in a physical property or effect ): the output voltage rises, compensating for the original fall. • Psychology attempt to conceal or offset (a disability or frustration ) by development in another direction: they identified with radical movements to compensate for their inability to relate to individual human beings. 3 [ with obj. ] Mechanics provide (a pendulum ) with extra or less weight to neutralize the effects of temperature, etc. DERIVATIVES com pen sa tive |kəmˈpensətiv, ˈkämpənˌsātiv |adjective, com pen sa tor |-ˌsātər |noun ORIGIN mid 17th cent. (in the sense ‘counterbalance ’): from Latin compensat- ‘weighed against, ’ from the verb compensare, from com- ‘together ’ + pensare (frequentative of pendere ‘weigh ’).

compensation

com pen sa tion |ˌkämpənˈsāSHən ˌkɑmpənˈseɪʃən | ▶noun something, typically money, awarded to someone as a recompense for loss, injury, or suffering: seeking compensation for injuries suffered at work | [ as modifier ] : a compensation claim. • the action or process of making such an award: the compensation of victims. • the money received by an employee from an employer as a salary or wages. • something that counterbalances or makes up for an undesirable or unwelcome state of affairs: the gray streets of London were small compensation for the loss of her beloved Africa | getting older has some compensations. • Psychology the process of concealing or offsetting a psychological difficulty by developing in another direction. DERIVATIVES com pen sa tion al |-SHənl |adjective ORIGIN late Middle English: via Old French from Latin compensatio (n- ), from the verb compensare ‘weigh against ’ (see compensate ).

compensation pendulum

com pen sa tion pen du lum ▶noun Physics a pendulum constructed from metals with differing coefficients of expansion in order to neutralize the effects of temperature variation.

compensation water

com |pen |sa ¦tion water ▶noun [ mass noun ] water supplied from a reservoir to a stream in time of drought.

compensatory

com pen sa to ry |kəmˈpensəˌtôrē kəmˈpɛnsəˌtɔri | ▶adjective (of a payment ) intended to recompense someone who has experienced loss, suffering, or injury: $50 million in compensatory damages. • reducing or offsetting the unpleasant or unwelcome effects of something: the government is taking compensatory actions to keep the interest rate constant.

compensatory time

com pen sa to ry time ▶noun an arrangement by which eligible employees are entitled to time off in lieu of overtime pay.

compère

com père |ˈkämˌpe (ə )r kɑmˈpɛr |Brit. ▶noun a person who introduces the performers or contestants in a variety show; host. ▶verb [ with obj. ] act as a compère for (such a show ). ORIGIN early 20th cent.: French, literally ‘godfather. ’

compete

com pete |kəmˈpēt kəmˈpit | ▶verb [ no obj. ] strive to gain or win something by defeating or establishing superiority over others who are trying to do the same: universities are competing for applicants | he competed with a number of other candidates | (as adj. competing ) : competing political ideologies. • take part in a contest: he competed in numerous track meets as a child. ORIGIN early 17th cent.: from Latin competere, in its late sense ‘strive or contend for (something ),’ from com- ‘together ’ + petere ‘aim at, seek. ’

competence

com pe tence |ˈkämpətəns ˈkɑmpədəns |(also competency |-tənsē |) ▶noun 1 the ability to do something successfully or efficiently: the players displayed varying degrees of competence. • the legal authority of a court or other body to deal with a particular matter: the court's competence has been accepted. • the ability of a criminal defendant to stand trial, as gauged by their mental ability to understand the proceedings and to assist defense lawyers. • (also linguistic or language competence ) Linguistics a speaker's subconscious, intuitive knowledge of the rules of their language. Often contrasted with performance. • Biology & Medicine effective performance of the normal function. 2 dated an income large enough to live on, typically unearned: he found himself with an ample competence and no obligations.

competent

com pe tent |ˈkämpətənt ˈkɑmpədənt | ▶adjective having the necessary ability, knowledge, or skill to do something successfully: a highly competent surgeon | make sure the firm is competent to carry out the work. • (of a person ) efficient and capable: an infinitely competent mother of three. • acceptable and satisfactory, though not outstanding: she spoke quite competent French. • (chiefly of a court or other body ) accepted as having legal authority to deal with a particular matter: the governor was not the competent authority to deal with the matter. • (of a criminal defendant ) able to understand the charges and to aid in defending themselves. • Biology & Medicine capable of performing the normal function effectively. DERIVATIVES com pe tent ly adverb ORIGIN late Middle English (in the sense ‘suitable, adequate ’): from Latin competent-, from the verb competere in its earlier sense ‘be fit or proper ’ (see compete ).

competition

com pe ti tion |ˌkämpəˈtiSHən ˌkɑmpəˈtɪʃən | ▶noun the activity or condition of competing: there is fierce competition between banks | at this conservatory, competition for admissions is stiff. • an event or contest in which people compete: a beauty competition. • [ in sing. ] the person or people with whom one is competing, esp. in a commercial or sporting arena; the opposition: I walked around to check out the competition. • Ecology interaction between organisms, populations, or species, in which birth, growth and death depend on gaining a share of a limited environmental resource. ORIGIN early 17th cent.: from late Latin competitio (n- ) ‘rivalry, ’ from competere ‘strive for ’ (see compete ).

competitive

com pet i tive |kəmˈpetətiv kəmˈpɛdədɪv | ▶adjective 1 of, relating to, or characterized by competition: a competitive sport | the intensely competitive newspaper industry. • having or displaying a strong desire to be more successful than others: she had a competitive streak. 2 as good as or better than others of a comparable nature: a car industry competitive with any in the world. • (of prices ) low enough to compare well with those of rival merchants: we offer prompt service at competitive rates. DERIVATIVES com pet i tive ness noun ORIGIN early 19th cent.: from Latin competit- ‘striven for, ’ from the verb competere (see compete ), + -ive .

competitive exclusion

com pet i tive ex clu sion ▶noun Ecology the inevitable elimination from a habitat of one of two different species with identical needs for resources.

competitively

com pet i tive ly |kəmˈpetətivlē kəmˈpɛdədɪvli | ▶adverb 1 in a way that strives to gain or win something by defeating others: their father rowed competitively. 2 (with reference to a product's pricing ) in a way that compares favorably with others of the same nature: our exports remained competitively priced.

competitor

com pet i tor |kəmˈpetətər kəmˈpɛdədər | ▶noun an organization or country that is engaged in commercial or economic competition with others: our main industrial competitors. • a person who takes part in an athletic contest.

compilation

com pi la tion |ˌkämpəˈlāSHən ˌkɑmpəˈleɪʃən | ▶noun 1 the action or process of producing something, esp. a list, book, or report, by assembling information collected from other sources: great care has been taken in the compilation of this guidebook. 2 a thing, esp. a book, record, or broadcast program, that is put together by assembling previously separate items: there are thirty-three stories in this compilation | [ as modifier ] : a compilation album. ORIGIN late Middle English: via Old French from Latin compilatio (n- ), from compilare ‘to plunder ’ (see compile ).

compile

com pile |kəmˈpīl kəmˈpaɪl | ▶verb [ with obj. ] 1 produce (something, esp. a list, report, or book ) by assembling information collected from other sources: the local authority must compile a list of taxpayers. • collect (information ) in order to produce something: the figures were compiled from a survey of 2,000 schoolchildren. • accumulate (a specified score ): the 49ers have compiled a league-leading 14 –2 record. 2 Computing (of a computer ) convert (a program ) into a machine-code or lower-level form in which the program can be executed. DERIVATIVES com pil er noun ORIGIN Middle English: from Old French compiler or its apparent source, Latin compilare ‘plunder or plagiarize. ’

comping

comp ing |ˈkämpiNG ˈkɑmpɪŋ | ▶noun 1 the process of making composite images, esp. electronically. 2 the action of playing a musical accompaniment, esp. in jazz or blues. 3 Brit. informal the practice of entering competitions, esp. those promoting consumer products. DERIVATIVES comp er |-pər |noun (Brit. ) comping ( sense 3 )

complacency

com pla cen cy |kəmˈplāsənsē kəmˈpleɪsnsi |(also complacence ) ▶noun a feeling of smug or uncritical satisfaction with oneself or one's achievements: the figures are better, but there are no grounds for complacency. ORIGIN mid 17th cent.: from medieval Latin complacentia, from Latin complacere ‘to please. ’

complacent

com pla cent |kəmˈplāsənt kəmˈpleɪsnt | ▶adjective showing smug or uncritical satisfaction with oneself or one's achievements: you can't afford to be complacent about security. DERIVATIVES com pla cent ly adverb ORIGIN mid 17th cent. (in the sense ‘pleasant ’): from Latin complacent- ‘pleasing, ’ from the verb complacere. usage: Complacent and complaisant are two words that are similar in pronunciation and that both come from the Latin verb complacere ‘to please, ’ but in English do not mean the same thing. Complacent is the more common word and means ‘smug and self-satisfied ’: after four consecutive championships, the team became complacent. Complaisant, on the other hand, means ‘willing to please ’: the local people proved complaisant and cordial .

complain

com plain |kəmˈplān kəmˈpleɪn | ▶verb [ with obj. ] express dissatisfaction or annoyance about a state of affairs or an event: local authorities complained that they lacked sufficient resources | [ no obj. ] : “You never listen to me, ” Larry complained | [ no obj. ] : we all complained bitterly about the food. • [ no obj. ] (complain of ) state that one is suffering from (a pain or other symptom of illness ): her husband began to complain of headaches. • [ no obj. ] state a grievance: they complained to the French government. • [ no obj. ] literary make a mournful sound: let the warbling flute complain. • [ no obj. ] (of a structure or mechanism ) groan or creak under strain. DERIVATIVES com plain er noun, com plain ing ly adverb ORIGIN late Middle English: from Old French complaindre, from medieval Latin complangere ‘bewail, ’ from com- (expressing intensive force ) + plangere ‘to lament. ’

complainant

com plain ant |kəmˈplānənt kəmˈpleɪnənt | ▶noun Law a plaintiff in certain lawsuits. ORIGIN late Middle English: from French complaignant, present participle of complaindre ‘to lament ’ (see complain ).

complaint

com plaint |kəmˈplānt kəmˈpleɪnt | ▶noun 1 a statement that a situation is unsatisfactory or unacceptable: I intend to make an official complaint | there were complaints that the building was an eyesore. • a reason for dissatisfaction: I have no complaints about the hotel. • the expression of dissatisfaction: a letter of complaint | he hasn't any cause for complaint. • Law the plaintiff's reasons for proceeding in a civil action. 2 an illness or medical condition, esp. a relatively minor one: she is receiving treatment for her skin complaint. ORIGIN late Middle English: from Old French complainte, feminine past participle of complaindre ‘to lament ’ (see complain ).

complaisant

com plai sant |kəmˈplāsənt kəmˈpleɪznt | ▶adjective willing to please others; obliging; agreeable: when unharnessed, Northern dogs are peaceful and complaisant. DERIVATIVES com plai sance noun, com plai sant ly adverb ORIGIN mid 17th cent.: French, from complaire ‘acquiesce in order to please, ’ from Latin complacere ‘to please. ’ usage: See usage at complacent .

compleat

com pleat |kəmˈplēt kəmˈplit | ▶adjective & verb archaic spelling of complete.

complected

com plect ed |kəmˈplektəd kəmˈplɛktəd | ▶adjective [ in combination ] having a specified complexion: lighter-complected invaders from the north. ORIGIN early 19th cent.: apparently from complexion .

complement

com ple ment ▶noun |ˈkämpləmənt ˈkɑmpləmənt | 1 a thing that completes or brings to perfection: the libretto proved a perfect complement to the music. 2 [ in sing. ] a number or quantity of something required to make a group complete: at the moment we have a full complement of staff. • the number of people required to crew a ship: almost half the ship's complement of 322 were wounded. • Geometry the amount in degrees by which a given angle is less than 90 °. • Mathematics the members of a set that are not members of a given subset. 3 Grammar one or more words, phrases, or clauses governed by a verb (or by a nominalization or a predicative adjective ) that complete the meaning of the predicate. • (in systemic grammar ) an adjective or noun that has the same reference as either the subject (as mad in he is mad ) or the object (as mad in he drove her mad ). 4 Physiology a group of proteins present in blood plasma and tissue fluid that combine with an antigen –antibody complex to bring about the lysis of foreign cells. ▶verb |-ˌment, -mənt ˈkɒmplɪmɛnt | [ with obj. ] add to (something ) in a way that enhances or improves it; make perfect: a classic blazer complements a look that's stylish or casual. • add to or make complete: the proposals complement the incentives already available. DERIVATIVES com ple men tal |ˌkämpləˈmentl |adjective ORIGIN late Middle English (in the sense ‘completion ’): from Latin complementum, from complere ‘fill up ’ (see complete ). Compare with compliment . usage: Complement and compliment (together with related words such as complementary and complimentary ) are frequently confused. They are pronounced in the same way but have quite different meanings: as a verb, complement means ‘add to something in a way that enhances or improves,’ as in a classic blazer complements a look that's smart or casual, while compliment means ‘admire and praise someone for something, ’ as in he complimented her on her appearance. Complementary means ‘forming a complement or addition, completing, ’ as in I purchased a suit with a complementary tie. This is often confused with complimentary, for which one sense is ‘given freely, as a courtesy ’: honeymooners receive complimentary fruit and flowers.

complementarity

com ple men tar i ty |ˌkämpləmenˈtaritē ˌkɑmpləmɛnˈtɛrədi | ▶noun ( pl. complementarities ) a complementary relationship or situation: a culture based on the complementarity of men and women. • Physics the concept that two contrasted theories, such as the wave and particle theories of light, may be able to explain a set of phenomena, although each separately only accounts for some aspects. • Law the principle that jurisdictions will not overlap in legislation, administration, or prosecution of crime.

complementary

com ple men ta ry |ˌkämpləˈment (ə )rē ˌkɑmpləˈmɛnt (ə )ri | ▶adjective 1 combining in such a way as to enhance or emphasize the qualities of each other or another: three guitarists playing interlocking, complementary parts | Internet technology is actually complementary to traditional technologies. • Biochemistry (of gene sequences, nucleotides, etc. ) related by the rules of base pairing. 2 [ attrib. ] of or relating to complementary medicine: complementary therapies such as aromatherapy. DERIVATIVES com ple men ta ri ly |ˌkämpləˈmentrəlē, -menˈterəlē |adverb, com ple men ta ri ness noun

complementary angle

com ple men ta ry an gle |ˌkɑmpləˈmɛn (t )əri | ▶noun either of two angles whose sum is 90 °.

complementary colors

com ple men ta ry col ors ▶plural noun colors directly opposite each other in the color spectrum, such as red and green or blue and orange, that when combined in the right proportions, produce white light.

complementary distribution

com ple men ta ry dis tri bu tion ▶noun Linguistics the occurrence of speech sounds in mutually exclusive contexts.

complementary DNA

com ple men ta ry DNA ▶noun Biochemistry synthetic DNA in which the sequence of bases is complementary to that of a given example of DNA.

complementary function

com ple men ta ry func tion ▶noun Mathematics the part of the general solution of a linear differential equation that is the general solution of the associated homogeneous equation obtained by substituting zero for the terms not containing the dependent variable.

complementary medicine

com ple men ta ry med i cine |ˌkɑmpləˈmɛn (t )əri | ▶noun any of a range of medical therapies that fall beyond the scope of scientific medicine but may be used alongside it in the treatment of disease and ill health. Examples include acupuncture and osteopathy. See also alternative medicine.

complementation

com ple men ta tion |ˌkämpləmenˈtāSHən ˌkɑmpləmɛnˈteɪʃən | ▶noun the action of complementing something. • Grammar all the clause constituents that are governed by a verb, nominalization, or adjective. • Genetics the phenomenon by which the effects of two different nonallelic mutations in a gene are partly or entirely canceled out when they occur together.

complement fixation test

com ple ment fix a tion test ▶noun Medicine a test for infection with a microorganism that involves measuring the amount of complement available in serum to bind with an antibody –antigen complex.

complementizer

com ple men tiz er |ˈkämpləˌmenˌtīzər, -mən -ˈkɑmpləmənˌtaɪzər | ▶noun Grammar a word or morpheme that marks an embedded clause as functioning as a complement, typically a subordinating conjunction or infinitival to .

complete

com plete |kəmˈplēt kəmˈplit | ▶adjective 1 having all the necessary or appropriate parts: a complete list of courses offered by the college | no wardrobe is complete this year without culottes. • entire; full: I only managed one complete term at school. • having run its full course; finished: the restoration of the chapel is complete. 2 (often used for emphasis ) to the greatest extent or degree; total: a complete ban on smoking | their marriage came as a complete surprise to me. • (also compleat ) chiefly humorous skilled at every aspect of a particular activity; consummate: these articles are for the compleat mathematician. [the spelling compleat is a revival of the 17th cent. use as in Walton's The Compleat Angler . ] ▶verb [ with obj. ] 1 finish making or doing: he completed his Ph. D. in 1983. • Football (esp. of a quarterback ) successfully throw (a forward pass ) to a receiver: he completed 12 of 16 passes for 128 yards. • [ no obj. ] Brit. conclude the sale of a property. 2 make (something ) whole or perfect: he only needed one thing to complete his happiness | more recent box cameras complete the collection. • write the required information on (a form or questionnaire ): please complete the attached forms. PHRASES complete with having something as an additional part or feature: the detachable keyboard comes complete with numeric keypad. DERIVATIVES com plete ness noun ORIGIN late Middle English: from Old French complet or Latin completus, past participle of complere ‘fill up, finish, fulfill, ’ from com- (expressing intensive force ) + plere ‘fill. ’ usage: On the use of adjectives like complete, equal, and unique with submodifiers such as very or more, see usage at unique .

complete game

com plete game ▶noun Baseball a game in which one pitcher pitches all innings without relief.

completely

com plete ly |kəmˈplētlē kəmˈplitli | ▶adverb totally; utterly: the fire completely destroyed the building | [ as submodifier ] : no code can be completely secure.

completion

com ple tion |kəmˈplēSHən kəmˈpliʃən | ▶noun the action or process of finishing something: funds for the completion of the new building. • the state of being finished: work on the new golf course is nearing completion | [ as modifier ] : the completion date is early next year. • Football a successful forward pass: 21 completions in 26 attempts for 233 yards. • Law the final stage in the sale of a property, at which point it legally changes ownership: the risk stays with the seller until completion. ORIGIN late 15th cent.: from Latin completion-, from complere ‘fill up ’ (see complete ).

completist

com ple tist |kəmˈplētist kəmˈplidɪst | ▶noun an obsessive, typically indiscriminate, collector or fan of something.

completive

com ple tive |kəmˈplētiv kəmˈplidɪv | ▶noun Grammar a word or morpheme that adds a sense of completeness to a word or phrase (e.g., up in the phrase break up ).

complex

com plex ▶adjective |kämˈpleks, kəmˈpleks, ˈkämˌpleks ˌkɑmˈplɛks | 1 consisting of many different and connected parts: a complex network of water channels. • not easy to analyze or understand; complicated or intricate: a complex personality | the situation is more complex than it appears. 2 Mathematics denoting or involving numbers or quantities containing both a real and an imaginary part. 3 Chemistry denoting an ion or molecule in which one or more groups are linked to a metal atom by coordinate bonds. ▶noun |ˈkämˌpleks ˈkɑmplɛks | 1 a group of similar buildings or facilities on the same site: a new apartment complex | a complex of hotels. • a group or system of different things that are linked in a close or complicated way; a network: a complex of mountain roads. 2 Psychoanalysis a related group of emotionally significant ideas that are completely or partly repressed and that cause psychic conflict leading to abnormal mental states or behavior. • informal a disproportionate concern or anxiety about something: there's no point having a complex about losing your hair. 3 Chemistry an ion or molecule in which one or more groups are linked to a metal atom by coordinate bonds. • any loosely bonded species formed by the association of two molecules: cross-linked protein-DNA complexes. ▶verb |kämˈpleks, kəmˈpleks, ˈkämˌpleks ˌkɑmˈplɛks ˈkɑmplɛks | [ with obj. ] (usu. be complexed ) Chemistry make (an atom or compound ) form a complex with another: the DNA was complexed with the nuclear extract | (as adj. complexed ) : the complexed metal ion. DERIVATIVES com plex a tion |kämˌplekˈsāSHən, kəm - |noun (Chemistry ), com plex ly adverb ORIGIN mid 17th cent. (in the sense ‘group of related elements ’): from Latin complexus, past participle (used as a noun ) of complectere ‘embrace, comprise, ’ later associated with complexus ‘plaited ’; the adjective is partly via French complexe.

complex conjugate

com plex con ju gate ▶noun Mathematics each of two complex numbers having their real parts identical and their imaginary parts of equal magnitude but opposite sign.

complexion

com plex ion |kəmˈplekSHən kəmˈplɛkʃən | ▶noun 1 the natural color, texture, and appearance of a person's skin, esp. of the face: an attractive girl with a pale complexion. 2 the general aspect or character of something: Congress's new complexion became boldly apparent last summer | wind, rain, and road construction have gradually changed Baja's complexion. DERIVATIVES com plex ioned adjective [ often in combination ] : they were both fair-complexioned ORIGIN Middle English: via Old French from Latin complexio (n- ) ‘combination ’ (in late Latin ‘physical constitution ’), from complectere ‘embrace, comprise. ’ The term originally denoted physical constitution or temperament determined by the combination of the four bodily humors, hence sense 1 (late 16th cent. ) as a visible sign of this.

complexity

com plex i ty |kəmˈpleksitē kəmˈplɛksədi | ▶noun ( pl. complexities ) the state or quality of being intricate or complicated: an issue of great complexity. • (usu. complexities ) a factor involved in a complicated process or situation: the complexities of family life.

complex plane

com plex plane ▶noun an infinite two-dimensional space representing the set of complex numbers, esp. one in which Cartesian coordinates represent the real and imaginary parts of the complex numbers.

complex sentence

com plex sen tence ▶noun Grammar a sentence containing a subordinate clause or clauses.

compliance

com pli ance |kəmˈplīəns kəmˈplaɪəns |(also compliancy |-ˈplīənsē |) ▶noun 1 the action or fact of complying with a wish or command: they must secure each other's cooperation or compliance. • the state or fact of according with or meeting rules or standards: all imports of timber are in compliance with regulations | [ as modifier ] : this paper estimates the compliance costs of such a policy change. • unworthy or excessive acquiescence: the appalling compliance with government views shown by the commission. 2 Physics the property of a material of undergoing elastic deformation or (of a gas ) change in volume when subjected to an applied force. It is equal to the reciprocal of stiffness. • Medicine the ability of an organ to distend in response to applied pressure.

compliance officer

com |pli ¦ance of ¦fi |cer ▶noun a person who is employed to ensure that a company does not contravene any statutes or regulations which apply to its activities.

compliant

com pli ant |kəmˈplīənt kəmˈplaɪənt | ▶adjective 1 inclined to agree with others or obey rules, esp. to an excessive degree; acquiescent: good-humored, eagerly compliant girls. • meeting or in accordance with rules or standards: the systems are Y2K compliant. 2 Physics & Medicine having the property of compliance. DERIVATIVES com pli ant ly adverb

complicate

com pli cate |ˈkämpləˌkāt ˈkɑmpləˌkeɪt | ▶verb [ with obj. ] make (something ) more difficult or confusing by causing it to be more complex: middlemen can complicate the process | (as adj. complicating ) : a complicating factor. • Medicine introduce complications in (an existing condition ): smoking may complicate pregnancy. ORIGIN early 17th cent. (in the sense ‘combine, entangle, intertwine ’): from Latin complicat- ‘folded together, ’ from the verb complicare, from com- ‘together ’ + plicare ‘to fold. ’

complicated

com pli cat ed |ˈkämpləˌkātid ˈkɑmpləˌkeɪdɪd | ▶adjective 1 consisting of many interconnecting parts or elements; intricate: a complicated stereo system. • involving many different and confusing aspects: a long and complicated saga. 2 Medicine involving complications: complicated appendicitis. DERIVATIVES com pli cat ed ly adverb

complication

com pli ca tion |ˌkämpləˈkāSHən ˌkɑmpləˈkeɪʃən | ▶noun 1 a circumstance that complicates something; a difficulty: there is a complication concerning ownership of the site. • an involved or confused condition or state: to add further complication, English speakers use a different name. 2 Medicine a secondary disease or condition aggravating an already existing one: she developed complications after the surgery. ORIGIN late Middle English: from late Latin complicatio (n- ), from Latin complicare ‘fold together ’ (see complicate ).

complicit

com plic it |kəmˈplisit kəmˈplɪsɪt | ▶adjective involved with others in an illegal activity or wrongdoing: all of these people are complicit in some criminal conspiracy. ORIGIN 1940s: back-formation from complicity .

complicitous

com plic i tous |kəmˈplisitəs kəmˈplɪsɪtəs | ▶adjective another term for complicit: the incident proves they were complicitous with Nazi authorities.

complicity

com plic i ty |kəmˈplisitē kəmˈplɪsədi | ▶noun the state of being involved with others in an illegal activity or wrongdoing: they were accused of complicity in the attempt to overthrow the government. ORIGIN mid 17th cent.: from Middle English complice ‘an associate, ’ from Old French, from late Latin complex, complic- ‘allied, ’ from Latin complicare ‘fold together ’ (see complicate ). Compare with accomplice .

compliment

com pli ment ▶noun |ˈkämpləmənt ˈkɑmpləmənt |a polite expression of praise or admiration: she paid me an enormous compliment. • an act or circumstance that implies praise or respect: it's a compliment to the bride to dress up on her special day. • (compliments ) congratulations or praise expressed to someone: my compliments on your cooking. • (compliments ) greetings or regards, esp. when sent as a message: carry my compliments to your kinsmen. ▶verb |ˈkämpləˌment ˈkɑmpləˌmɛnt | [ with obj. ] politely congratulate or praise (someone ) for something: he complimented Erica on her appearance. • praise (something ) politely: complimenting the other team's good play. • (compliment someone with ) archaic present someone with (something ) as a mark of courtesy: Prince George expected to be complimented with a seat in the royal coach. PHRASES compliments of the season used as a seasonal greeting at Christmas or the New Year. pay one's compliments send or express formal greetings. return the compliment give a compliment in return for another. • retaliate or respond in kind. with someone's compliments (or the compliments of ) used to express the fact that what one is giving is free: all drinks will be supplied with our compliments. ORIGIN mid 17th cent.: from French compliment (noun ), complimenter (verb ), from Italian complimento ‘fulfillment of the requirements of courtesy, ’ from Latin complementum ‘completion, fulfillment ’ (reflected in the earlier English spelling complement, gradually replaced by the French form between 1655 and 1715 ). usage: Compliment (together with complimentary ) is quite different in meaning from complement (and complementary ). See usage at complement .

complimentary

com pli men ta ry |ˌkämpləˈmentərē, -ˈmentrē ˈˌkɑmpləˈˌmɛntri | ▶adjective 1 expressing a compliment; praising or approving: Jennie was very complimentary about Kathy's riding | complimentary remarks. 2 given or supplied free of charge: a complimentary bottle of wine.

complimentary close

com pli men tary close (also complimentary closing ) ▶noun the part of a letter that immediately precedes the writer's signature, consisting of words such as Sincerely, Cordially, Very truly yours, etc.

compliments slip

compliments slip (also compliment slip ) ▶noun Brit. a small piece of paper on which a company's name, address, and logo are printed and which is sent out with goods or information, typically in place of a covering letter.

compline

com pline |ˈkämplin, -ˌplīn ˈkɑmplɪn | ▶noun a service of evening prayers forming part of the Divine Office of the Western Christian Church, traditionally said (or chanted ) before retiring for the night. ORIGIN Middle English: from Old French complie, feminine past participle of obsolete complir ‘to complete, ’ from Latin complere ‘fill up ’ (see complete ). The ending -ine was probably influenced by Old French matines ‘matins. ’

comply

com ply |kəmˈplī kəmˈplaɪ | ▶verb ( complies, complying, complied ) [ no obj. ] (of a person or group ) act in accordance with a wish or command: we are unable to comply with your request. • (of an article ) meet specified standards: all secondhand furniture must comply with the new standards. ORIGIN late 16th cent.: from Italian complire, Catalan complir, Spanish cumplir, from Latin complere ‘fill up, fulfill ’ (see complete ). The original sense was ‘fulfill, accomplish, ’ later ‘fulfill the requirements of courtesy, ’ hence ‘to be agreeable, to oblige or obey. ’ Compare with compliment .

compo

compo 1 |ˈkɒmpəʊ | ▶noun ( pl. compos ) [ mass noun ] 1 a material made up of a mixture of different substances. 2 (also compo rations ) Brit. military rations consisting of a supply of tinned food designed to last a specified number of days and carried in a pack. ORIGIN early 19th cent.: abbreviation of composite .

compo

compo 2 |ˈkɒmpəʊ | ▶noun [ mass noun ] Austral. /NZ informal money paid to an employee as compensation for an industrial injury. ORIGIN 1940s: abbreviation of compensation .

component

com po nent |kəmˈpōnənt kəmˈpoʊnənt | ▶noun a part or element of a larger whole, esp. a part of a machine or vehicle: stereo components. • Physics each of two or more forces, velocities, or other vectors acting in different directions that are together equivalent to a given vector. ▶adjective constituting part of a larger whole; constituent: light passed through a prism breaks up into its component colors. ORIGIN mid 17th cent.: from Latin component- ‘putting together, ’ from the verb componere, from com- ‘together ’ + ponere ‘put. ’ Compare with compound 1 .

componential analysis

com po nen tial a nal y sis |ˌkämpəˈnenCHəl kɑːmpənenʃləˈnæləsɪs | ▶noun Linguistics the analysis of the meaning of an expression into discrete semantic components.

compony

com po ny |kəmˈpōnē kəmˈpoʊni | ▶adjective [ usu. postpositive ] Heraldry divided into a single row of squares in alternating tinctures: a bordure compony. ORIGIN late 16th cent.: from French componé, from Old French compondre, from Latin componere ‘put together. ’

comport

com port 1 |kəmˈpôrt kəmˈpɔrt | ▶verb 1 (comport oneself ) formal conduct oneself; behave: articulate students who comported themselves well in television interviews. 2 [ no obj. ] (comport with ) accord with; agree with: the actions that comport with her own liberal views. ORIGIN late Middle English (in the sense ‘tolerate ’): from Latin comportare, from com- ‘together ’ + portare ‘carry, bear. ’

comport

com port 2 |ˈkämˌpôrt kəmˈpɔrt | ▶noun another term for compote ( sense 2 ). ORIGIN late 19th cent.: apparently an abbreviation of French comportier, variant of compotier ‘dessert dish. ’

comportment

com port ment |kəmˈpôrtmənt kəmˈpɔrtmənt | ▶noun behavior; bearing: he displayed the comportment expected of the rightful king. ORIGIN late 16th cent.: from French comportement, from the verb comporter, from Latin comportare (see comport 1 ).

compose

com pose |kəmˈpōz kəmˈpoʊz | ▶verb [ with obj. ] 1 write or create (a work of art, esp. music or poetry ): he composed the First Violin Sonata four years earlier. • write or phrase (a letter or piece of writing ) with care and thought: the first sentence is so hard to compose. • form (a whole ) by ordering or arranging the parts, esp. in an artistic way: compose and draw a still life. • order or arrange (parts ) to form a whole, esp. in an artistic way: make an attempt to compose your images. 2 (of elements ) constitute or make up (a whole ): the system is composed of a group of machines. • be (a specified number or amount ) of a whole: women compose 49 percent of that group. 3 calm or settle (oneself or one's features or thoughts ): she tried to compose herself . • archaic settle (a dispute ): the king, with some difficulty, composed this difference. 4 prepare (a text ) for printing by manually, mechanically, or electronically setting up the letters and other characters in the order to be printed. • set up (letters and characters ) in this way. ORIGIN late Middle English (in the general sense ‘put together, construct ’): from Old French composer, from Latin componere (see component ), but influenced by Latin compositus ‘composed ’ and Old French poser ‘to place. ’

composed

com posed |kəmˈpōzd kəmˈpoʊzd | ▶adjective having one's feelings and expression under control; calm. DERIVATIVES com pos ed ly |-ˈpōzədlē |adverb

composer

com pos er |kəmˈpōzər kəmˈpoʊzər | ▶noun a person who writes music, esp. as a professional occupation.

composite

com pos ite |kəmˈpäzət, käm -kəmˈpɑzət | ▶adjective 1 made up of various parts or elements. • (esp. of a constructional material ) made up of recognizable constituents: a new composite material —a blend of plastic and ceramic resins. • (of a railroad car ) having compartments of more than one class or function. • Mathematics (of an integer ) being the product of two or more factors greater than one; not prime. 2 ( Composite ) relating to or denoting a classical order of architecture consisting of elements of the Ionic and Corinthian orders. 3 |kəmˈpɑːzət kəmˈpɑːzət kəmˈpɑːzət |Botany relating to or denoting plants of the daisy family (Compositae ). ▶noun 1 a thing made up of several parts or elements: the English legal system is a composite of legislation and judicial precedent. • a composite constructional material. 2 Botany a plant of the daisy family (Compositae ). 3 ( Composite ) the Composite order of architecture. ▶verb [ with obj. ] (usu. as noun compositing ) combine (two or more images ) to make a single picture, esp. electronically: photographic compositing by computer. DERIVATIVES com pos ite ly adverb, com pos ite ness noun ORIGIN late Middle English (describing a number having more than one digit ): via French from Latin compositus, past participle of componere ‘put together. ’

composite photograph

com pos ite pho to graph ▶noun a photograph made by overlapping or juxtaposing two or more separate images.

composition

com po si tion |ˌkämpəˈziSHən ˌkɑmpəˈzɪʃən | ▶noun 1 the nature of something's ingredients or constituents; the way in which a whole or mixture is made up: the social composition of villages. • the action of putting things together; formation or construction: the composition of a new government was announced. • a thing composed of various elements: a theory is a composition of interrelated facts. • archaic mental constitution; character: persons who have a touch of madness in their composition. • [ often as modifier ] a compound artificial substance, esp. one serving the purpose of a natural one: composition flooring. • Linguistics the formation of words into a compound word. • Mathematics the successive application of functions to a variable, the value of the first function being the argument of the second, and so on: composition of functions, when defined, is associative. • Physics the process of finding the resultant of a number of forces. 2 a work of music, literature, or art: Chopin's most romantic compositions. • the action or art of producing such a work: the technical aspects of composition. • an essay, esp. one written by a school or college student. • the artistic arrangement of the parts of a picture: spoiling the composition of many of the pictures. 3 the preparing of text for printing by setting up the characters in order. See compose ( sense 4 ). 4 a legal agreement to pay an amount of money in lieu of a larger debt or other obligation. • an amount of money paid in this way. DERIVATIVES com po si tion al |-SHənl |adjective, com po si tion al ly |-SHənl -ē |adverb ORIGIN late Middle English: via Old French from Latin composition-, from componere ‘put together. ’

compositor

com pos i tor |kəmˈpäzitər kəmˈpɑzədər | ▶noun Printing a person who arranges type for printing or keys text into a composing machine. ORIGIN late Middle English (originally Scots, denoting an umpire or arbiter ): from Anglo-Norman French compositour, from Latin compositor, from composit- ‘put together, ’ from the verb componere (see composition ).

compos mentis

com pos men tis |ˌkämpəs ˈmentəs ˈˌkɑmpəs ˈmɛntəs | ▶adjective [ predic. ] having full control of one's mind; sane: are you sure he was totally compos mentis? ORIGIN early 17th cent.: Latin.

compossible

com pos si ble |kəmˈpäsəbəl, käm -kəmˈpɑsəbəl | ▶adjective rare (of one thing ) compatible or possible in conjunction with another. ORIGIN mid 17th cent.: from Old French, from medieval Latin compossibilis, from com- ‘together with ’ + possibilis (see possible ).

compost

com post |ˈkämˌpōst ˈkɑmˌpoʊst | ▶noun decayed organic material used as a plant fertilizer. • a mixture of this with loam and /or other ingredients, used as a growing medium. ▶verb [ with obj. ] make (vegetable matter or manure ) into compost: don't compost heavily infested plants. • treat (soil ) with compost: we turned clay soil into almost workable soil by composting it. DERIVATIVES com post a ble adjective, com post er noun ORIGIN late Middle English: from Old French composte, from Latin composita, compositum ‘something put together, ’ feminine and neuter past participle of componere.

compost heap

com post heap (also compost pile ) ▶noun a pile of garden and organic kitchen refuse that decomposes to produce compost.

composure

com po sure |kəmˈpōZHər kəmˈpoʊʒər | ▶noun the state or feeling of being calm and in control of oneself: she was struggling to regain her composure. ORIGIN late 16th cent. (in the sense ‘composing, composition ’): from compose + -ure .

compote

com pote |ˈkämˌpōt ˈkɑmˌpoʊt | ▶noun 1 fruit preserved or cooked in syrup. • a dish consisting of fruit salad or stewed fruit, often with syrup. 2 a bowl-shaped dessert dish with a stem. ORIGIN late 17th cent.: from French, from Old French composte ‘mixture ’ (see compost ).

compound

com pound 1 ▶noun |ˈkämˌpound ˈkɑmˌpaʊnd |a thing that is composed of two or more separate elements; a mixture: the air smelled like a compound of diesel and gasoline fumes. • (also chemical compound ) a substance formed from two or more elements chemically united in fixed proportions: a compound of hydrogen and oxygen. • a word made up of two or more existing words, such as steamship . ▶adjective |ˈkämˌpound, kämˈpound, kəmˈpound ˈkɒmpəʊnd kəmˈpaʊnd |made up or consisting of several parts or elements, in particular: • (of a word ) made up of two or more existing words or elements: a compound noun. • (of interest ) payable on both capital and the accumulated interest: compound interest. Compare with simple. • Biology (esp. of a leaf, flower, or eye ) consisting of two or more simple parts or individuals in combination. ▶verb |kəmˈpound, kämˈpound, ˈkämˌpound kəmˈpaʊnd | [ with obj. ] 1 make up (a composite whole ); constitute: a dialect compounded of Spanish and Dutch. • mix or combine (ingredients or constituents ): yellow pastas compounded with lemon zest or saffron. • calculate (interest ) on previously accumulated interest: the yield at which the interest is compounded. 2 make (something bad ) worse; intensify the negative aspects of: I compounded the problem by trying to make wrong things right. 3 Law, dated forbear from prosecuting (a felony ) in exchange for money or other consideration. • settle (a debt or other matter ) in this way: he compounded the case with the defendant for a cash payment. DERIVATIVES com pound a ble |kəmˈpoundəbəl, käm - |adjective ORIGIN late Middle English compoune (verb ), from Old French compoun-, present tense stem of compondre, from Latin componere ‘put together. ’ The final -d was added in the 16th cent. on the pattern of expound and propound . usage: The sense of the verb compound that means ‘worsen, ’ as in this compounds their problems, has an interesting history. It arose through a misinterpretation of the phrase compound a felony, which, strictly speaking, means ‘forbear from prosecuting a felony in exchange for money or other consideration. ’ The ‘incorrect ’ sense has become the usual one in legal uses and, by extension, in general senses too, and is now accepted as part of standard English.

compound

com pound 2 |ˈkämˌpound ˈkɑmˌpaʊnd | ▶noun an open area enclosed by a fence, for example around a factory or large house or within a prison. ORIGIN late 17th cent. (referring to such an area in Southeast Asia ): from Portuguese campon or Dutch kampoeng, from Malay kampong ‘enclosure, hamlet ’; compare with kampong .

compound-complex sentence

com pound-com plex sen tence ▶noun a sentence having two or more coordinate independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses.

compounder

com pound er |kämˈpoundər, kəmˈpoundər, ˈkämˌpoundər kəmˈpaʊndər | ▶noun a person who mixes or combines ingredients in order to produce an animal feed, medicine, or other substance.

compound eye

com pound eye |kəmˈpaʊnd aɪ | ▶noun an eye consisting of an array of numerous small visual units, as found in insects and crustaceans. Contrasted with simple eye.

compound fraction

com pound frac tion ▶noun a fraction in which either the numerator or the denominator, or both, contain one or more fractions. Also called complex fraction.

compound fracture

com pound frac ture |kəmˈpaʊnd ˈfræk (t )ʃər | ▶noun an injury in which a broken bone pierces the skin, causing a risk of infection. Compare with simple fracture.

compound interval

com pound in ter val ▶noun Music an interval greater than an octave.

compound leaf

com pound leaf ▶noun a leaf of a plant consisting of several or many distinct parts (leaflets ) joined to a single stem.

compound number

com pound num ber ▶noun a quantity expressed in terms of more than one unit or denomination, such as 5 feet 7 inches or 2 pounds 3 ounces.

compound sentence

com pound sen tence ▶noun a sentence with more than one subject or predicate.

compound time

com pound time ▶noun Music musical rhythm or meter in which each beat in a bar is subdivided into three smaller units, so having the value of a dotted note. Compare with simple time.

comprador

com pra dor |ˌkämprəˈdôr ˈkɑmprədɔr |(also compradore ) ▶noun a person within a country who acts as an agent for foreign organizations engaged in investment, trade, or economic or political exploitation. ORIGIN early 17th cent. (denoting a local person employed in a European household in Southeast Asia or India to make small purchases and keep the household accounts ): from Portuguese, ‘buyer, ’ from late Latin comparator, from Latin comparare ‘to purchase, ’ from com- ‘with ’ + parare ‘provide. ’

comprehend

com pre hend |ˌkämpriˈhend ˈˌkɑmprəˈˌhɛnd | ▶verb [ with obj. ] 1 grasp mentally; understand: he couldn't comprehend her reasons for marrying Lovat | I simply couldn't comprehend what had happened. 2 formal include, comprise, or encompass: a divine order comprehending all men. DERIVATIVES com pre hend er noun ORIGIN Middle English: from Old French comprehender, or Latin comprehendere, from com- ‘together ’ + prehendere ‘grasp. ’

comprehensible

com pre hen si ble |ˌkämpriˈhensəbəl ˌkɑmprəˈhɛnsəbəl | ▶adjective able to be understood; intelligible: clear and comprehensible English. DERIVATIVES com pre hen si bil i ty |-ˌhensəˈbilitē |noun, com pre hen si bly |-blē |adverb ORIGIN late 15th cent.: from French compréhensible or Latin comprehensibilis, from comprehens- ‘seized, comprised, ’ from the verb comprehendere (see comprehend ).

comprehension

com pre hen sion |ˌkämpriˈhenCHən ˌkɑmprəˈhɛn (t )ʃən | ▶noun 1 the action or capability of understanding something: some won't have the least comprehension of what I'm trying to do | the comprehension of spoken language. 2 archaic inclusion. ORIGIN late Middle English: from French compréhension or Latin comprehensio (n- ), from the verb comprehendere ‘seize, comprise ’ (see comprehend ).

comprehensive

com pre hen sive |ˌkämpriˈhensiv ˌkɑmprəˈhɛnsɪv | ▶adjective 1 complete; including all or nearly all elements or aspects of something: a comprehensive list of sources. • of large content or scope; wide-ranging: a comprehensive collection of photographs. • (of automobile insurance ) providing coverage for most risks, including damage to the policyholder's own vehicle: comprehensive and collision insurance. • (also comprehensive examination or comp ) an examination testing a student's command of a special field of knowledge. 2 archaic of or relating to understanding. ▶noun (in full comprehensive school ) Brit. a secondary school catering to children of all abilities from a given area. DERIVATIVES com pre hen sive ly adverb, com pre hen sive ness noun ORIGIN early 17th cent.: from French compréhensif, -ive, from late Latin comprehensivus, from the verb comprehendere ‘grasp mentally. ’

compresence

com |pres ¦ence |kɒmˈprɛz (ə )ns | ▶noun [ mass noun ] chiefly Philosophy the simultaneous presence together of properties or experienced qualities. DERIVATIVES compresent adjective

compress

com press ▶verb |kəmˈpres kəmˈprɛs | [ with obj. ] flatten by pressure; squeeze; press: the skirt can be folded and compressed into a small bag | (as adj. compressed ) : compressed gas. • [ no obj. ] be squeezed or pressed together or into a smaller space: the land is sinking as the soil compresses. • squeeze or press (two things ) together: Violet compressed her lips together grimly. • express in a shorter form; abridge: in this chapter we compress into summary form the main findings. • Computing alter the form of (data ) to reduce the amount of storage necessary. • (as adj. compressed ) chiefly Biology having a narrow shape as if flattened, esp. sideways: most sea snakes have a compressed tail. ▶noun |ˈkämˌpres ˈkɑmˌprɛs |a pad of absorbent material pressed onto part of the body to relieve inflammation or stop bleeding: a cold compress. DERIVATIVES com press i bil i ty |kəmˌpresəˈbilitē |noun, com press i ble adjective, com pres sive |-ˈpresiv |adjective ORIGIN late Middle English: from Old French compresser or late Latin compressare, frequentative of Latin comprimere, from com- ‘together ’ + premere ‘to press ’; or directly from compress- ‘pressed together, ’ from the verb comprimere.

compressed air

com pressed air ▶noun air that has been compressed to a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure.

compression

com pres sion |kəmˈpreSHən kəmˈprɛʃən | ▶noun the action of compressing or being compressed. • the reduction in volume (causing an increase in pressure ) of the fuel mixture in an internal combustion engine before ignition. DERIVATIVES com pres sion al |-SHənl |adjective ORIGIN late Middle English: via Old French from Latin compressio (n- ), from comprimere ‘press together ’ (see compress ).

compression joint

com |pres ¦sion joint ▶noun a joint between two pipes made by tightening a threaded nut on to a metal ring, the compression thus caused creating the seal.

compression ratio

com pres sion ra tio ▶noun the ratio of the maximum to minimum volume in the cylinder of an internal combustion engine.

compressive strength

com pres sive strength ▶noun the resistance of a material to breaking under compression. Compare with tensile strength.

compressor

com pres sor |kəmˈpresər kəmˈprɛsər | ▶noun an instrument or device for compressing something. • a machine used to supply air or other gas at increased pressure, e.g., to power a gas turbine. • an electrical amplifier that reduces the dynamic range of a signal.

comprise

com prise |kəmˈprīz kəmˈpraɪz | ▶verb [ with obj. ] consist of; be made up of: the country comprises twenty states. • make up; constitute: this single breed comprises 50 percent of the Swiss cattle population | (be comprised of ) : documents are comprised of words. ORIGIN late Middle English: from French, ‘comprised, ’ feminine past participle of comprendre, from Old French comprehender (see comprehend ). usage: 1 Comprise primarily means ‘consist of, ’ as in the country comprises twenty states. It can also mean ‘constitute or make up a whole, ’ as in this single breed comprises 50 percent of the Swiss cattle population. When this sense is used in the passive (as in the country is comprised of twenty states ), it is more or less synonymous with the first sense ( the country comprises twenty states ). This usage is part of standard English, but the construction comprise of, as in the property comprises of bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen, is regarded as incorrect. 2 On the differences between comprise and include, see usage at include .

compromise

com pro mise |ˈkämprəˌmīz ˈkɑmprəˌmaɪz | ▶noun an agreement or a settlement of a dispute that is reached by each side making concessions: an ability to listen to two sides in a dispute, and devise a compromise acceptable to both | the secret of a happy marriage is compromise. • a middle state between conflicting opinions or actions reached by mutual concession or modification: a compromise between commercial appeal and historical interest. • the acceptance of standards that are lower than is desirable: sexism should be tackled without compromise. ▶verb 1 [ no obj. ] settle a dispute by mutual concession: in the end we compromised and deferred the issue. • [ with obj. ] archaic settle (a dispute ) by mutual concession: I should compromise the matter with my father. 2 [ with obj. ] weaken (a reputation or principle ) by accepting standards that are lower than is desirable: commercial pressures could compromise safety. • [ no obj. ] accept standards that are lower than is desirable: we were not prepared to compromise on safety. • bring into disrepute or danger by indiscreet, foolish, or reckless behavior: situations in which his troops could be compromised. DERIVATIVES com pro mis er noun ORIGIN late Middle English (denoting mutual consent to arbitration ): from Old French compromis, from late Latin compromissum ‘a consent to arbitration, ’ neuter past participle of compromittere, from com- ‘together ’ + promittere (see promise ).

compromising

com pro mis ing |ˈkämprəˌmīziNG ˈkɑmprəˌmaɪzɪŋ | ▶adjective (of information or a situation ) revealing an embarrassing or incriminating secret about someone: to cover up compromising evidence of malpractice.

compte rendu

compte ren du |ˈkônt räNˈdY, räNˈd (y )o͞o ˌkɔnt ˌrɑnˈdju | ▶noun ( pl. comptes rendus pronunc. same ) a formal report or review. ORIGIN early 19th cent.: French, literally ‘account rendered. ’

Compton

Comp ton |ˈkämptən ˈkɑmptn | an industrial city in southwestern California, just south of Los Angeles; pop. 93,851 (est. 2008 ).

Compton, Arthur Holly

Comp ton, Arthur Holly |ˈkämptən ˈkɑmptn | (1892 –1962 ), US physicist. He observed the Compton effect and thus demonstrated the dual particle and wave properties of electromagnetic radiation and matter, as predicted by quantum theory. Nobel Prize for Physics (1927 ), shared with C. T. R. Wilson.

Compton, Denis

Comp |ton |ˈkɒmpt (ə )n | (1918 –97 ), English cricketer and footballer; full name Denis Charles Scott Compton. He played cricket for Middlesex and England, and football for Arsenal and England.

Compton-Burnett, Dame Ivy

Compton-Burnett, Dame Ivy |ˌkɒmptənbəːˈnɛt, -ˈbəːnɪt | (1884 –1969 ), English novelist. Notable novels: Brothers and Sisters (1929 ), A Family and a Fortune (1939 ), and Manservant and Maidservant (1947 ).

Compton effect

Comp ton ef fect ▶noun Physics an increase in wavelength of X-rays or gamma rays that occurs when they are scattered. ORIGIN early 20th cent.: named after A. H. Compton (see Compton, Arthur Holly ).

comptroller

comp trol ler |kənˈtrōlər, ˌkäm (p )ˈtrōlər, ˈkäm (p )ˌtrōlər kənˈtroʊlər | ▶noun a controller (used in the title of some financial officers ). ORIGIN late 15th cent.: variant of controller, by erroneous association with French compte ‘calculation ’ or its source, late Latin computus.

compulsion

com pul sion |kəmˈpəlSHən kəmˈpəlʃən | ▶noun 1 the action or state of forcing or being forced to do something; constraint: the payment was made under compulsion . 2 an irresistible urge to behave in a certain way, esp. against one's conscious wishes: he felt a compulsion to babble on about what had happened. ORIGIN late Middle English: via Old French from late Latin compulsio (n- ), from compellere ‘to drive, force ’ (see compel ).

compulsive

com pul sive |kəmˈpəlsiv kəmˈpəlsɪv | ▶adjective 1 resulting from or relating to an irresistible urge, esp. one that is against one's conscious wishes: compulsive eating. • (of a person ) acting as a result of such an urge: a compulsive liar. 2 irresistibly interesting or exciting; compelling: this play is compulsive viewing. DERIVATIVES com pul sive ly adverb, com pul sive ness noun ORIGIN late 16th cent. (in the sense ‘compulsory ’): from medieval Latin compulsivus, from compuls- ‘driven, forced, ’ from the verb compellere (see compel ). Sense 1 (originally a term in psychology ) dates from the early 20th cent.

compulsory

com pul so ry |kəmˈpəlsərē kəmˈpəlsəri | ▶adjective required by law or a rule; obligatory: compulsory military service | it was compulsory to attend Mass. • involving or exercising compulsion; coercive: the abuse of compulsory powers. DERIVATIVES com pul so ri ly |-sərəlē |adverb, com pul so ri ness noun ORIGIN early 16th cent. (as a noun denoting a legal mandate that had to be obeyed ): from medieval Latin compulsorius, from compuls- ‘driven, forced, ’ from the verb compellere (see compel ).

compulsory purchase

com |pul ¦sory pur |chase ▶noun [ mass noun ] Brit. the officially enforced purchase of privately owned land or property for public use: [ as modifier ] : the City Council has applied for a compulsory purchase order.

compunction

com punc tion |kəmˈpəNG (k )SHən kəmˈpəŋ (k )ʃən | ▶noun [ usu. with negative ] a feeling of guilt or moral scruple that follows the doing of something bad: spend the money without compunction . • a pricking of the conscience: he had no compunction about behaving blasphemously. DERIVATIVES com punc tion less adjective, com punc tious |-SHəs |adjective, com punc tious ly |-SHəslē |adverb ORIGIN Middle English: from Old French componction, from ecclesiastical Latin compunctio (n- ), from Latin compungere ‘prick sharply, ’ from com- (expressing intensive force ) + pungere ‘to prick. ’

compurgation

com pur ga tion |ˌkämpərˈgāSHən ˌkɑmpərˈɡeɪʃən | ▶noun Law, historical acquittal from a charge or accusation, obtained by statements of innocence given by witnesses under oath. ORIGIN mid 17th cent.: from medieval Latin compurgation-, from Latin compurgare, from com- (expressing intensive force ) + purgare ‘purify ’ (from purus ‘pure ’).

compurgator

com pur ga tor |ˈkämpərˌgātər ˈkɑmpərɡeɪdər | ▶noun Law, historical a sworn witness to the innocence or good character of an accused person. ORIGIN mid 16th cent.: medieval Latin, from Latin com- ‘together with ’ + purgator, from purgare ‘purify ’ (see compurgation ).

computation

com pu ta tion |ˌkämpyo͝oˈtāSHən ˌkɑmpjəˈteɪʃən | ▶noun the action of mathematical calculation: months of computation carried out on 200 computers | statistical computations. • the use of computers, esp. as a subject of research or study. ORIGIN late Middle English: from Latin computatio (n- ), from the verb computare (see compute ).

computational

com pu ta tion al |ˌkämpyo͝oˈtāSHənl ˌkɑmpjəˈteɪʃənl | ▶adjective of, relating to, or using computers: the computational analysis of English | computational power. • of or relating to the process of mathematical calculation. DERIVATIVES com pu ta tion al ly |-SHənl -ē |adverb

computational linguistics

com pu ta tion al lin guis tics |ˌkɑmpjəˈteɪʃənl | ▶plural noun [ treated as sing. ] the branch of linguistics in which the techniques of computer science are applied to the analysis and synthesis of language and speech.

compute

com pute |kəmˈpyo͞ot kəmˈpjut | ▶verb [ with obj. ] calculate or reckon (a figure or amount ): we can compute the exact increase | depreciation is computed by applying the straight-line method. • [ no obj. ] make a calculation, esp. using a computer: modern circuitry can compute faster than any chess player. • [ no obj., with negative ] informal seem reasonable; make sense: the idea just doesn't compute. [from the phrase does not compute, once used as an error message in computing. ] DERIVATIVES com put a bil i ty |kəmˌpyo͞otəˈbilitē |noun, com put a ble adjective, com put a bly |-blē |adverb, com put ist |-ˈpyo͞otist |noun ORIGIN early 17th cent.: from French computer or Latin computare, from com- ‘together ’ + putare ‘to settle (an account ).’

computer

com put er |kəmˈpyo͞otər kəmˈpjudər | ▶noun an electronic device for storing and processing data, typically in binary form, according to instructions given to it in a variable program. • a person who makes calculations, esp. with a calculating machine.

computer animation

com put er an i ma tion ▶noun see animation.

computer conferencing

com put er con fer enc ing ▶noun the use of computer and telecommunications technology to hold discussions between people operating computers in separate locations.

computer dating

com put er dat ing ▶noun the use of computer databases to identify potentially compatible partners for people.

computerese

com put er ese |kəmˌpyo͞otəˈrēz, -ˈrēs kəmˌpjutəˈriz | ▶noun chiefly derogatory the jargon associated with computers. • the symbols and rules of a computer programming language.

computer-friendly

com put er-friend ly ▶adjective 1 suitable for use with computers; compatible with computers: present the data in computer-friendly form. 2 (of a person ) well disposed toward computers: a computer-friendly politician.

computer game

com put er game |kəmˈpjudər ɡeɪm | ▶noun a game played using a computer, typically a video game.

computer graphics

com put er graph ics ▶plural noun another term for graphics ( sense 3 ).

computerist

com put er ist |kəmˈpyo͞otərist kəmˈpjutərɪst | ▶noun a (frequent ) user of computers.

computerize

com put er ize |kəmˈpyo͞otəˌrīz kəmˈpjudəˌraɪz | ▶verb [ with obj. ] (often as adj. computerized ) convert to a system that is operated or controlled by computer: the advantages of computerized accounting. • convert (information ) to a form that is stored or processed by computer: a computerized register of dogs. DERIVATIVES com put er i za tion |kəmˌpyo͞otərəˈzāSHən |noun

computerized axial tomography

com pu ter ized ax i al to mog ra phy (abbr.: CAT ) ▶noun a form of tomography in which a computer controls the motion of the X-ray source and detectors, processes the data, and produces the image.

computer-literate

com put er-lit er ate |kəmˈˌpjudər ˈlɪdərət | ▶adjective (of a person ) having sufficient knowledge and skill to be able to use computers; familiar with the operation of computers. DERIVATIVES com put er lit er a cy noun

computer programmer

com put er pro gram mer ▶noun a person who writes programs for the operation of computers, esp. as an occupation.

computer science

com put er sci ence |kəmˈpjudər ˈˌsaɪəns | ▶noun the study of the principles and use of computers.

computer virus

com put er vi rus ▶noun see virus.

computing

com put ing |kəmˈpyo͞otiNG kəmˈpjudɪŋ | ▶noun the use or operation of computers: developments in mathematics and computing | [ as modifier ] : computing facilities.

Oxford Dictionary

comp

comp |kɒmp | informal ▶noun short for: • Brit. a competition. • Brit. a comprehensive school. • a computer: I have Windows XP installed on my comp. • N. Amer. a complimentary ticket or voucher. • [ mass noun ] N. Amer. compensation. • Brit. a compositor. • a composition. • a compilation. • a musical accompaniment. ▶verb 1 [ no obj. ] play music as an accompaniment, especially in jazz or blues. 2 [ with obj. ] N. Amer. give (something ) away free, especially as part of a promotion: the management did graciously comp our wine selection. 3 [ with obj. ] short for composite. ▶adjective [ attrib. ] N. Amer. complimentary; free: the average fan was unable to get comp press tickets.

compact

compact 1 ▶adjective |kəmˈpakt | 1 closely and neatly packed together; dense: a compact cluster of houses. • having all the necessary components or features neatly fitted into a small space: this compact car has plenty of boot space. • (of a person or animal ) small, strong, and well proportioned. • (of speech or writing ) concise in expression: a compact summary of the play. 2 (compact of ) archaic composed or made up of: towns compact of wooden houses. ▶verb |kəmˈpakt | [ with obj. ] exert force on (something ) so that it becomes more dense; compress: the rubbish was taken to the depot to be compacted | (as adj. compacted ) : compacted earth. • [ no obj. ] become compressed by the exertion of force: the snow hardened and compacted. • archaic form (something ) by pressing its component parts firmly together: the foundation of the walls, compacted of Granite and Lime. • express in fewer words; condense: the ideas are compacted into two sentences. ▶noun |ˈkɒmpakt | 1 a small flat case containing face powder, a mirror, and a powder puff. 2 something that is a small and conveniently shaped example of its kind, in particular a compact camera. 3 Metallurgy a mass of powdered metal compacted together in preparation for sintering. DERIVATIVES compaction noun, compactly adverb, compactness noun, compactor noun ORIGIN late Middle English: from Latin compact- ‘closely put together, joined ’, from the verb compingere, from com- ‘together ’ + pangere ‘fasten ’.

compact

compact 2 |ˈkɒmpakt | ▶noun a formal agreement or contract between two or more parties. ▶verb [ with obj. ] make or enter into (a formal agreement ) with another party or parties: the Democratic Party compacted an alliance with dissident groups. ORIGIN late 16th cent.: from Latin compactum, past participle of compacisci, from com- ‘with ’ + pacisci ‘make a covenant ’. Compare with pact .

compact camera

com |pact cam ¦era ▶noun a small, simple 35 mm camera with automatic focusing and exposure.

compact car

com |pact car ▶noun N. Amer. a medium-sized car.

compact disc

compact disc (abbrev.: CD ) ▶noun a small plastic disc on which music or other digital information is stored in the form of a pattern of metal-coated pits from which it can be read using laser light reflected off the disc.

compact fluorescent light bulb

com pact fluo res cent light bulb ▶noun a low-wattage energy-efficient fluorescent light bulb designed for use in standard lighting equipment such as table lamps.

compadre

compadre |kɒmˈpɑːdreɪ | ▶noun ( pl. compadres ) informal, chiefly US a way of addressing or referring to a friend or companion. ORIGIN Spanish, literally ‘godfather ’, hence ‘benefactor, friend ’. Compare with compère and gossip .

compand

compand |kəmˈpand | ▶verb [ with obj. ] reduce the signal-to-noise ratio of (a signal ) using a compander. ORIGIN 1950s: back-formation from compander .

compander

compander |kəmˈpandə |(also compandor ) ▶noun a device that improves the signal-to-noise ratio of an electrical signal by compressing the range of amplitudes of the signal before transmission, and then expanding it on reproduction or reception. ORIGIN 1930s: blend of compressor and expander (see expand ).

companion

companion 1 |kəmˈpanjən | ▶noun 1 a person or animal with whom one spends a lot of time or with whom one travels: his travelling companion | figurative : fear became my constant companion. • a person who shares the experiences of another, especially when these are unpleasant or unwelcome: my companions in misfortune. • a person's long-term sexual partner outside marriage. • a person, usually a woman, employed to live with and assist another. • Astronomy a star, galaxy, or other celestial object that is close to or associated with another. 2 each of a pair of things intended to complement or match each other: [ as modifier ] : a companion volume. • [ usu. in names ] a book that provides information about a particular subject: the Oxford Companion to English Literature. • Brit. dated a piece of equipment containing several objects used in a particular activity: a traveller's companion. 3 ( Companion ) a member of the lowest grade of certain orders of knighthood: a Companion of the Order of Canada. ▶verb [ with obj. ] formal accompany: he is companioned by a pageboy. ORIGIN Middle English: from Old French compaignon, literally ‘one who breaks bread with another ’, based on Latin com- ‘together with ’ + panis ‘bread ’.

companion

companion 2 |kəmˈpanjən | ▶noun a covering over the hatchway leading to a ship's companionway. • archaic a raised frame with windows on the quarterdeck of a ship to allow light into the decks below. • short for companionway. ORIGIN mid 18th cent.: from obsolete Dutch kompanje (earlier form of kampanje )‘quarterdeck ’, from Old French compagne, from Italian (camera della ) compagna ‘(storeroom for ) provisions ’.

companionable

com |pan ¦ion |able |kəmˈpanjənəb (ə )l | ▶adjective friendly and sociable: a companionable young man. • (of a situation ) relaxed and pleasant because shared with friends or friendly people: they walked in companionable silence. DERIVATIVES companionableness noun, companionably adverb ORIGIN early 17th cent.: alteration of obsolete companiable, influenced by companion 1 .

companion animal

com |pan ¦ion ani ¦mal ▶noun a pet or other domestic animal.

companionate

companionate |kəmˈpanjənət | ▶adjective formal (of a marriage or relationship ) between partners or spouses as equal companions.

companion-in-arms

companion-in-arms ▶noun a fellow soldier.

companion ladder

com |pan ¦ion lad ¦der ▶noun another term for companionway.

Companion of Honour

Companion of Honour |kəmpanjənəvˈɒnə (r ) |(abbrev.: CH ) ▶noun (in the UK ) a member of an order of knighthood founded in 1917.

Companion of Literature

Companion of Literature ▶noun (in the UK ) a holder of an honour awarded by the Royal Society of Literature and founded in 1961.

companion planting

com |pan ¦ion planting ▶noun [ mass noun ] the close planting of different plants that enhance each other's growth or protect each other from pests. DERIVATIVES companion plant noun

companion set

com |pan ¦ion set ▶noun Brit. a collection of fireside implements on a stand.

companionship

com ¦pan ¦ion |ship |kəmˈpanjənʃɪp | ▶noun [ mass noun ] a feeling of fellowship or friendship: the love and companionship of a husband.

companionway

com ¦pan ¦ion |way |kəmˈpanjənweɪ | ▶noun a set of steps leading from a ship's deck down to a cabin or lower deck.

company

com |pany |ˈkʌmp (ə )ni | ▶noun ( pl. companies ) 1 a commercial business: a shipping company | [ in names ] : the Ford Motor Company | [ as modifier ] : a company director. 2 [ mass noun ] the fact or condition of being with another or others, especially in a way that provides friendship and enjoyment: I really enjoy his company. • [ with adj. or modifier ] a person or people regarded as pleasant (or unpleasant ) to be with: she is excellent company | you're not much company —I might as well go home. • the person or group of people whose society one is currently sharing: he was silent among such distinguished company. • a visiting person or group of people: I'm expecting company. 3 a number of individuals gathered together: the Mayor addressed the assembled company. • a body of soldiers, especially the smallest subdivision of an infantry battalion, typically commanded by a major or captain: B Company of the Cheshire Regiment. • a group of actors, singers, or dancers who perform together: a national opera company. • Brit. a group of Guides. ▶verb ( companies, companying, companied ) [ no obj. ] (company with ) literary associate with; keep company with: these men which have companied with us all this time. • [ with obj. ] archaic accompany (someone ): the fair dame, companied by Statius and myself. PHRASES and company used after a person's name to denote those people usually associated with them. be in good company be in the same situation as someone important or respected. in company with another person or a group of people: he feels at ease in company. in company with together with: the US dollar went through a bad patch in 1986, in company with the oil market. keep (or archaic bear ) someone company accompany or spend time with someone in order to prevent them feeling lonely or bored. • engage in the same activity as someone else in order to be sociable: I'll have a drink myself, just to keep you company. keep company with associate with habitually: she began keeping company with a real-estate developer. ORIGIN Middle English (in sense 2 of the noun, sense 3 of the noun ): from Old French compainie; related to compaignon (see companion 1 ).

company car

com |pany car ▶noun a car provided by a firm for the business and private use of an employee.

company officer

com |pany of ¦fi |cer ▶noun an army officer serving within an infantry company.

company promoter

com |pany pro |moter ▶noun see promoter.

company sergeant major

com |pany ser |geant major ▶noun the highest-ranking non-commissioned officer of an infantry company.

comparable

comparable |ˈkɒmp (ə )rəb (ə )l | ▶adjective able to be likened to another; similar: the situation in Holland is comparable to that in England. • of equivalent quality; worthy of comparison: nobody is comparable with this athlete. DERIVATIVES comparability |-ˈbɪlɪti |noun ORIGIN late Middle English: from Old French, from Latin comparabilis, from the verb comparare (see compare ). usage: Although the correct pronunciation in standard English is with the stress on the first syllable rather than the second ( com parable ), an alternative pronunciation with the stress on the second syllable (com par able ) is gaining in currency.

comparably

comparably |ˈkɒmp (ə )rəbli | ▶adverb in a similar way or to a similar degree: a comparably priced CD player.

comparatist

comparatist |kəmˈparətɪst | ▶noun a person who carries out comparative study, especially of language or literature.

comparative

comparative |kəmˈparətɪv | ▶adjective 1 measured or judged by estimating the similarity or dissimilarity between one thing and another; relative: he returned to the comparative comfort of his own home. 2 involving the systematic observation of the similarities or dissimilarities between two or more branches of science or subjects of study: comparative religion. 3 Grammar (of an adjective or adverb ) expressing a higher degree of a quality, but not the highest possible (e.g. braver; more fiercely ). Contrasted with positive, superlative. • (of a clause ) involving comparison (e.g. he's not as good as he was ). ▶noun Grammar a comparative adjective or adverb. • (the comparative ) the middle degree of comparison. ORIGIN late Middle English (in sense 3 of the adjective ): from Latin comparativus, from comparare ‘to pair, match ’ (see compare ).

comparative advantage

com |para |tive ad ¦van |tage ▶noun Economics the ability of an individual or group to carry out a particular economic activity (such as making a specific product ) more efficiently than another activity.

comparative linguistics

com |para |tive lin |guis ¦tics ▶plural noun [ treated as sing. ] the study of similarities and differences between languages, in particular the comparison of related languages with a view to reconstructing forms in their lost parent languages.

comparatively

com |para |tive ¦ly |kəmˈparətɪvli | ▶adverb [ as submodifier ] to a moderate degree as compared to something else; relatively: inflation was comparatively low.

comparator

comparator |kəmˈparətə | ▶noun a device for comparing something measurable with a reference or standard. • an electronic circuit for comparing two electrical signals. • something used as a standard for comparison: even taking the most favourable comparator the company is about 20 per cent higher. ORIGIN late 19th cent.: from Latin comparat- ‘paired, matched ’, from the verb comparare (see compare ), + -or 1 .

compare

com |pare |kəmˈpɛː | ▶verb [ with obj. ] 1 estimate, measure, or note the similarity or dissimilarity between: individual schools compared their facilities with those of others in the area | the survey compares prices in different countries | total attendance figures were 28,000, compared to 40,000 at last year's event. • (compare something to ) point out or describe the resemblances with; liken to: her novel was compared to the work of Daniel Defoe. • (compare something to ) draw an analogy between one thing and (another ) for the purposes of explanation or clarification: he compared the religions to different paths towards the peak of the same mountain. • [ no obj., with adverbial ] have a specified relationship with another thing or person in terms of nature or quality: salaries compare favourably with those of other professions. • [ no obj., usu. with negative ] be of an equal or similar nature or quality: the dried stuff just can't compare with the taste and aroma of fresh basil. 2 Grammar form the comparative and superlative degrees of (an adjective or an adverb ): words of one syllable are usually compared by ‘-er ’ and ‘-est ’. ▶noun (in phrase beyond or without compare ) literary of a quality or nature surpassing all others of the same kind: a diamond beyond compare. PHRASES compare notes exchange ideas, opinions, or information about a particular subject. ORIGIN late Middle English: from Old French comparer, from Latin comparare, from compar ‘like, equal ’, from com- ‘with ’ + par ‘equal ’. usage: Is there any difference between compare with and compare to, and is one more correct than the other? There is a slight difference, in that it is usual to use to rather than with when describing the resemblance, by analogy, of two quite different things, as in critics compared Ellington's music to the music of Beethoven and Brahms. In the sense ‘estimate the similarity or dissimilarity between ’, with is often preferred to to, as in schools compared their facilities with those of others in the area. However, in practice the distinction is not clear-cut and both compare with and compare to can be used in either context.

comparison

com |pari ¦son |kəmˈparɪs (ə )n | ▶noun 1 a consideration or estimate of the similarities or dissimilarities between two things or people: they drew a comparison between Gandhi's teaching and that of other teachers | [ mass noun ] : the two books invite comparison with one another. • an analogy: perhaps the best comparison is that of seasickness. • [ mass noun ] the quality of being similar or equivalent: when it comes to achievements this season, there's no comparison between Linfield and Bangor. 2 [ mass noun ] Grammar the formation of the comparative and superlative forms of adjectives and adverbs. PHRASES bear (or stand ) comparison be of sufficient quality to be likened favourably to someone or something of the same kind. beyond comparison surpassing all others of the same kind. in (or by ) comparison when compared: the Prime Minister's support staff is tiny in comparison with that of a US President. ORIGIN Middle English: from Old French comparesoun, from Latin comparatio (n- ), from comparare ‘to pair, match ’ (see compare ).

comparison shopping

comparison shopping ▶noun [ mass noun ] the practice of comparing the price of goods or services provided by different shops or companies before making a purchase. DERIVATIVES comparison-shop verb, comparison shopper noun

compartment

com |part |ment |kəmˈpɑːtm (ə )nt | ▶noun 1 a separate section or part of a structure or container: there's some ice cream in the freezer compartment. • a division of a railway carriage marked by partitions: a first-class compartment. • a division of a ship's hull: the aft cargo compartment. • an area in which something can be considered in isolation from other things: religion and politics should be kept in different compartments. 2 Heraldry a grassy mound or other support depicted below a shield. ▶verb [ with obj. ] divide (something ) into separate parts or sections: the buildings are to be compartmented by fire walls. DERIVATIVES compartmentation |-ˈteɪʃ (ə )n |noun ORIGIN mid 16th cent.: from French compartiment, from Italian compartimento, from compartire, from late Latin compartiri ‘divide ’.

compartmental

com |part |men ¦tal |kɒmpɑːtˈmɛnt (ə )l | ▶adjective characterized by division into separate sections: the compartmental interior of the church. DERIVATIVES compartmentally adverb

compartmentalize

compartmentalize |kɒmpɑːtˈmɛnt (ə )lʌɪz |(also compartmentalise ) ▶verb [ with obj. ] divide into discrete sections or categories: he had the ability to compartmentalize his life. DERIVATIVES compartmentalism noun, compartmentalization |-ˈzeɪʃ (ə )n |noun

compartment syndrome

com |part |ment syn |drome ▶noun Medicine a condition resulting from increased pressure within a confined body space, especially of the leg or forearm.

compass

com |pass |ˈkʌmpəs | ▶noun 1 an instrument containing a magnetized pointer which shows the direction of magnetic north and bearings from it. 2 (also compasses or a pair of compasses ) an instrument for drawing circles and arcs and measuring distances between points, consisting of two arms linked by a movable joint, one arm ending in a point and the other usually carrying a pencil or pen. 3 [ in sing. ] the range or scope of something: the event had political repercussions which are beyond the compass of this book | goods and services which fall within the compass of the free market. • the enclosing limits of an area: this region had within its compass many types of agriculture. • the range of notes that can be produced by a voice or a musical instrument: the cellos were playing in a rather sombre part of their compass. ▶verb [ with obj. ] archaic 1 go round (something ) in a circular course: the ship wherein Magellan compassed the world. • surround or hem in on all sides: we were compassed round by a thick fog. 2 contrive to accomplish (something ): he compassed his end only by the exercise of violence. ORIGIN Middle English: from Old French compas (noun ), compasser (verb ), based on Latin com- ‘together ’ + passus ‘a step or pace ’. Several senses (‘measure ’, ‘artifice ’, ‘circumscribed area ’, and ‘pair of compasses ’) which appeared in Middle English are also found in Old French, but their development and origin are uncertain. The transference of sense to the magnetic compass is held to have occurred in the related Italian word compasso, from the circular shape of the compass box.

compass card

com |pass card ▶noun a circular rotating card showing the 32 principal bearings, forming the indicator of a magnetic compass.

compassion

com |pas ¦sion |kəmˈpaʃ (ə )n | ▶noun [ mass noun ] sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others: the victims should be treated with compassion. ORIGIN Middle English: via Old French from ecclesiastical Latin compassio (n- ), from compati ‘suffer with ’.

compassionate

com |pas ¦sion |ate |kəmˈpaʃ (ə )nət | ▶adjective feeling or showing sympathy and concern for others. DERIVATIVES compassionately adverb ORIGIN late 16th cent.: from compassion + -ate 2, influenced by archaic French compassioné ‘feeling pity ’.

compassionate leave

com |pas ¦sion |ate leave ▶noun [ mass noun ] Brit. a period of absence from work granted to someone as the result of particular personal circumstances, especially the death of a close relative.

compassion fatigue

com |pas ¦sion fa |tigue ▶noun [ mass noun ] indifference to charitable appeals on behalf of suffering people, experienced as a result of the frequency or number of such appeals.

compass rose

com |pass rose ▶noun a graduated circle printed on a map or chart from which bearings can be taken.

compass saw

com |pass saw ▶noun a handsaw with a narrow blade for cutting curves.

compass window

com |pass win ¦dow ▶noun a bay window with a semicircular curve.

compatibility

com ¦pati |bil ¦ity |kəmˌpatɪˈbɪlɪti | ▶noun [ mass noun ] a state in which two things are able to exist or occur together without problems or conflict: he argues for the compatibility of science and religion. • a feeling of sympathy and friendship; like-mindedness: they felt the bond of true compatibility. • Computing the ability of one computer, piece of software, etc. to work with another. software compatibility is another important factor to consider.

compatible

com ¦pat |ible |kəmˈpatɪb (ə )l | ▶adjective (often compatible with ) (of two things ) able to exist or occur together without problems or conflict: the careers structure here is not compatible with having a family. • (of two people ) able to have a harmonious relationship; well suited: it's a pity we're not compatible. • (of one thing ) consistent with another: the symptoms were compatible with gastritis or a peptic ulcer. • Computing (of a computer, piece of software, etc. ) able to be used with a specified piece of equipment or software without special adaptation or modification: the printer is fully compatible with all leading software. ▶noun a computer that can use software designed for another make or type. DERIVATIVES compatibly adverb ORIGIN late Middle English: from French, from medieval Latin compatibilis, from compati ‘suffer with ’.

compatriot

compatriot |kəmˈpatrɪət, -ˈpeɪt -| ▶noun a fellow citizen or national of a country. ORIGIN late 16th cent.: from French compatriote, from late Latin compatriota (translating Greek sumpatriōtēs ), from com- ‘together with ’ + patriota (see patriot ).

compeer

compeer |kəmˈpɪə | ▶noun formal a person of equal rank, status, or ability. • archaic a companion or associate. ORIGIN late Middle English: from Old French comper, from com- ‘with ’ + per, from Latin par ‘equal ’ (compare with peer 2 ).

compel

com ¦pel |kəmˈpɛl | ▶verb ( compels, compelling, compelled ) [ with obj. and infinitive ] force or oblige (someone ) to do something: a sense of duty compelled Harry to answer her questions. • [ with obj. ] bring about (something ) by the use of force or pressure: they may compel a witness's attendance at court by issue of a summons | his striking appearance compelled attention. • [ with obj. and adverbial of direction ] literary force to come or go in a particular direction: by heav'n's high will compell'd from shore to shore. ORIGIN late Middle English: from Latin compellere, from com- ‘together ’ + pellere ‘drive ’.

compellable

com ¦pel |lable |kəmˈpɛləb (ə )l | ▶adjective Law (of a witness ) able to be made to attend court or give evidence.

compelling

com ¦pel |ling |kəmˈpɛlɪŋ | ▶adjective evoking interest, attention, or admiration in a powerfully irresistible way: his eyes were strangely compelling | a compelling film. • not able to be refuted; inspiring conviction: there is compelling evidence that the recession is ending | a compelling argument. • not able to be resisted; overwhelming: the temptation to give up was compelling. DERIVATIVES compellingly adverb

compendious

com |pen ¦di |ous |kəmˈpɛndɪəs | ▶adjective formal containing or presenting the essential facts of something in a comprehensive but concise way: a compendious study. DERIVATIVES compendiously adverb, compendiousness noun ORIGIN late Middle English: from Old French compendieux, from Latin compendiosus ‘advantageous, brief ’, from compendium ‘profit, saving, abbreviation ’.

compendium

com |pen ¦dium |kəmˈpɛndɪəm | ▶noun ( pl. compendiums or compendia |-dɪə | ) a collection of concise but detailed information about a particular subject, especially in a book or other publication. • a collection or set of similar items. • a package of stationery for writing letters. ORIGIN late 16th cent.: from Latin, ‘profit, saving ’ (literally ‘what is weighed together ’), from compendere, from com- ‘together ’ + pendere ‘weigh ’.

compensable

compensable |kəmˈpɛnsəb (ə )l | ▶adjective (of a loss or hardship ) for which compensation can be obtained. ORIGIN mid 17th cent.: French, from compenser, from Latin compensare ‘weigh (something ) against (another )’.

compensate

com |pen |sate |ˈkɒmpɛnseɪt | ▶verb 1 [ with obj. ] give (someone ) something, typically money, in recognition of loss, suffering, or injury incurred; recompense: payments were made to farmers to compensate them for cuts in subsidies. • pay (someone ) for work performed: he will be richly compensated for his efforts. 2 [ no obj. ] (compensate for ) reduce or counteract (something unwelcome or unpleasant ) by exerting an opposite force or effect: the manager is hoping for victory to compensate for the team's dismal league campaign. • act so as to neutralize or correct (a deficiency or abnormality in a physical property or effect ): the output voltage rises, compensating for the original fall. DERIVATIVES compensative adjective, compensator noun ORIGIN mid 17th cent. (in the sense ‘counterbalance ’): from Latin compensat- ‘weighed against ’, from the verb compensare, from com- ‘together ’ + pensare (frequentative of pendere ‘weigh ’).

compensation

com |pen |sa ¦tion |kɒmpɛnˈseɪʃ (ə )n | ▶noun [ mass noun ] 1 something, typically money, awarded to someone in recognition of loss, suffering, or injury: he is seeking compensation for injuries suffered at work | [ as modifier ] : a compensation claim. • the action or process of awarding compensation: the compensation of victims. • something that counterbalances or makes up for an undesirable or unwelcome state of affairs: the grey streets of London were small compensation for the loss of her beloved Africa | [ count noun ] : getting older has some compensations. 2 the process of concealing or offsetting a psychological difficulty by developing in another direction. 3 chiefly N. Amer. the money received by an employee from an employer as a salary or wages: send your CV and current compensation to Executive Search Consultant. DERIVATIVES compensational adjective ORIGIN late Middle English: via Old French from Latin compensatio (n- ), from the verb compensare ‘weigh against ’ (see compensate ).

compensation pendulum

com |pen |sa ¦tion pen ¦du |lum ▶noun Physics a pendulum constructed from metals with differing coefficients of expansion in order to neutralize the effects of temperature variation.

compensation water

com |pen |sa ¦tion water ▶noun [ mass noun ] water supplied from a reservoir to a stream in time of drought.

compensatory

com |pen |sa ¦tory |kɒmpɛnˈseɪtəri | ▶adjective (of a payment ) intended to recompense someone who has experienced loss, suffering, or injury: $50 million in compensatory damages. • reducing or offsetting the unpleasant or unwelcome effects of something: the government is taking compensatory actions to keep the interest rate constant.

compensatory time

com pen sa to ry time ▶noun an arrangement by which eligible employees are entitled to time off in lieu of overtime pay.

compère

compère |ˈkɒmpɛː |Brit. ▶noun a person who introduces the performers or contestants in a variety show. ▶verb [ with obj. ] act as a compère for (a variety show ). ORIGIN early 20th cent.: French, literally ‘godfather ’, from medieval Latin compater, from com- ‘together with ’ + Latin pater ‘father ’.

compete

com |pete |kəmˈpiːt | ▶verb [ no obj. ] strive to gain or win something by defeating or establishing superiority over others: universities are competing for applicants | he competed with a number of other candidates | (as adj. competing ) : competing political ideologies. • [ usu. with negative ] be able to rival another or others: no one can compete with his physical prowess. • take part in a contest: he competed in numerous track meets as a child. ORIGIN early 17th cent.: from Latin competere, in its late sense ‘strive or contend for (something )’, from com- ‘together ’ + petere ‘aim at, seek ’.

competence

competence |ˈkɒmpɪt (ə )ns |(also competency |-ənsi |) ▶noun 1 [ mass noun ] the ability to do something successfully or efficiently: courses to improve the competence of staff | the players displayed varying degrees of competence. • the legal authority of a court or other body to deal with a particular matter: the court's competence has been accepted to cover these matters. • (also linguistic or language competence ) Linguistics a person's subconscious knowledge of the rules governing the formation of speech in their first language. Often contrasted with performance. • Biology & Medicine effective performance of the normal function. 2 dated an income large enough to live on, typically an unearned one: he found himself with an ample competence and no obligations.

competent

com |pe ¦tent |ˈkɒmpɪt (ə )nt | ▶adjective having the necessary ability, knowledge, or skill to do something successfully: a highly competent surgeon | [ with infinitive ] : make sure the firm is competent to carry out the work. • (of a person ) efficient and capable: an infinitely competent mother of three. • acceptable and satisfactory, though not outstanding: she spoke quite competent French. • (of a court or other body ) accepted as having legal authority to deal with a particular matter: the London Stock Exchange is the competent authority under the Financial Services Act. • Biology & Medicine capable of performing the normal function effectively. DERIVATIVES competently adverb ORIGIN late Middle English (in the sense ‘suitable, adequate ’): from Latin competent-, from the verb competere in its earlier sense ‘be fit or proper ’ (see compete ).

competition

com |pe ¦ti ¦tion |kɒmpɪˈtɪʃ (ə )n | ▶noun [ mass noun ] the activity or condition of striving to gain or win something by defeating or establishing superiority over others: there is fierce competition between banks | the competition for university places is greater than ever this year. • [ count noun ] an event or contest in which people take part in order to establish superiority or supremacy in a particular area: a beauty competition. • [ in sing. ] the person or people over whom one is attempting to establish one's supremacy or superiority; the opposition: I walked round to check out the competition. • Ecology interaction between animal or plant species, or individual organisms, that are attempting to gain a share of a limited environmental resource. ORIGIN early 17th cent.: from late Latin competitio (n- )‘rivalry ’, from competere ‘strive for ’ (see compete ).

competitive

com |peti ¦tive |kəmˈpɛtɪtɪv | ▶adjective 1 relating to or characterized by competition: a competitive sport | the intensely competitive newspaper industry. • having or displaying a strong desire to be more successful than others: she had a competitive streak. 2 as good as or better than others of a comparable nature: a car industry competitive with any in the world. • (of prices ) low enough to compare well with those of rival traders: we offer prompt service at competitive rates. DERIVATIVES competitively adverb, competitiveness noun ORIGIN early 19th cent.: from Latin competit- ‘striven for ’, from the verb competere (see compete ), + -ive .

competitive exclusion

com |peti ¦tive ex |clu ¦sion ▶noun [ mass noun ] Ecology the inevitable elimination from a habitat of one of two different species with identical needs for resources.

competitor

com |peti ¦tor |kəmˈpɛtɪtə | ▶noun a person who takes part in a sporting contest. • an organization or country engaged in commercial or economic competition with others: our main industrial competitors.

compilation

com ¦pil |ation |kɒmpɪˈleɪʃ (ə )n | ▶noun 1 [ mass noun ] the action or process of producing something, especially a list or book, by assembling information collected from other sources: great care has been taken in the compilation of this guidebook. 2 a thing, especially a book, record, or broadcast programme, that is put together by assembling previously separate items: there are thirty-three stories in this compilation | [ as modifier ] : a compilation album. ORIGIN late Middle English: via Old French from Latin compilatio (n- ), from compilare ‘to plunder ’ (see compile ).

compile

com |pile |kəmˈpʌɪl | ▶verb [ with obj. ] 1 produce (a list or book ) by assembling information collected from other sources: the local authority must compile a list of the names and addresses of taxpayers. • collect (information ) in order to produce a list or book: the figures were compiled from a survey of 2,000 schoolchildren. • accumulate (a specified score ): the world champion compiled a break of 101. 2 Computing convert (a program ) into a machine-code or lower-level form in which the program can be executed. DERIVATIVES compiler noun ORIGIN Middle English: from Old French compiler or its apparent source, Latin compilare ‘plunder or plagiarize ’.

comping

comp |ing ▶noun [ mass noun ] 1 Brit. informal the practice of entering competitions, especially those promoting consumer products. 2 the action of playing a musical accompaniment, especially in jazz or blues. 3 the process of making composite images, especially electronically. DERIVATIVES comper noun comping ( sense 1 )

complacency

complacency |kəmˈpleɪs (ə )nsi |(also complacence ) ▶noun [ mass noun ] a feeling of smug or uncritical satisfaction with oneself or one's achievements: the figures are better, but there are no grounds for complacency. ORIGIN mid 17th cent.: from medieval Latin complacentia, from Latin complacere ‘to please ’.

complacent

complacent |kəmˈpleɪs (ə )nt | ▶adjective showing smug or uncritical satisfaction with oneself or one's achievements: you can't afford to be complacent about security. DERIVATIVES complacently adverb ORIGIN mid 17th cent. (in the sense ‘pleasant ’): from Latin complacent- ‘pleasing ’, from the verb complacere. usage: Complacent and complaisant are two words which are similar in pronunciation and which both come from the Latin verb complacere ‘to please ’, but in English they do not mean the same thing. Complacent is far commoner and means ‘smug and self-satisfied ’. Complaisant, on the other hand, means ‘willing to please ’, as in the local people proved complaisant and cordial.

complain

com |plain |kəmˈpleɪn | ▶verb 1 [ reporting verb ] express dissatisfaction or annoyance about something: [ with clause ] : local authorities complained that they lacked sufficient resources | [ with direct speech ] : ‘You never listen to me, ’ Larry complained | [ no obj. ] : we all complained bitterly about the food. • [ no obj. ] (of a structure or mechanism ) groan or creak under strain. • [ no obj. ] literary make a mournful sound: let the warbling flute complain. 2 [ no obj. ] (complain of ) state that one is suffering from (a pain or other symptom of illness ): her husband began to complain of headaches. DERIVATIVES complainer noun, complainingly adverb ORIGIN late Middle English: from Old French complaindre, from medieval Latin complangere ‘bewail ’, from Latin com- (expressing intensive force ) + plangere ‘to lament ’.

complainant

com |plain |ant |kəmˈpleɪnənt | ▶noun Law, Brit. a plaintiff in certain lawsuits. ORIGIN late Middle English: from French complaignant, present participle of complaindre ‘to lament ’ (see complain ).

complaint

com |plaint |kəmˈpleɪnt | ▶noun 1 a statement that something is unsatisfactory or unacceptable: I intend to make an official complaint | there were complaints that the building was an eyesore. • a reason for dissatisfaction: I have no complaints about the hotel. • [ mass noun ] the expression of dissatisfaction: a letter of complaint | he hasn't any cause for complaint. • Law the plaintiff's reasons for proceeding in a civil action. 2 an illness or medical condition, especially a relatively minor one: she is receiving treatment for her skin complaint. ORIGIN late Middle English: from Old French complainte, feminine past participle of complaindre ‘to lament ’ (see complain ).

complaisant

complaisant |kəmˈpleɪz (ə )nt | ▶adjective willing to please others or to accept what they do or say without protest: he went to join his apparently complaisant wife for Christmas. DERIVATIVES complaisance noun ORIGIN mid 17th cent.: French, from complaire ‘acquiesce in order to please ’, from Latin complacere ‘to please ’. usage: Complaisant does not mean the same as complacent. See usage at complacent .

compleat

com |pleat ▶adjective & verb archaic spelling of complete.

complected

complected |kəmˈplɛktɪd | ▶adjective [ in combination ] N. Amer. having a specified complexion: the lighter-complected invaders from the north. ORIGIN early 19th cent.: apparently from complexion .

complement

com |ple |ment ▶noun |ˈkɒmplɪm (ə )nt | 1 a thing that contributes extra features to something else in such a way as to improve or emphasize its quality: local ales provide the perfect complement to fine food. 2 [ in sing. ] a number or quantity of something, especially that required to make a group complete: at the moment we have a full complement of staff. • the number of people required to crew a ship: almost half the ship's complement of 322 were wounded. • Geometry the amount in degrees by which a given angle is less than 90 °. • Mathematics the members of a set or class that are not members of a given subset. 3 Grammar one or more words, phrases, or clauses governed by a verb (or by a nominalization or a predicative adjective ) that complete the meaning of the predicate. In generative grammar, all the constituents of a sentence that are governed by a verb form the complement. • (in systemic grammar ) an adjective or noun that has the same reference as either the subject (as mad in he is mad ) or the object (as mad in he drove her mad or manager in they appointed him manager ). 4 [ mass noun ] Physiology a group of proteins present in blood plasma and tissue fluid which combine with an antigen –antibody complex to bring about the lysis of foreign cells. ▶verb |ˈkɒmplɪmɛnt | [ with obj. ] contribute extra features to (someone or something ) in such a way as to improve or emphasize their qualities: a classic blazer complements a look that's smart or casual. • add to or make complete: the proposals complement the incentives already available. PHRASES in her complement Heraldry (of the moon ) depicted as full. DERIVATIVES complemental |-ˈmɛnt (ə )l |adjective ORIGIN late Middle English (in the sense ‘completion ’): from Latin complementum, from complere ‘fill up ’ (see complete ). Compare with compliment . usage: Complement and compliment (together with related words such as complementary and complimentary ) are frequently confused. They are pronounced in the same way but have quite different meanings: as a verb complement means ‘add to something in a way that enhances or improves ’, as in a classic blazer complements a look that's smart or casual, while compliment means ‘admire and praise someone for something ’, as in he complimented her on her appearance. Complementary means ‘forming a complement or addition, completing, ’ as in I purchased a suit with a complementary tie. This is often confused with complimentary, for which one sense is ‘given freely, as a courtesy ’: honeymooners receive complimentary fruit and flowers.

complementarity

com |ple |men ¦tar ¦ity |ˌkɒmplɪmɛnˈtarɪti | ▶noun ( pl. complementarities ) [ mass noun ] a relationship or situation in which two or more different things improve or emphasize each other's qualities: a culture based on the complementarity of men and women. • Physics the concept that two contrasted theories, such as the wave and particle theories of light, may be able to explain a set of phenomena, although each separately only accounts for some aspects.

complementary

com |ple |men ¦tary |kɒmplɪˈmɛnt (ə )ri | ▶adjective 1 combining in such a way as to enhance or emphasize the qualities of each other or another: they had different but complementary skills | the second TV network was complementary to the BBC. • Biochemistry (of gene sequences, nucleotides, etc. ) related by the rules of base pairing. 2 [ attrib. ] relating to complementary medicine: complementary therapies such as aromatherapy. DERIVATIVES complementarily adverb, complementariness noun

complementary angle

com |ple |men ¦tary angle ▶noun either of two angles whose sum is 90 °.

complementary colour

com |ple |men ¦tary col ¦our ▶noun a colour that combined with a given colour makes white or black.

complementary distribution

com |ple |men ¦tary dis ¦tri |bu ¦tion ▶noun [ mass noun ] the occurrence of phenomena such as speech sounds in mutually exclusive contexts.

complementary DNA

com |ple |men ¦tary DNA ▶noun [ mass noun ] synthetic DNA in which the sequence of bases is complementary to that of a given example of DNA.

complementary function

com |ple |men ¦tary func |tion ▶noun Mathematics the part of the general solution of a linear differential equation which is the general solution of the associated homogeneous equation obtained by substituting zero for the terms not containing the dependent variable.

complementary medicine

com |ple |men ¦tary medi |cine ▶noun [ mass noun ] Brit. any of a range of medical therapies that fall beyond the scope of conventional medicine but may be used alongside it in the treatment of disease and ill health. Examples include acupuncture and osteopathy. See also alternative medicine.

complementation

com |ple |men ¦ta ¦tion |kɒmplɪmɛnˈteɪʃn | ▶noun 1 [ mass noun ] the action of complementing something. 2 Grammar all the clause constituents that are governed by a verb, nominalization, or adjective. 3 Genetics the phenomenon by which the effects of two different non-allelic mutations in a gene are partly or entirely cancelled out when they occur together.

complement fixation test

com |ple |ment fix |ation test ▶noun Medicine a test for infection with a microorganism which involves measuring the amount of complement available in serum to bind with an antibody –antigen complex.

complementizer

complementizer |ˈkɒmplɪməntʌɪzə (r ) |(also complementiser ) ▶noun Grammar a word or morpheme that marks an embedded clause as functioning as a complement, typically a subordinating conjunction or infinitival to .

complete

com |plete |kəmˈpliːt | ▶adjective 1 having all the necessary or appropriate parts: a complete list of courses offered by the university | no woman's wardrobe is complete without this pretty top. • entire; full: I only managed one complete term at school | the complete works of Shakespeare. • (complete with ) having (something ) as an additional part or feature: the house comes complete with gas central heating and double glazing. • [ predic. ] having run its full course; finished: the restoration of the chapel is complete. 2 [ attrib. ] (often used for emphasis ) to the greatest extent or degree; total: a complete ban on smoking | their marriage came as a complete surprise to me. • (also compleat ) chiefly humorous skilled at every aspect of a particular activity; consummate: his range of skills made him the complete footballer. [the spelling compleat is a revival of the 17th cent. use as in Walton's The Compleat Angler . ] ▶verb [ with obj. ] 1 finish making or doing: he completed his PhD in 1993. • [ no obj. ] Brit. conclude the sale of a property. • American Football (of a quarterback ) successfully throw (a forward pass ) to a receiver. 2 provide with the item or items necessary to make (something ) full or entire: complete your collection of Britain's brightest gardening magazine | quarry tiles and faded rugs complete the look. • write the required information on (a form or questionnaire ): please complete the attached forms. DERIVATIVES completeness noun ORIGIN late Middle English: from Old French complet or Latin completus, past participle of complere ‘fill up, finish, fulfil ’, from com- (expressing intensive force ) + plere ‘fill ’. usage: On the question of the use of adjectives like complete, equal, and unique with submodifiers such as very or more, see usage at unique .

complete game

com plete game ▶noun Baseball a game in which one pitcher pitches all innings without relief.

completely

com |plete ¦ly |kəmˈpliːtli | ▶adverb totally; utterly: the fire completely destroyed the building | [ as submodifier ] : you must be completely mad!

completion

com |ple ¦tion |kəmˈpliːʃn | ▶noun [ mass noun ] the action or process of completing or finishing something: funds for the completion of the new building. • the state of being finished: work on the new golf course is nearing completion | [ as modifier ] : the completion date is early next year. • Brit. the final stage in the sale of a property, at which point it legally changes ownership: the risk stays with the seller until completion. ORIGIN late 15th cent.: from Latin completio (n- ), from complere ‘fill up ’ (see complete ).

completist

com |plet |ist |kəmˈpliːtist | ▶noun an obsessive, typically indiscriminate, collector or fan of something.

completive

com |plet |ive ▶noun Grammar a word or morpheme which adds a sense of completeness to a word or phrase (e.g. in the phrase break up, up is a completive ).

complex

com |plex |ˈkɒmplɛks | ▶adjective 1 consisting of many different and connected parts: a complex network of water channels. • not easy to analyse or understand; complicated or intricate: a complex personality | the situation is more complex than it appears. 2 Mathematics denoting or involving numbers or quantities containing both a real and an imaginary part. 3 Chemistry denoting an ion or molecule in which one or more groups are linked to a metal atom by coordinate bonds. ▶noun 1 a group or system of different things that are linked in a close or complicated way; a network: a complex of mountain roads. • a group of similar buildings or facilities on the same site: a leisure complex | a complex of hotels. 2 Psychoanalysis a related group of repressed or partly repressed emotionally significant ideas which cause psychic conflict leading to abnormal mental states or behaviour. • informal a strong or disproportionate concern or anxiety about something: there's no point having a complex about losing your hair. 3 Chemistry an ion or molecule in which one or more groups are linked to a metal atom by coordinate bonds. • any loosely bonded species formed by the association of two molecules: cross-linked protein –DNA complexes. ▶verb [ with obj. ] Chemistry make (an atom or compound ) form a complex with another: the DNA was complexed with the nuclear extract. DERIVATIVES complexation noun (Chemistry ), complexly adverb ORIGIN mid 17th cent. (in the sense ‘group of related elements ’): from Latin complexus, past participle (used as a noun ) of complectere ‘embrace, comprise ’, later associated with complexus ‘plaited ’; the adjective is partly via French complexe.

complex conjugate

com |plex con |ju ¦gate ▶noun Mathematics each of two complex numbers having their real parts identical and their imaginary parts of equal magnitude but opposite sign.

complexion

com |plex ¦ion |kəmˈplɛkʃ (ə )n | ▶noun 1 the natural colour, texture, and appearance of a person's skin, especially of the face: an attractive girl with a pale complexion. 2 the general aspect or character of something: the complexion of the game changed | successive governments of all complexions. DERIVATIVES complexioned adjective [ in combination ] : they were both fair-complexioned ORIGIN Middle English: via Old French from Latin complexio (n- )‘combination ’ (in late Latin ‘physical constitution ’), from complectere ‘embrace, comprise ’. The term originally denoted physical constitution or temperament determined by the combination of the four bodily humours, hence sense 1 (late 16th cent. ) as a visible sign of this.

complexity

com ¦plex |ity |kəmˈplɛksəti | ▶noun ( pl. complexities ) [ mass noun ] the state or quality of being intricate or complicated: an issue of great complexity. • [ count noun ] (usu. complexities ) a factor involved in a complicated process or situation: the complexities of family life.

complex plane

complex sentence

com |plex sen |tence ▶noun a sentence containing a subordinate clause or clauses.

compliance

compliance |kəmˈplʌɪəns | ▶noun [ mass noun ] 1 the action or fact of complying with a wish or command: the ways in which the state maintains order and compliance. • excessive acquiescence: the appalling compliance with government views shown by the commission. • the state or fact of according with or meeting rules or standards: all imports of timber are in compliance with regulations | [ as modifier ] : this paper estimates the compliance costs of such a policy change. 2 Physics the property of a material of undergoing elastic deformation or (of a gas ) change in volume when subjected to an applied force. It is equal to the reciprocal of stiffness. • Medicine the ability of an organ to distend in response to applied pressure.

compliance officer

com |pli ¦ance of ¦fi |cer ▶noun a person who is employed to ensure that a company does not contravene any statutes or regulations which apply to its activities.

compliant

com |pli ¦ant |kəmˈplʌɪənt | ▶adjective 1 disposed to agree with others or obey rules, especially to an excessive degree; acquiescent: a compliant labour force. 2 (often compliant with ) meeting or in accordance with rules or standards: food which is compliant with safety regulations. 3 Physics & Medicine having the property of compliance. DERIVATIVES compliantly adverb

complicate

complicate |ˈkɒmplɪkeɪt | ▶verb [ with obj. ] make (something ) more complicated: increased choice will complicate matters for the consumer | (as adj. complicating ) : a complicating factor. • Medicine introduce complications in (an existing condition ): smoking may complicate pregnancy | (as adj. complicating ) : patients with complicating biliary calculi. ORIGIN early 17th cent. (in the sense ‘combine, entangle, intertwine ’): from Latin complicat- ‘folded together ’, from the verb complicare, from com- ‘together ’ + plicare ‘to fold ’.

complicated

com |pli |cated |ˈkɒmplɪkeɪtɪd | ▶adjective 1 consisting of many interconnecting parts or elements; intricate: a complicated stereo system. • involving many different and confusing aspects: a long and complicated saga. 2 Medicine involving complications: complicated appendicitis. DERIVATIVES complicatedly adverb

complication

com |pli |ca ¦tion |kɒmplɪˈkeɪʃ (ə )n | ▶noun 1 a circumstance that complicates something; a difficulty: there is a complication concerning ownership of the site. • [ mass noun ] an involved or confused condition or state: to add further complication, English-speakers use a different name. 2 Medicine a secondary disease or condition aggravating an already existing one: she developed complications after the surgery. ORIGIN late Middle English: from late Latin complicatio (n- ), from Latin complicare ‘fold together ’ (see complicate ).

complicit

complicit |kəmˈplɪsɪt | ▶adjective involved with others in an activity that is unlawful or morally wrong: the careers of those complicit in the cover-up were blighted. ORIGIN 1940s: back-formation from complicity .

complicitous

complicitous |kəmˈplɪsɪtəs | ▶adjective another term for complicit: they were complicitous with Nazi authorities.

complicity

com |pli ¦city |kəmˈplɪsɪti | ▶noun [ mass noun ] the fact or condition of being involved with others in an activity that is unlawful or morally wrong: they were accused of complicity in the attempt to overthrow the government. ORIGIN mid 17th cent.: from Middle English complice ‘an associate ’, from Old French, from late Latin complex, complic- ‘allied ’, from Latin complicare ‘fold together ’ (see complicate ). Compare with accomplice .

compliment

com |pli |ment ▶noun |ˈkɒmplɪm (ə )nt |a polite expression of praise or admiration: she paid me an enormous compliment. • an act or circumstance that implies praise or respect: it's a compliment to the bride to dress up on her special day. • (compliments ) congratulations or praise expressed to someone: my compliments on your cooking. • (compliments ) formal greetings, especially when sent as a message: carry my compliments to your kinsmen. ▶verb |ˈkɒmplɪmɛnt | [ with obj. ] politely congratulate or praise (someone ) for something: he complimented Erika on her appearance. • praise (something ) politely: the manager was heard to compliment the other team's good play. • (compliment someone with ) archaic present someone with (something ) as a mark of courtesy: Prince George expected to be complimented with a seat in the royal coach. PHRASES compliments of the season used as a seasonal greeting at Christmas or the New Year. pay one's compliments send or express formal greetings. return the compliment give a compliment in return for another. • retaliate or respond in kind. with one's compliments used to express the fact that what one is giving is free: all drinks will be supplied with our compliments. ORIGIN mid 17th cent.: from French compliment (noun ), complimenter (verb ), from Italian complimento ‘fulfilment of the requirements of courtesy ’, from Latin complementum ‘completion, fulfilment ’ (reflected in the earlier English spelling complement, gradually replaced by the French form between 1655 and 1715 ). usage: Compliment (together with complimentary ) is quite different in meaning from complement (and complementary ). See usage at complement .

complimentary

complimentary close

compliments slip

compline

compline |ˈkɒmplɪn, -ʌɪn | ▶noun a service of evening prayers forming part of the Divine Office of the Western Christian Church, traditionally said (or chanted ) before retiring for the night. ORIGIN Middle English: from Old French complie, feminine past participle of obsolete complir ‘to complete ’, from Latin complere ‘fill up ’ (see complete ). The ending -ine was probably influenced by Old French matines ‘matins ’.

comply

comply |kəmˈplʌɪ | ▶verb ( complies, complying, complied ) [ no obj. ] (often comply with ) act in accordance with a wish or command: we are unable to comply with your request. • (of an article ) meet specified standards: all second-hand furniture must comply with the new regulations. ORIGIN late 16th cent.: from Italian complire, Catalan complir, Spanish cumplir, from Latin complere ‘fill up, fulfil ’ (see complete ). The original sense was ‘fulfil, accomplish ’, later ‘fulfil the requirements of courtesy ’, hence ‘to be agreeable, to oblige or obey ’. Compare with compliment .

compo

compo 2 |ˈkɒmpəʊ | ▶noun [ mass noun ] Austral. /NZ informal money paid to an employee as compensation for an industrial injury. ORIGIN 1940s: abbreviation of compensation .

component

component |kəmˈpəʊnənt | ▶noun a part or element of a larger whole, especially a part of a machine or vehicle. • each of two or more forces, velocities, or other vectors acting in different directions which are together equivalent to a given vector. ▶adjective [ attrib. ] constituting part of a larger whole; constituent: the component elements of the armed forces. DERIVATIVES componentize (also componentise ) verb ORIGIN mid 17th cent.: from Latin component- ‘putting together ’, from the verb componere, from com- ‘together ’ + ponere ‘put ’. Compare with compound 1 .

componential analysis

componential analysis |kɒmpəˌnɛnʃ (ə )l əˈnalɪsɪs | ▶noun [ mass noun ] Linguistics the analysis of the meaning of a word or other linguistic unit into discrete semantic components.

compony

compony |kɒmˈpɒni | ▶adjective [ usu. postpositive ] Heraldry divided into a single row of squares in alternating tinctures: a bordure compony. ORIGIN late 16th cent.: from French componé, from Old French compondre, from Latin componere ‘put together ’.

comport

comport 1 |kəmˈpɔːt | ▶verb 1 (comport oneself ) formal conduct oneself; behave: articulate students who comported themselves well in interviews. 2 [ no obj. ] (comport with ) archaic accord or agree with. ORIGIN late Middle English (in the sense ‘tolerate ’): from Latin comportare, from com- ‘together ’ + portare ‘carry, bear ’.

comport

comport 2 |ˈkɒmpɔːt | ▶noun another term for compote ( sense 2 ). ORIGIN late 19th cent.: apparently an abbreviation of French comportier, variant of compotier ‘dessert dish ’.

comportment

com ¦port |ment |kəmˈpɔːtm (ə )nt | ▶noun [ mass noun ] behaviour; bearing: he displayed precisely the comportment expected of the rightful king. ORIGIN late 16th cent.: from French comportement, from the verb comporter, from Latin comportare (see comport 1 ).

compose

com |pose |kəmˈpəʊz | ▶verb [ with obj. ] 1 write or create (a work of art, especially music or poetry ): he composed the First Violin Sonata four years earlier. • phrase (a letter or piece of writing ) with great care and thought: the first sentence is so hard to compose. • form (a whole ) by ordering or arranging the parts, especially in an artistic way: compose and draw a still life. 2 (of elements ) constitute or make up (a whole, or a specified part of it ): the National Congress is composed of ten senators | Christians compose 40 per cent of the state's population. 3 calm or settle (oneself or one's features or thoughts ): she tried to compose herself . • archaic settle (a dispute ): the king, with some difficulty, composed this difference. 4 prepare (a text ) for printing by manually, mechanically, or electronically setting up the letters and other characters in the order to be printed. ORIGIN late Middle English (in the general sense ‘put together, construct ’): from Old French composer, from Latin componere (see component ), but influenced by Latin compositus ‘composed ’ and Old French poser ‘to place ’. usage: For an explanation of the differences between compose and comprise, see usage at comprise .

composed

composer

com |poser |kəmˈpəʊzə | ▶noun a person who writes music, especially as a professional occupation.

composite

composite |ˈkɒmpəzɪt | ▶adjective 1 made up of several parts or elements: this soup is one of those composite dishes which you gradually build up. • (of a constructional material ) made up of recognizable constituents: modern composite materials. • (of a railway carriage ) having compartments of more than one class or function. • Mathematics (of an integer ) being the product of two or more factors greater than unity; not prime. 2 ( Composite ) relating to or denoting a classical order of architecture consisting of elements of the Ionic and Corinthian orders. 3 |usu. ˈkɒmpəzʌɪt |Botany relating to or denoting plants of the daisy family (Compositae ). ▶noun 1 a thing made up of several parts or elements: the English legal system is a composite of legislation and judicial precedent. • a composite constructional material. • |ˈkɒmpəzʌɪt |a motion for debate composed of two or more related resolutions. 2 |usu. ˈkɒmpəzʌɪt |Botany a plant of the daisy family (Compositae ). 3 ( Composite ) [ mass noun ] the Composite order of architecture. ▶verb [ with obj. ] (usu. as noun compositing ) combine (two or more images ) to make a single picture: photographic compositing by computer. DERIVATIVES compositely adverb, compositeness noun ORIGIN late Middle English (describing a number having more than one digit ): via French from Latin compositus, past participle of componere ‘put together ’.

composite photograph

com pos ite pho to graph ▶noun a photograph made by overlapping or juxtaposing two or more separate images.

composition

com |pos ¦ition |kɒmpəˈzɪʃ (ə )n | ▶noun 1 [ mass noun ] the nature of something's ingredients or constituents; the way in which a whole or mixture is made up: the social composition of villages. • the action of putting things together; formation or construction: the composition of a new government was announced in November. • [ count noun ] a thing composed of various elements: a theory is a composition of interrelated facts. • archaic mental constitution; character: persons who have a touch of madness in their composition. • [ often as modifier ] a compound artificial substance or material: composition tiles. • Mathematics the successive application of functions to a variable, the value of the first function being the argument of the second, and so on: composition of functions, when defined, is associative. • Physics the process of finding the resultant of a number of forces. 2 a creative work, especially a poem or piece of music: Chopin's most romantic compositions. • [ mass noun ] the action or art of producing a creative work such as a poem or piece of music: the technical aspects of composition. • an essay, especially one written by a school or college student. • the artistic arrangement of the parts of a picture: none of the other photographs shared this particular composition. 3 [ mass noun ] the preparation of text for printing by setting up characters or by establishing its style and appearance electronically. 4 a legal agreement to pay a sum in lieu of a larger debt or other obligation: he had been released by deed on making a composition with the creditors. • a sum paid in lieu of a larger debt. DERIVATIVES compositional adjective, compositionally adverb ORIGIN late Middle English: via Old French from Latin compositio (n- ), from componere ‘put together ’.

compositor

compositor |kəmˈpɒzɪtə | ▶noun Printing a person who arranges type for printing or keys text into a composing machine. ORIGIN late Middle English (originally Scots, denoting an umpire or arbiter ): from Anglo-Norman French compositour, from Latin compositor, from composit- ‘put together ’, from the verb componere (see composition ).

compos mentis

compos mentis |ˌkɒmpɒs ˈmɛntɪs | ▶adjective [ predic. ] having full control of one's mind: are you sure he was totally compos mentis? ORIGIN early 17th cent.: Latin.

compossible

com |pos ¦sible |kəmˈpɒsɪb (ə )l | ▶adjective rare (of one thing ) compatible or possible in conjunction with another. ORIGIN mid 17th cent.: from Old French, from medieval Latin compossibilis, from com- ‘together with ’ + possibilis (see possible ).

compost

com |post |ˈkɒmpɒst | ▶noun [ mass noun ] decayed organic material used as a fertilizer for growing plants. • a mixture of compost or similar material with loam soil used as a growing medium. ▶verb [ with obj. ] make (vegetable matter or manure ) into compost. • treat (soil ) with compost. DERIVATIVES compostable adjective, composter noun ORIGIN late Middle English: from Old French composte, from Latin composita, compositum ‘something put together ’, feminine and neuter past participle of componere.

compost heap

compost heap (N. Amer. also compost pile ) ▶noun a pile of garden and organic kitchen refuse which decomposes to produce compost.

composure

com |pos ¦ure |kəmˈpəʊʒə | ▶noun [ mass noun ] the state or feeling of being calm and in control of oneself: she was struggling to regain her composure. ORIGIN late 16th cent. (in the sense ‘composing, composition ’): from compose + -ure .

compote

compote |ˈkɒmpəʊt, -ɒt | ▶noun 1 [ mass noun ] fruit preserved or cooked in syrup. 2 a bowl-shaped dessert dish with a stem. ORIGIN late 17th cent.: from French, from Old French composte ‘mixture ’ (see compost ).

compound

compound 1 ▶noun |ˈkɒmpaʊnd |a thing that is composed of two or more separate elements; a mixture: the air smelled like a compound of diesel and petrol fumes. • (also chemical compound ) a substance formed from two or more elements chemically united in fixed proportions: a compound of hydrogen and oxygen | lead compounds. • a word made up of two or more existing words. ▶adjective |ˈkɒmpəʊnd |made up or consisting of several parts or elements: a compound noun. • (of interest ) payable on both capital and the accumulated interest: compound interest. Compare with simple. • Biology (especially of a leaf, flower, or eye ) consisting of two or more simple parts or individuals in combination. ▶verb |kəmˈpaʊnd | [ with obj. ] 1 make up (a composite whole ); constitute: a dialect compounded of Spanish and Dutch. • mix or combine (ingredients or constituents ): the groundnuts were compounded into cattle food. • reckon (interest ) on previously accumulated interest: the yield at which the interest is compounded. 2 make (something bad ) worse; intensify the negative aspects of: prisoners' lack of contact with the outside world compounds their problems. 3 Law forbear from prosecuting (a felony ) in exchange for money or other consideration. • settle (a debt or other matter ) in exchange for money or other consideration: he compounded the case with the defendant for a cash payment. DERIVATIVES compoundable |kəmˈpaʊndəb (ə )l |adjective ORIGIN late Middle English compoune (verb ), from Old French compoun-, present tense stem of compondre, from Latin componere ‘put together ’. The final -d was added in the 16th cent. on the pattern of expound and propound. Sense 2 of the verb arose through a misinterpretation of the legal phrase compound a felony, which means ‘refrain from prosecuting a felony in exchange for money or other consideration ’. This led to the use of compound in legal contexts to mean ‘make something bad worse ’, which then became accepted in general usage.

compound

compound 2 |ˈkɒmpaʊnd | ▶noun an open area enclosed by a fence, for example around a factory or large house or within a prison. • S. African an area containing single-sex living quarters for migrant workers, especially miners. • another term for pound 3. ORIGIN late 17th cent. (referring to such an area in SE Asia ): from Portuguese campon or Dutch kampoeng, from Malay kampong ‘enclosure, hamlet ’; compare with kampong .

compound-complex sentence

com pound-com plex sen tence ▶noun a sentence having two or more coordinate independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses.

compounder

com |pound ¦er |kəmˈpaʊndə | ▶noun a person who mixes or combines ingredients in order to produce an animal feed, medicine, or other substance.

compound eye

com |pound eye ▶noun an eye consisting of an array of numerous small visual units, as found in insects and crustaceans. Contrasted with simple eye.

compound fraction

com pound frac tion ▶noun a fraction in which either the numerator or the denominator, or both, contain one or more fractions. Also called complex fraction.

compound fracture

com |pound frac |ture ▶noun an injury in which a broken bone pierces the skin, causing a risk of infection.

compound interval

com |pound inter |val ▶noun Music an interval greater than an octave.

compound leaf

com |pound leaf ▶noun a leaf consisting of several or many distinct parts (leaflets ) joined to a single stem.

compound number

com pound num ber ▶noun a quantity expressed in terms of more than one unit or denomination, such as 5 feet 7 inches or 2 pounds 3 ounces.

compound sentence

com |pound sen |tence ▶noun a sentence with more than one subject or predicate.

compound time

com |pound time ▶noun [ mass noun ] Music musical rhythm or metre in which each beat in a bar is subdivided into three smaller units, so having the value of a dotted note. Compare with simple time.

comprador

comprador |ˌkɒmprəˈdɔː |(also compradore ) ▶noun a person who acts as an agent for foreign organizations engaged in investment, trade, or economic or political exploitation. ORIGIN early 17th cent. (denoting a local person employed in a European household in SE Asia or India to make small purchases and keep the household accounts ): from Portuguese, ‘buyer ’, from late Latin comparator, from Latin comparare ‘to purchase ’, from com- ‘with ’ + parare ‘provide ’.

comprehend

comprehend |kɒmprɪˈhɛnd | ▶verb [ with obj. ] 1 [ often with negative ] grasp mentally; understand: he couldn't comprehend her reasons for marrying Lovat | [ with clause ] : I simply couldn't comprehend what had happened. 2 formal include, comprise, or encompass: a divine order comprehending all men. ORIGIN Middle English: from Old French comprehender, or Latin comprehendere, from com- ‘together ’ + prehendere ‘grasp ’.

comprehensible

com |pre ¦hen |sible |kɒmprɪˈhɛnsɪb (ə )l | ▶adjective able to be understood; intelligible: clear and comprehensible English. DERIVATIVES comprehensibility |-ˈbɪlɪti |noun, comprehensibly adverb ORIGIN late 15th cent.: from French compréhensible or Latin comprehensibilis, from comprehens- ‘seized, comprised ’, from the verb comprehendere (see comprehend ).

comprehension

com |pre ¦hen |sion |kɒmprɪˈhɛnʃ (ə )n | ▶noun [ mass noun ] 1 the ability to understand something: some won't have the least comprehension of what I'm trying to do | the comprehension of spoken language. • Brit. the setting of questions on a set text to test understanding, as a school exercise. 2 archaic inclusion. • historical the inclusion of Nonconformists within the Established Church of England (as proposed in the 17th to 19th centuries but not adopted ). ORIGIN late Middle English: from French compréhension or Latin comprehensio (n- ), from the verb comprehendere ‘seize, comprise ’ (see comprehend ).

comprehensive

com |pre ¦hen |sive |kɒmprɪˈhɛnsɪv | ▶adjective 1 including or dealing with all or nearly all elements or aspects of something: a comprehensive list of sources. • of large content or scope; wide-ranging: a comprehensive collection of photographs. • (of a victory or defeat ) achieved or suffered by a large margin: a comprehensive victory for Swansea. • (of motor-vehicle insurance ) providing cover for most risks, including damage to the policyholder's own vehicle. 2 Brit. relating to or denoting a system of secondary education in which children of all abilities from a particular area are educated in one school: a comprehensive school. 3 archaic relating to understanding. ▶noun Brit. a comprehensive school. DERIVATIVES comprehensively adverb, comprehensiveness noun ORIGIN early 17th cent.: from French compréhensif, -ive, from late Latin comprehensivus, from the verb comprehendere ‘grasp mentally ’.

compresence

com |pres ¦ence |kɒmˈprɛz (ə )ns | ▶noun [ mass noun ] chiefly Philosophy the simultaneous presence together of properties or experienced qualities. DERIVATIVES compresent adjective

compress

com |press ▶verb |kəmˈprɛs | [ with obj. ] flatten by pressure; squeeze or press: the skirt can be folded and compressed into a relatively small bag | (as adj. compressed ) : compressed gas. • [ no obj. ] be squeezed or pressed together or into a smaller space: her face compressed into a frown. • (as adj. compressed ) chiefly Biology having a narrow shape as if flattened, especially sideways: most sea snakes have a compressed tail. • squeeze or press (two things ) together: Viola compressed her lips together grimly. • express in a shorter form; abridge: in this chapter we compress into summary form the main findings. • reduce the dynamic range of (a sound signal ). • Computing alter the form of (data ) to reduce the amount of storage necessary. ▶noun |ˈkɒmprɛs |a pad of lint or other absorbent material pressed on to part of the body to relieve inflammation or stop bleeding: a cold compress. DERIVATIVES compressibility |-ˈbɪlɪti |noun, compressible |kəmˈprɛsɪb (ə )l |adjective, compressive |kəmˈprɛsɪv |adjective ORIGIN late Middle English: from Old French compresser or late Latin compressare, frequentative of Latin comprimere, from com- ‘together ’ + premere ‘to press ’; or directly from compress- ‘pressed together ’, from the verb comprimere.

compressed air

com |pressed air ▶noun [ mass noun ] air that is at more than atmospheric pressure.

compression

com |pres ¦sion |kəmˈprɛʃ (ə )n | ▶noun [ mass noun ] the action of compressing or being compressed. • the reduction in volume (causing an increase in pressure ) of the fuel mixture in an internal-combustion engine before ignition. DERIVATIVES compressional adjective ORIGIN late Middle English: via Old French from Latin compressio (n- ), from comprimere ‘press together ’ (see compress ).

compression joint

com |pres ¦sion joint ▶noun a joint between two pipes made by tightening a threaded nut on to a metal ring, the compression thus caused creating the seal.

compression ratio

com |pres ¦sion ratio ▶noun the ratio of the maximum to minimum volume in the cylinder of an internal-combustion engine.

compressive strength

com ¦pres |sive strength ▶noun the resistance of a material to breaking under compression. Compare with tensile strength.

compressor

com |pres ¦sor |kəmˈprɛsə | ▶noun an instrument or device for compressing something. • a machine used to supply air or other gas at increased pressure, e.g. to power a gas turbine. • an electrical device which reduces the dynamic range of a sound signal.

comprise

com |prise |kəmˈprʌɪz | ▶verb [ with obj. ] consist of; be made up of: the country comprises twenty states. • make up or constitute (a whole ): this single breed comprises 50 per cent of the Swiss cattle population | (be comprised of ) : documents are comprised of words. ORIGIN late Middle English: from French, ‘comprised ’, feminine past participle of comprendre, from Old French comprehender (see comprehend ). usage: 1 Comprise primarily means ‘consist of ’, as in the country comprises twenty states. It can also mean ‘constitute or make up a whole ’, as in this single breed comprises 50 per cent of the Swiss cattle population. When this sense is used in the passive (as in the country is comprised of twenty states ), it is more or less synonymous with the first sense ( the country comprises twenty states ). This usage is part of standard English, but the construction comprise of, as in the property comprises of bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen, is regarded as incorrect. 2 On the differences between comprise and include, see usage at include .

compromise

com |prom |ise |ˈkɒmprəmʌɪz | ▶noun 1 an agreement or settlement of a dispute that is reached by each side making concessions: eventually they reached a compromise | [ mass noun ] : the secret of a happy marriage is compromise. • an intermediate state between conflicting alternatives reached by mutual concession: a compromise between the freedom of the individual and the need to ensure orderly government. 2 [ mass noun ] the expedient acceptance of standards that are lower than is desirable: sexism should be tackled without compromise. ▶verb [ no obj. ] 1 settle a dispute by mutual concession: in the end we compromised and deferred the issue. 2 expediently accept standards that are lower than is desirable: we were not prepared to compromise on safety. • [ with obj. ] weaken or harm by accepting standards that are lower than is desirable: he won't accept any decisions which compromise his principles. • [ with obj. ] bring into disrepute or danger by indiscreet, foolish, or reckless behaviour: situations in which his troops could be compromised. DERIVATIVES compromiser noun ORIGIN late Middle English (denoting mutual consent to arbitration ): from Old French compromis, from late Latin compromissum ‘a consent to arbitration ’, neuter past participle of compromittere, from com- ‘together ’ + promittere (see promise ).

compromising

com |prom |is ¦ing |ˈkɒmprəmʌɪzɪŋ | ▶adjective (of information or a situation ) revealing an embarrassing or incriminating secret about someone.

compte rendu

compte rendu |ˌkɔ̃t rɑ̃ˈdjuː, French kɔ̃t ʀɑ̃dy | ▶noun ( pl. comptes rendus pronunc. same ) a formal report or review. • ( Comptes Rendus ) the published proceedings of a French academy. ORIGIN early 19th cent.: French, literally ‘account rendered ’.

Compton

Comp ton |ˈkämptən ˈkɑmptn | an industrial city in southwestern California, just south of Los Angeles; pop. 93,851 (est. 2008 ).

Compton, Arthur Holly

Comp |ton |ˈkɒmpt (ə )n | (1892 –1962 ), American physicist. He observed the Compton effect and thus demonstrated the dual particle and wave properties of electromagnetic radiation and matter, as predicted by quantum theory. Nobel Prize for Physics (1927 ).

Compton, Denis

Comp |ton |ˈkɒmpt (ə )n | (1918 –97 ), English cricketer and footballer; full name Denis Charles Scott Compton. He played cricket for Middlesex and England, and football for Arsenal and England.

Compton-Burnett, Dame Ivy

Compton effect

Comp |ton ef ¦fect ▶noun Physics an increase in wavelength of X-rays or gamma rays that occurs when they are scattered. ORIGIN early 20th cent.: named after A. H. Compton (see Compton, Arthur Holly ).

comptroller

comptroller |kənˈtrəʊlə, kɒmp -| ▶noun a controller (used in the title of some financial officers ). ORIGIN late 15th cent.: variant of controller, by erroneous association with French compte ‘calculation ’ or its source, late Latin computus.

compulsion

com |pul ¦sion |kəmˈpʌlʃ (ə )n | ▶noun 1 [ mass noun ] the action or state of forcing or being forced to do something; constraint: the payment was made under compulsion . 2 an irresistible urge to behave in a certain way: he felt a compulsion to babble on about what had happened. ORIGIN late Middle English: via Old French from late Latin compulsio (n- ), from compellere ‘to drive, force ’ (see compel ).

compulsive

com |pul ¦sive |kəmˈpʌlsɪv | ▶adjective 1 resulting from or relating to an irresistible urge: compulsive eating. • (of a person ) acting as a result of an irresistible urge: a compulsive liar. 2 irresistibly interesting or exciting; compelling: this play is compulsive viewing. DERIVATIVES compulsively adverb, compulsiveness noun ORIGIN late 16th cent. (in the sense ‘compulsory ’): from medieval Latin compulsivus, from compuls- ‘driven, forced ’, from the verb compellere (see compel ). Sense 1 (originally a term in psychology ) dates from the early 20th cent.

compulsory

com |pul ¦sory |kəmˈpʌls (ə )ri | ▶adjective required by law or a rule; obligatory: compulsory military service | it was compulsory to attend mass. • involving or exercising compulsion; coercive: the abuse of compulsory powers. DERIVATIVES compulsorily adverb, compulsoriness noun ORIGIN early 16th cent. (as a noun denoting a legal mandate which had to be obeyed ): from medieval Latin compulsorius, from compuls- ‘driven, forced ’, from the verb compellere (see compel ).

compulsory purchase

compunction

com |punc ¦tion |kəmˈpʌŋkʃ (ə )n | ▶noun [ mass noun ] [ usu. with negative ] a feeling of guilt or moral scruple that prevents or follows the doing of something bad: they used their tanks without compunction . DERIVATIVES compunctious |-ʃəs |adjective, compunctiously |-ʃəsli |adverb ORIGIN Middle English: from Old French componction, from ecclesiastical Latin compunctio (n- ), from Latin compungere ‘prick sharply ’, from com- (expressing intensive force ) + pungere ‘to prick ’.

compurgation

compurgation |ˌkɒmpəːˈgeɪʃ (ə )n | ▶noun [ mass noun ] Law, historical acquittal from a charge or accusation obtained by statements of innocence given by witnesses under oath. ORIGIN mid 17th cent.: from medieval Latin compurgatio (n- ), from Latin compurgare, from com- (expressing intensive force ) + purgare ‘purify ’ (from purus ‘pure ’).

compurgator

compurgator |ˈkɒmpəːgeɪtə | ▶noun Law, historical a sworn witness to the innocence or good character of an accused person. ORIGIN mid 16th cent.: medieval Latin, from Latin com- ‘together with ’ + purgator, from purgare ‘purify ’ (see compurgation ).

computation

com |pu |ta ¦tion |kɒmpjʊˈteɪʃ (ə )n | ▶noun 1 [ mass noun ] the action of mathematical calculation: methods of computation | [ count noun ] : statistical computations. 2 the use of computers, especially as a subject of research or study. ORIGIN late Middle English: from Latin computatio (n- ), from the verb computare (see compute ).

computational

com |pu |ta |tion ¦al |kɒmpjuˈteɪʃənl | ▶adjective 1 using or relating to computers: the computational analysis of English. 2 relating to the process of mathematical calculation: the exam only really tested computational ability. DERIVATIVES computationally adverb

computational linguistics

com |pu |ta |tion ¦al lin |guis ¦tics ▶plural noun [ treated as sing. ] the branch of linguistics in which the techniques of computer science are applied to the analysis and synthesis of language and speech.

compute

com |pute |kəmˈpjuːt | ▶verb [ with obj. ] reckon or calculate (a figure or amount ): the hire charge is computed on a daily basis. • [ no obj., with negative ] informal seem reasonable; make sense: the idea of a woman alone in a pub did not compute. [from the phrase does not compute, once used as an error message in computing. ] DERIVATIVES computability |-təˈbɪlɪti |noun, computable |-ˈpjuːtəb (ə )l, ˈkɒm - |adjective ORIGIN early 17th cent.: from French computer or Latin computare, from com- ‘together ’ + putare ‘to settle (an account )’.

computer

com |puter |kəmˈpjuːtə | ▶noun an electronic device which is capable of receiving information (data ) in a particular form and of performing a sequence of operations in accordance with a predetermined but variable set of procedural instructions (program ) to produce a result in the form of information or signals. • a person who makes calculations, especially with a calculating machine.

computer animation

com |puter ani |ma ¦tion ▶noun see animation.

computerate

computerate |kəmˈpjuːtərət | ▶adjective informal another term for computer-literate.

computer conferencing

com |puter con |fer |en ¦cing ▶noun [ mass noun ] the use of computer and telecommunications technology to hold discussions between people operating computers in separate locations.

computer dating

com |puter dat ¦ing ▶noun [ mass noun ] the use of computer databases to identify potentially compatible partners for people.

computerese

com put er ese |kəmˌpyo͞otəˈrēz, -ˈrēs kəmˌpjutəˈriz | ▶noun chiefly derogatory the jargon associated with computers. • the symbols and rules of a computer programming language.

computer-friendly

computer-friend ¦ly |kəmˈpjuːtəˌfrɛndli | ▶adjective 1 suitable for use with computers; compatible with computers. 2 (of a person ) well disposed towards computers.

computer game

com |puter game ▶noun a game played using a computer, typically a video game.

computer graphics

com |puter graph |ics ▶plural noun see graphics.

computerist

com put er ist |kəmˈpyo͞otərist kəmˈpjutərɪst | ▶noun a (frequent ) user of computers.

computerize

computerize |kəmˈpjuːtərʌɪz |(also computerise ) ▶verb [ with obj. ] (often as adj. computerized ) convert (a system, device, etc. ) to be operated by computer: the advantages of computerized accounting. • convert (information ) to a form which is stored or processed by computer: a computerized register of dogs. DERIVATIVES computerization |-ˈzeɪʃ (ə )n |noun

computerized axial tomography

com pu ter ized ax i al to mog ra phy (abbr.: CAT ) ▶noun a form of tomography in which a computer controls the motion of the X-ray source and detectors, processes the data, and produces the image.

computer-literate

computer-literate ▶adjective (of a person ) having sufficient knowledge and skill to be able to use computers; familiar with the operation of computers. DERIVATIVES computer literacy noun

computer programmer

com |puter pro ¦gram |mer ▶noun a person who writes computer programs.

computer science

com |puter sci |ence ▶noun [ mass noun ] the study of the principles and use of computers.

computer virus

com |puter virus ▶noun see virus.

computing

com |put ¦ing |kəmˈpjuːtɪŋ | ▶noun [ mass noun ] the use or operation of computers: developments in mathematics and computing | [ as modifier ] : computing facilities.

American Oxford Thesaurus

compact

compact 1 adjective 1 a compact rug: dense, close-packed, tightly packed; thick, tight, firm. ANTONYMS loose. 2 a compact camera: small, little, petite, miniature, mini, small-scale; informal teeny, teeny-weeny; little-bitty, itty-bitty; Scottish wee. ANTONYMS large. 3 her overview is compact: concise, succinct, condensed, brief, pithy; short and sweet; informal snappy; formal compendious. ANTONYMS rambling. ▶verb the snow has been compacted: compress, condense, pack down, press down, tamp (down ), flatten; informal smoosh.

compact

compact 2 noun the warring states signed a compact: treaty, pact, accord, agreement, contract, bargain, deal, settlement, covenant, concordat; pledge, promise, bond.

companion

companion noun 1 Harry and his companion: associate, partner, escort, compatriot, confederate; friend, intimate, confidant, confidante, comrade; informal pal, chum, crony, sidekick, mate, buddy, amigo, compadre. 2 a lady's companion: attendant, aide, helper, assistant, valet, equerry, lady-in-waiting; chaperone; minder. 3 the tape is a companion to the book: complement, counterpart, twin, match; accompaniment, supplement, addition, adjunct, accessory. 4 The Gardener's Companion: handbook, manual, guide, reference book, ABC, primer, vade mecum; informal bible.

companionable

companionable adjective the cocker spaniel is a companionable breed: friendly, affable, cordial, genial, congenial, amiable, easygoing, good-natured, comradely; sociable, convivial, outgoing, gregarious; informal chummy, buddy-buddy.

companionship

companionship noun the volunteers do various errands for our elderly clients and provide some much-appreciated companionship: friendship, fellowship, closeness, togetherness, amity, intimacy, rapport, camaraderie, brotherhood, sisterhood; company, society, social contact.

company

company noun 1 an oil company: firm, business, corporation, establishment, agency, office, bureau, institution, organization, concern, enterprise; conglomerate, consortium, syndicate, multinational; informal outfit. 2 I enjoy his company: companionship, friendship, fellowship, amity, camaraderie; society, association. 3 I'm expecting company: guests, house guests, visitors, callers, people; someone. 4 a company of poets: group, crowd, party, band, assembly, cluster, flock, herd, troupe, throng, congregation; informal bunch, gang. 5 a company of infantry: unit, section, detachment, troop, corps, squad, squadron, platoon, battalion, division. WORD LINKS corporate relating to a company Word Links sections supply words that are related to the headword but do not normally appear in a thesaurus because they are not actual synonyms.

comparable

comparable adjective 1 comparable incomes: similar, close, near, approximate, akin, equivalent, commensurate, proportional, proportionate; like, matching, homologous. 2 nobody is comparable with him: equal to, as good as, in the same league as, able to hold a candle to, on a par with, on a level with; a match for.

comparative

comparative adjective they left the city for the comparative quiet of the country: relative, in /by comparison.

compare

compare verb 1 we compared the data sets: contrast, juxtapose, collate, differentiate. 2 he was compared to Wagner: liken to, equate to, analogize to; class with, set side by side with. 3 the porcelain compares with Dresden's fine china: be as good as, be comparable to, bear comparison with, be the equal of, match up to, be on a par with, be in the same league as, come close to, hold a candle to, be not unlike; match, resemble, emulate, rival, approach. PHRASES beyond compare their peach cobbler is beyond compare: without equal, second to none, in a class of one's own; peerless, matchless, unmatched, incomparable, inimitable, supreme, outstanding, consummate, unique, singular, perfect. EASILY CONFUSED WORDS See contrast . These notes clear up confusion between similar-looking pairs.

comparison

comparison noun 1 a comparison of the results: juxtaposition, collation, differentiation. 2 there's no comparison between them: resemblance, likeness, similarity, correspondence, correlation, parallel, parity, comparability.

compartment

compartment noun 1 a secret compartment: section, part, bay, recess, chamber, cavity; pocket. 2 they put science and religion in separate compartments: domain, field, sphere, department; category, pigeonhole, bracket, group, set.

compartmentalize

compartmentalize verb we need to compartmentalize the issues we're working on: categorize, pigeonhole, group, classify, characterize, stereotype, label, brand; sort, rank, rate.

compass

compass noun faith cannot be defined within the compass of human thought: scope, range, extent, reach, span, breadth, ambit, limits, parameters, bounds. CHOOSE THE RIGHT WORD See range . These notes show fine distinctions in meaning between closely related synonyms to help you find the best word.

compassion

compassion noun have you no compassion for a fellow human being? pity, sympathy, empathy, fellow feeling, care, concern, solicitude, sensitivity, warmth, love, tenderness, mercy, leniency, tolerance, kindness, humanity, charity. ANTONYMS indifference, cruelty.

compassionate

compassionate adjective a compassionate concern for the victims: sympathetic, empathetic, understanding, caring, solicitous, sensitive, warm, loving; merciful, lenient, tolerant, considerate, kind, humane, charitable, big-hearted.

compatibility

compatibility noun they argue a lot, but they also enjoy a real compatibility: like-mindedness, similarity, affinity, closeness, fellow feeling, harmony, rapport, empathy, sympathy.

compatible

compatible adjective 1 they were never compatible: well suited, suited, well matched, like-minded, in tune, in harmony; reconcilable. 2 her bruising is compatible with a fall: consistent, congruous, congruent; in keeping.

compatriot

compatriot noun Sampras defeated his compatriot Agassi in the final: fellow countryman, fellow countrywoman, countryman, countrywoman, fellow citizen.

compel

compel verb 1 he compelled them to leave their land: force, pressure, press, push, urge; dragoon, browbeat, bully, intimidate, strong-arm; oblige, require, make; informal lean on, put the screws on. 2 they can compel compliance: exact, extort, demand, insist on, force, necessitate. CHOOSE THE RIGHT WORD compel, coerce, constrain, force, necessitate, oblige A parent faced with a rebellious teenager may try to compel him to do his homework by threatening to take away his allowance. Compel commonly implies the exercise of authority, the exertion of great effort, or the impossibility of doing anything else (compelled to graduate from high school by her eagerness to leave home ). It typically requires a personal object, although it is possible to compel a reaction or response (she compels admiration ). Force is a little stronger, suggesting the exertion of power, energy, or physical strength to accomplish something or to subdue resistance (his mother forced him to confess that he'd broken the basement window ). Coerce can imply the use of force, but often stops short of using it (she was coerced into obedience by the threat of losing her telephone privileges ). Constrain means compel, but by means of restriction, confinement, or limitation (constrained from dating by his parents' strictness ). Necessitate and oblige make an action necessary by imposing certain conditions that demand a response (Her mother's illness obliged her to be more cooperative; it also necessitated giving up her social life ).These notes show fine distinctions in meaning between closely related synonyms to help you find the best word.

compelling

compelling adjective 1 a compelling performance: enthralling, captivating, gripping, riveting, spellbinding, mesmerizing, absorbing, irresistible. ANTONYMS boring. 2 a compelling argument: convincing, persuasive, cogent, irresistible, powerful, strong, weighty, plausible, credible, sound, valid, telling, conclusive, irrefutable, unanswerable. ANTONYMS weak.

compendious

compendious adjective formal a compendious essay on Italian music: succinct, pithy, short and to the point, concise, compact, condensed, compressed, abridged, summarized, synoptic, capsule; informal snappy. ANTONYMS expanded.

compendium

compendium noun a compendium of Civil War narratives: collection, compilation, anthology, treasury, digest; summary, synopsis, précis, outline.

compensate

compensate verb 1 you must compensate for what you did: make amends, make up, make reparation, recompense, atone, requite, pay; expiate, make good, rectify. 2 we agreed to compensate him for his loss: recompense, repay, pay back, reimburse, remunerate, recoup, requite, indemnify. 3 his flair compensated for his faults: balance (out ), counterbalance, counteract, offset, make up for, cancel out, neutralize, negative.

compensation

compensation noun my client has not received compensation for the legal fees incurred in 1998: recompense, repayment, reimbursement, remuneration, requital, indemnification, indemnity, redress; damages; informal comp.

compete

compete verb 1 they competed in a tennis tournament: take part, participate, play, be a competitor, be involved; enter. 2 they had to compete with other firms: contend with, vie with, battle (with ), wrangle with, jockey with, go head to head with; strive against, pit oneself against; challenge, take on. 3 no one can compete with Elaine: rival, challenge, keep up with, keep pace with, compare with, match, be in the same league as, come near to, come close to, touch; informal hold a candle to.

competence

competence noun 1 my technical competence: capability, ability, competency, proficiency, accomplishment, expertise, adeptness, skill, prowess, mastery, talent; informal savvy, know-how. 2 the competence of the system: adequacy, appropriateness, suitability, fitness; effectiveness; formal efficacy. 3 matters within the competence of the courts: authority, power, control, jurisdiction, ambit, scope.

competent

competent adjective 1 a competent carpenter: capable, able, proficient, adept, adroit, accomplished, complete, skillful, skilled, credentialed, gifted, talented, expert; good, excellent; informal great, mean, wicked, nifty, ace. 2 she spoke competent French: adequate, acceptable, satisfactory, reasonable, fair, decent, not bad, all right, average, tolerable, passable, moderate, middling; informal OK, okay, so-so, ‘comme ci, comme ça ’. ANTONYMS inadequate. 3 the court was not competent to hear the case: fit, suitable, suited, appropriate; qualified, empowered, authorized. ANTONYMS unfit.

competition

competition noun 1 Stephanie won the competition: contest, tournament, match, game, heat, fixture, event. 2 I'm not interested in competition: rivalry, competitiveness, vying; conflict, feuding, fighting; informal keeping up with the Joneses. 3 we must stay ahead of the competition: opposition, other side, field; enemy; challengers, opponents, rivals, adversaries; literary foe.

competitive

competitive adjective 1 a competitive player: ambitious, zealous, keen, pushy, combative, aggressive. ANTONYMS apathetic. 2 a highly competitive industry: ruthless, aggressive, fierce; Darwinian; informal dog-eat-dog, cutthroat. 3 competitive prices: reasonable, moderate; low, inexpensive, cheap, budget, bargain, reduced, discount; rock-bottom, bargain-basement, downmarket. ANTONYMS exorbitant. WORD NOTE Darwinian Given the range of Charles Darwin's accomplishments, the word Darwinian could, in theory, mean all sorts of things: a Darwinian voyage of scientific discovery. But in fact it's come to signify, more narrowly, the struggle for survival and dominance that furthers evolution and enables a particular species to prevail over its competitors. What I like about the word is how it can also be used to describe certain unattractive sorts of human social behavior, also marked by fierce competition and by the ruthless desire for dominance: The atmosphere in the classroom —or at the dinner party —was remarkably Darwinian. — FP Conversational, opinionated, and idiomatic, these Word Notes are an opportunity to see a working writer's perspective on a particular word or usage.

competitor

competitor noun 1 the competitors in the race: contestant, contender, challenger, participant, entrant; runner, player. ANTONYMS spectator. 2 our European competitors: rival, challenger, opponent, adversary; competition, opposition. ANTONYMS ally.

compilation

compilation noun a compilation of their greatest hits: collection, selection, anthology, treasury, compendium, album, corpus; potpourri.

compile

compile verb he compiled a dossier of patients with tropical diseases: assemble, put together, make up, collate, compose, organize, arrange; gather, collect.

complacency

complacency noun the complacency he felt as a math student was abruptly shaken when he took his first calculus exam: smugness, self-satisfaction, self-congratulation, self-regard; gloating, triumph, pride; satisfaction, contentment.

complacent

complacent adjective in this competitive field we can't afford to be complacent: smug, self-satisfied, self-congratulatory, self-regarding, conceited; gloating, triumphant, proud; pleased, satisfied, content, contented.

complain

complain verb his dogs were always roaming until someone finally complained: protest, grumble, whine, bleat, carp, cavil, grouse, make a fuss; object, speak out, criticize, find fault; informal kick up a fuss, raise a stink, bellyache, moan, snivel, beef, bitch, sound off, gripe, kvetch.

complaint

complaint noun 1 they lodged a complaint: protest, objection, grievance, grouse, cavil, quibble, grumble; charge, accusation, criticism; jeremiad; informal beef, gripe, whinge; Law plaint. 2 little cause for complaint: protestation, objection, exception, grievance, grumbling; criticism, fault-finding, condemnation, disapproval, dissatisfaction; informal grousing, bellyaching, nitpicking. 3 a kidney complaint: disorder, disease, infection, affliction, illness, ailment, sickness; condition, problem, upset, trouble. WORD NOTE jeremiad Deriving from the Lamentations of Jeremiah in the Old Testament, the word carries heavy freight, signifying a grievance of biblical proportions, and is grievously overused. — JS Conversational, opinionated, and idiomatic, these Word Notes are an opportunity to see a working writer's perspective on a particular word or usage.

complaisant

complaisant adjective Willa was too timid to be anything but quiet and complaisant: willing, acquiescent, agreeable, amenable, cooperative, accommodating, obliging; biddable, compliant, docile, obedient.

complement

complement noun 1 the perfect complement to the food: accompaniment, companion, addition, supplement, accessory, trimming. 2 a full complement of lifeboats: amount, total, contingent, capacity, allowance, quota. ▶verb this sauce complements the dessert: accompany, go with, round off, set off, suit, harmonize with; enhance, complete. EASILY CONFUSED WORDS complement, compliment; complementary, complimentary Complement and compliment (and the related words complementary and complimentary ) are frequently confused. Although pronounced alike, they have quite different meanings. As a verb, complement means 'to add to something in a way that completes, enhances, or improves it, ' as in The practical work is complemented by tutorials. Compliment means 'admire and praise someone for something, ' as in they complimented Janet on her new necklace. Complementary means 'forming a complement or addition, completing, ' as in I purchased a suit with a complementary shirt and tie. This can be confused with complimentary, for which one sense is 'given freely, as a courtesy': you must pay for the suit, but the shirt and tie are complimentary. These notes clear up confusion between similar-looking pairs.

complementary

complementary adjective decorating in complementary colors and patterns: harmonious, compatible, corresponding, matching, twin; supportive, reciprocal, interdependent. ANTONYMS incompatible. EASILY CONFUSED WORDS See complement . These notes clear up confusion between similar-looking pairs.

complete

complete adjective 1 the complete interview: entire, whole, full, total; uncut, unabridged. 2 their research was complete: finished, ended, concluded, completed, finalized; accomplished, achieved, discharged, settled, done; informal wrapped up, sewn up, polished off. ANTONYMS unfinished. 3 a complete fool: absolute, out-and-out, utter, total, real, downright, thoroughgoing, veritable, prize, perfect, unqualified, unmitigated, sheer, arrant, full-out. ANTONYMS partial. ▶verb 1 he had to complete his training: finish, end, conclude, finalize, wind up; informal wrap up, sew up, polish off. 2 the outfit was completed with a veil: finish off, round off, top off, crown, cap, complement. 3 complete the application form: fill in /out, answer.

completely

completely adverb he'd always been completely honest with her: totally, entirely, wholly, thoroughly, fully, utterly, absolutely, perfectly, unreservedly, unconditionally, quite, altogether, downright; in every way, in every respect, one hundred percent, every inch, to the hilt; informal dead, deadly, to the max.

completion

completion noun the money ran out before the project's completion: realization, accomplishment, achievement, fulfillment, consummation, finalization, resolution; finish, end, conclusion, close, cessation.

complex

complex adjective 1 a complex situation: complicated, involved, intricate, convoluted, elaborate, impenetrable, Gordian; difficult, knotty, tricky, thorny. ANTONYMS simple. 2 a complex structure: compound, composite, multiplex. ▶noun 1 a complex of roads: network, system, nexus, web, tissue; combination, aggregation. 2 informal he had a complex about losing his hair: obsession, fixation, preoccupation; neurosis; informal hang-up, thing, bee in one's bonnet. WORD TOOLKIT See intricate . Word Toolkits illustrate the difference between close synonyms by means of words typically used with them.

complexion

complexion noun 1 a pale complexion: skin, skin color, skin tone; pigmentation. 2 this puts an entirely new complexion on things: perspective, angle, slant, interpretation; appearance, light, look. 3 governments of all complexions: type, kind, sort; nature, character, stamp, ilk, kidney.

complexity

complexity noun an issue of great complexity: complication, problem, difficulty; twist, turn, intricacy.

compliance

compliance noun 1 compliance with international law: obedience to, observance of, adherence to, conformity to, respect for. ANTONYMS violation. 2 he mistook her silence for compliance: acquiescence, agreement, assent, consent, acceptance; docility, complaisance, pliability, meekness, submission. ANTONYMS defiance.

compliant

compliant adjective her compliant husband: acquiescent, amenable, biddable, tractable, complaisant, accommodating, cooperative; obedient, docile, malleable, pliable, submissive, tame, yielding, controllable, unresisting, persuadable, persuasible. ANTONYMS recalcitrant.

complicate

complicate verb involvement with Adam could only complicate her life: make (more ) difficult, make complicated, mix up, confuse, muddle; informal mess up, screw up, snarl up. ANTONYMS simplify.

complicated

complicated adjective the complicated election process: complex, intricate, involved, convoluted, tangled, impenetrable, knotty, tricky, thorny, labyrinthine, tortuous, Gordian; confusing, bewildering, perplexing. ANTONYMS straightforward. WORD SPECTRUM: complicated / simple

complicated complex impenetrable serpentine involute involuted intricate labyrinthine Byzantine Gordian tortuous convoluted involved elaborate tangled perplexing bewildering baffling puzzling confusing over one's head difficult to understand knotty tricky thorny fiddly dicey delicate sensitive requiring special care possible

feasible

viable doable manageable undemanding uninvolved unexacting straightforward uncomplicated rudimentary basic elementary child's play kids' stuff no sweat a cinch plain sailing as easy as falling off a log as easy as pie as easy as ABC a piece of cake a cakewalk a doddle duck soup a snap a breeze easy-peasy painless trouble-free effortless easy simple

Word Spectrums show shades of meaning between two polar opposites.

complication

complication noun 1 a complication concerning ownership: difficulty, problem, obstacle, hurdle, stumbling block; drawback, snag, catch, hitch; informal fly in the ointment, headache. 2 the complication of life in our society: complexity, complicatedness, intricacy, convolutedness.

complicity

complicity noun they've been accused of complicity in the destruction of damning evidence: collusion, involvement, collaboration, connivance; conspiracy; informal being in cahoots.

compliment

compliment noun 1 an unexpected compliment | he enjoyed the compliments: flattering remark, tribute, accolade, commendation, bouquet, pat on the back; (compliments ) praise, acclaim, admiration, flattery, blandishments, honeyed words. ANTONYMS insult. 2 (compliments ) my compliments on your cooking: congratulations, commendations, praise; informal props, kudos. 3 (compliments ) Margaret sends her compliments: greetings, regards, respects, good wishes, best wishes, salutations, felicitations. ▶verb they complimented his performance: praise, pay tribute to, speak highly /well of, flatter, wax lyrical about, make much of, commend, acclaim, applaud, salute, honor; congratulate someone on. ANTONYMS criticize. EASILY CONFUSED WORDS See complement . These notes clear up confusion between similar-looking pairs.

complimentary

complimentary adjective 1 complimentary remarks: flattering, appreciative, congratulatory, admiring, approving, commendatory, favorable, glowing, adulatory; informal rave. ANTONYMS derogatory. 2 complimentary tickets: free, free of charge, gratis, for nothing; courtesy; informal on the house. EASILY CONFUSED WORDS See complement . These notes clear up confusion between similar-looking pairs.

comply

comply verb Myra complied with his wishes: abide by, observe, obey, adhere to, conform to, hew to, follow, respect; agree to, assent to, go along with, yield to, submit to, defer to; satisfy, fulfill. ANTONYMS ignore, disobey.

component

component noun the components of electronic devices: part, piece, bit, element, constituent, ingredient, building block; unit, module, section. ▶adjective the molecule's component elements: constituent, integral; basic, essential.

comport

comport verb PHRASES comport oneself formal try to comport yourself with a little dignity: behave, conduct oneself, act, acquit oneself; archaic deport oneself.

compose

compose verb 1 a poem composed by Shelley: write, formulate, devise, make up, think up, produce, invent, concoct; pen, author, draft; score, orchestrate, choreograph. 2 compose a still life: organize, arrange, set out. 3 the subcommittee is composed of ten senators: make up, constitute, form. PHRASES compose oneself you have to compose yourself before you take the stand: calm down, control oneself, regain one's composure, pull oneself together, collect oneself, steady oneself, keep one's head, relax; informal get a grip, take a chill pill, keep one's cool, cool one's jets, decompress.

composed

composed adjective she remained composed throughout the ordeal: calm, collected, cool, cool as a cucumber, 'cool, calm, and collected', self-controlled, self-possessed; serene, tranquil, relaxed, at ease, unruffled, unperturbed, untroubled; equable, even-tempered, imperturbable; informal unflappable, together, laid-back. ANTONYMS excited.

composer

composer noun Berlin was one of the most prolific composers in the history of American music: songwriter, melodist, symphonist, songster, writer; informal tunesmith, songsmith.

composite

composite adjective a composite structure: compound, complex; combined, blended, mixed. ▶noun a composite of plastic and metal: amalgamation, amalgam, combination, compound, fusion, synthesis, mixture, blend; alloy.

composition

composition noun 1 the composition of the council: makeup, constitution, configuration, structure, formation, form, framework, fabric, anatomy, organization; informal setup. 2 a literary composition: work, work of art, creation, opus, oeuvre, piece, arrangement. 3 we all participated in the composition of the school song: writing, creation, formulation, invention, concoction, orchestration. 4 a school composition: essay, paper, study, piece of writing, theme. 5 the composition of the painting: arrangement, disposition, layout; proportions, balance, symmetry. 6 an adhesive composition: mixture, compound, amalgam, blend, mix.

compost

compost noun all of our organic garbage is converted to compost: fertilizer, mulch, manure, bone meal, fish meal, blood meal, guano; humus, peat; plant food, top dressing.

composure

composure noun most people would have lost their composure after such a disappointing defeat: self-control, self-possession, calm, equanimity, equilibrium, serenity, tranquility; aplomb, poise, presence of mind, sangfroid; imperturbability, placidness, impassivity; informal cool.

compound

compound noun 1 a compound of two elements: amalgam, amalgamation, combination, composite, blend, mixture, mix, fusion, synthesis; alloy. 2 they were contained in the compound: enclosure, pound, coop; estate, cloister. ▶adjective a compound substance: composite, complex; blended, fused, combined. ANTONYMS simple. ▶verb 1 soap compounded with disinfectant: mix, combine, blend, amalgamate, fuse, synthesize. 2 his illness compounds their problems: aggravate, exacerbate, worsen, add to, augment, intensify, heighten, increase, magnify; complicate. ANTONYMS alleviate. PHRASES compounded of a smell compounded of dust and mold: composed of, made up of, formed from.

comprehend

comprehend verb 1 Katie couldn't comprehend his message: understand, grasp, take in, see, apprehend, follow, make sense of, fathom, get to the bottom of; unravel, decipher, interpret; informal work out, figure out, make head (s ) or tail (s ) of, get one's head around, get the drift of, catch on to, get. 2 formal a divine order comprehending all men: comprise, include, encompass, embrace, involve, contain. ANTONYMS exclude.

comprehensible

comprehensible adjective the information must be accurate and comprehensible: intelligible, understandable, accessible; lucid, coherent, clear, plain, explicit, unambiguous, straightforward, fathomable. ANTONYMS opaque.

comprehension

comprehension noun matters that seemed beyond her comprehension: understanding, grasp, conception, apprehension, cognition, ken, knowledge, awareness, perception; interpretation. ANTONYMS ignorance.

comprehensive

comprehensive adjective a comprehensive review of our defense policy: inclusive, all-inclusive, complete; thorough, full, extensive, all-embracing, exhaustive, detailed, in-depth, encyclopedic, universal, catholic; far-reaching, radical, sweeping, across the board, wholesale; broad, wide-ranging; informal wall-to-wall. ANTONYMS limited.

compress

compress verb 1 the skirt can be compressed into a small bag: squeeze, press, squash, crush, cram, jam, stuff; tamp, pack, compact; constrict; informal scrunch, smoosh. 2 the text was compressed: abridge, condense, shorten, cut, abbreviate, truncate; summarize, précis. ANTONYMS expand.

comprise

comprise verb 1 the country comprises twenty states: consist of, be made up of, be composed of, contain, encompass, incorporate; include; formal comprehend. 2 informal this breed comprises half the herd: make up, constitute, form, compose; account for. EASILY CONFUSED WORDS See include . These notes clear up confusion between similar-looking pairs.

compromise

compromise noun 1 they reached a compromise: agreement, understanding, settlement, terms, deal, trade-off, bargain; middle ground, happy medium, balance. 2 a happy marriage needs compromise: give and take, concession, cooperation. ANTONYMS intransigence. ▶verb 1 we compromised: meet each other halfway, come to an understanding, make a deal, make concessions, find a happy medium, strike a balance; give and take. 2 his actions could compromise his reputation: undermine, weaken, damage, harm; jeopardize, prejudice; discredit, dishonor, shame, embarrass.

compulsion

compulsion noun 1 he is under no compulsion to go: obligation, constraint, coercion, duress, pressure, intimidation. 2 a compulsion to tell the truth: urge, impulse, need, desire, drive; obsession, fixation, addiction; temptation.

compulsive

compulsive adjective 1 a compulsive desire: irresistible, uncontrollable, compelling, overwhelming, urgent; obsessive. 2 compulsive eating: obsessive, obsessional, addictive, uncontrollable. 3 a compulsive liar: inveterate, chronic, incorrigible, incurable, hardened, hopeless, persistent; obsessive, addicted, habitual; informal pathological. 4 it's compulsive viewing: fascinating, compelling, gripping, riveting, engrossing, enthralling, captivating.

compulsory

compulsory adjective the wearing of seat belts is compulsory: obligatory, mandatory, required, requisite, necessary, essential; imperative, unavoidable, enforced, demanded, prescribed. ANTONYMS optional.

compunction

compunction noun she had no compunction about deceiving them: scruples, misgivings, qualms, worries, unease, uneasiness, doubts, reluctance, reservations; guilt, regret, contrition, self-reproach. CHOOSE THE RIGHT WORD See qualms . These notes show fine distinctions in meaning between closely related synonyms to help you find the best word.

compute

compute verb we compute our expenses at the close of each day: calculate, work out, reckon, determine, evaluate, quantify; add up, count up, tally, total, totalize, tot up.

computer

computer noun your new computers will be able to handle much larger files: personal computer, PC, laptop, desktop, terminal; mainframe.

Oxford Thesaurus

compact (stress on the second syllable)

compact 1 |(stress on the second syllable )| adjective 1 this type of knotting produces extremely compact rugs: dense, packed close, close-packed, tightly packed, pressed together; thick, tight, firm, solid. ANTONYMS loose. 2 the computer is compact enough to fit in your lap: small, little, petite, miniature, mini, small-scale, neat, economic of space; Scottish wee; informal teeny, teeny-weeny, teensy-weensy; Brit. informal dinky; N. Amer. little-bitty. ANTONYMS large. 3 her tale is compact and readable: concise, succinct, condensed, compendious, crisp, terse, brief, pithy, epigrammatic, aphoristic, elliptical; to the point, short and sweet; informal snappy; rare lapidary. ANTONYMS rambling. ▶verb the snow has been compacted by cars: compress, condense, pack down, press down, tamp, tamp down, cram down, ram down, flatten. ANTONYMS loosen.

compact (stress on the first syllable)

compact 2 |(stress on the first syllable )| noun they signed a compact with the United States: treaty, pact, accord, agreement, contract, alliance, bargain, deal, settlement, covenant, indenture, concordat, protocol, entente; arrangement, understanding, pledge, promise, bond; rare engagement.

companion

companion noun 1 Harry and his companion settled down at a table: associate, partner, escort, consort, colleague, workmate, co-worker, compatriot, confederate, ally; friend, intimate, confidant, confidante, comrade; French confrère; informal buddy, pal, chum, crony, cully, spar, sidekick; Brit. informal mate, oppo, china, mucker; NE English informal marrow, marrer, marra; N. Amer. informal amigo, compadre, paisan; N. Amer. & S. African informal homeboy, homegirl; S. African informal gabba; Austral. /NZ informal offsider; archaic compeer; rare consociate. 2 a lady's companion: attendant, aide, helper, assistant, personal assistant, valet, equerry, squire, lady in waiting; chaperone, duenna, protector, protectress; carer, minder; informal sidekick. 3 the CD is intended as a companion to their recent hit: complement, counterpart, fellow, mate, twin, other half, match; accompaniment, supplement, addition, adjunct, appendage, accessory, auxiliary. 4 The Cottage Gardener's Companion: handbook, manual, guide, reference book, instruction book, ABC, primer; Latin vade mecum; informal bible; rare enchiridion.

companionable

companionable adjective he was the most generous and companionable of men: friendly, affable, cordial, genial, congenial, amiable, easy-going, approachable, sympathetic, well disposed, good-natured, neighbourly, hospitable, comradely, easy to get along with; sociable, convivial, outgoing, extrovert, extroverted, gregarious, company-loving, hail-fellow-well-met; informal chummy, pally; Brit. informal matey; N. Amer. informal buddy-buddy, clubby, regular. ANTONYMS unfriendly.

companionship

companionship noun she needed the companionship of like-minded young people: friendship, fellowship, closeness, togetherness, amity, intimacy, rapport, camaraderie, comradeship, solidarity, mutual support, mutual affection, brotherhood, sisterhood; company, society, association, social intercourse, social contact, acquaintance; informal chumminess, palliness, clubbiness; Brit. informal mateyness.

company

company noun 1 he works for the world's biggest oil company: firm, business, corporation, house, establishment, agency, office, bureau, institution, organization, operation, concern, enterprise, venture, undertaking, practice; conglomerate, consortium, syndicate, group, chain, combine, multiple, multinational; informal outfit, set-up. 2 I was greatly looking forward to the pleasure of his company: companionship, presence, friendship, fellowship, closeness, amity, camaraderie, comradeship; society, association. 3 I'm expecting company: guests, a guest, visitors, a visitor, callers, a caller, people, someone; archaic visitants. 4 he disentangled himself from the surrounding company of poets: group, crowd, body, party, band, collection, assembly, assemblage, cluster, flock, herd, horde, troupe, swarm, stream, mob, throng, congregation, gathering, meeting, convention; informal bunch, gang, gaggle, posse, crew, pack; Brit. informal shower. 5 he recognized the company of infantry as French: unit, section, detachment, troop, corps, squad, squadron, platoon, battalion, division. PHRASES keep someone company we had originally gotten him a dog to keep him company while we were away: accompany, go with, go along with, travel with, tag along with, partner, escort, chaperone, attend, follow, conduct, lead, take, show, see, guide, steer, usher, pilot, convoy, help, assist, show someone the way; lead the way; Scottish chum; rare company, bear someone company, companion. WORD LINKS company corporate relating to a company Word Links sections supply words that are related to the headword but do not normally appear in a thesaurus because they are not actual synonyms.

comparable

comparable adjective 1 he had an income comparable to that of a king: similar, close, near, approximate, akin, equivalent, corresponding, commensurate, proportional, proportionate, parallel, analogous, related; like, matching; bordering on, verging on, approaching; informal not a million miles away from; rare commensurable. 2 nobody is comparable with the British hurdler: as good as, equal to, in the same class as, in the same league as, of the same standard as, able to hold a candle to, on a par with, on a level with, on an equal footing with; the equal of, a match for. ANTONYMS incomparable.

comparative

comparative adjective they left the city for the comparative cool of the country: relative, qualified, modified; in /by comparison.

compare

compare verb 1 we compared the data from our present and previous studies: contrast, set side by side, juxtapose, collate, differentiate, weigh up, balance, weigh /balance /measure the differences between. 2 James Dean was constantly being compared to Brando: liken, equate, analogize; draw an analogy between, make an analogy between, mention in the same breath as, class with, bracket with, group with, put together with, set side by side with, regard as the same as, regard as identical to. ANTONYMS contrast with. 3 Chelsea porcelain was said to compare with Dresden's fine china: be (nearly ) as good as, be comparable to, bear comparison with, be the equal of, match up to, be on a par with, be in the same class as, be in the same league as, be on a level with, compete with, come up to, come near to, come close to, hold a candle to, be not unlike, be not dissimilar to, equal roughly; match, resemble, emulate, rival, approach, approximate, touch, nudge; informal be not a million miles from. PHRASES beyond compare he was a hero beyond compare: without equal, without match, without parallel, beyond comparison, second to none, in a class of one's own; peerless, matchless, unmatched, incomparable, inimitable, superlative, supreme, top, outstanding, consummate, unique, singular, rare, perfect; French par excellence.

comparison

comparison noun 1 the table provides a comparison of our performance with last year's results: contrast, juxtaposition, collation, differentiation; weighing up, balancing. 2 there's no comparison between classical music and rap: resemblance, likeness, similarity, similitude, correspondence, correlation, parallel, parity, symmetry, equivalence, comparability, analogy. ANTONYMS difference.

compartment

compartment noun 1 Benjamin examined the casket for a secret compartment: section, part, partition, bay, recess, chamber, cavity, niche, nook, hollow; pocket, pouch, receptacle. 2 they place magic, science, and religion into separate compartments: domain, field, sphere, realm, area, department, sector, section, division, part; category, pigeonhole, bracket, class, group, set.

compartmentalize

compartmentalize verb we need to compartmentalize the issues we're working on: categorize, pigeonhole, sectionalize, bracket, separate, distinguish, group; classify, characterize, stereotype, label, brand, tag, designate, grade, codify, sort, rank, rate.

compass

compass noun faith cannot be defined within the compass of human thought: scope, range, extent, reach, span, breadth, width, orbit, ambit, stretch, limits, confines, parameters, extremities, bounds, boundary; area, field, sphere, zone, domain.

compassion

compassion noun she gazed with compassion at the two dejected figures: pity, sympathy, feeling, fellow feeling, empathy, understanding, care, concern, solicitude, solicitousness, sensitivity, tender-heartedness, soft-heartedness, warm-heartedness, warmth, love, brotherly love, tenderness, gentleness, mercy, mercifulness, leniency, lenience, tolerance, consideration, kindness, humanity, humaneness, kind-heartedness, charity, benevolence. ANTONYMS indifference; heartlessness.

compassionate

compassionate adjective they showed a compassionate concern for the victims: pitying, sympathetic, empathetic, understanding, caring, concerned, solicitous, sensitive, tender-hearted, soft-hearted, warm-hearted, warm, loving, tender, gentle, merciful, lenient, tolerant, considerate, thoughtful, kind, kindly, kind-hearted, humanitarian, humane, charitable, benevolent, good-natured, well disposed, big-hearted. ANTONYMS indifferent; heartless.

compatibility

compatibility noun they felt the bond of true compatibility: like-mindedness, similarity, agreement, affinity, closeness, fellow feeling, harmony, rapport, empathy, sympathy, friendship, camaraderie, togetherness, communion, concord. ANTONYMS incompatibility.

compatible

compatible adjective 1 the two young men were never compatible: well suited, suited, well matched, like-minded, of the same mind, in agreement, in tune, in harmony, reconcilable; archaic accordant. ANTONYMS incompatible. 2 the bruising is compatible with his having had a fall: consistent, reconcilable, consonant, congruous, congruent, fitting; in keeping, in accord, in tune, in step. ANTONYMS inconsistent.

compatriot

compatriot noun Sampras defeated his compatriot Agassi in the final: fellow countryman, fellow countrywoman, countryman, countrywoman, fellow citizen, fellow national.

compel

compel verb 1 the lords compelled the peasants to hand over their harvest: force, coerce into, pressurize into, pressure, impel, drive, press, push, urge, prevail on; dragoon into, browbeat into, bully into, bludgeon into, intimidate into, terrorize into; oblige, require, put under an obligation, leave someone no option but to; make; informal bulldoze, railroad, steamroller, twist someone's arm, strong-arm, lean on, put the screws on; archaic constrain. 2 they can compel compliance by issuing a directive: exact, extort, demand, insist on, enforce, force, necessitate; archaic constrain. CHOOSE THE RIGHT WORD compel, force, coerce, oblige All these words refer to making someone do something that they would not otherwise choose to do. They are often used in the passive, underlining the sense that the person feels deprived of power or choice. All but coerce are used with an infinitive (e.g. compelled to do something ), as in the examples given. ■ Someone who is compelled to do something is subjected to pressure that they feel unable to resist. Often, this pressure is applied by someone in authority and takes the form of the threat of penalties if the person fails to comply (companies are compelled to comply with the regulations | the court had powers to compel witnesses to attend ). Adverse circumstances may also compel someone to do something (he was compelled to retire on grounds of ill health ), or the pressure may be from one's own conscience (I feel compelled to write this letter of complaint ). ■ Force is a more general term for using superior power to make someone do what one wants them to. The superior power may be that of uncontrollable circumstances (the firm has been forced to make nineteen more workers redundant ) or that of someone physically stronger or better equipped (the raider forced him to open the safe ). People may also force themselves to do something, steeling themselves for something necessary but unpleasant (Lucy forced herself to sound calm ). ■ To coerce someone into doing something typically involves force or threats (landlords might try to coerce their tenants into voting for them | they claimed that they had been coerced into making their televised confessions ). Coercion is nearly always applied by another person, not by circumstances or one's own conscience. ■ Typically, if someone is obliged to do something, they are legally or morally bound to do it rather than being forced or pressurized (independent schools are not legally obliged to follow the National Curriculum | Stephen felt obliged to sit next to her ).These notes show fine distinctions in meaning between closely related synonyms to help you find the best word.

compelling

compelling adjective 1 she gave a compelling and intensely dramatic performance: enthralling, captivating, gripping, engrossing, riveting, spellbinding, entrancing, transfixing, mesmerizing, hypnotic, mesmeric, absorbing, fascinating, thrilling, irresistible, addictive; informal unputdownable. ANTONYMS boring. 2 he had no compelling arguments for changing the status quo: convincing, persuasive, cogent, irresistible, forceful, powerful, potent, strong, weighty, plausible, credible, effective, efficacious, sound, valid, reasonable, reasoned, well reasoned, rational, well founded, telling, conclusive, irrefutable, unanswerable, authoritative, influential. ANTONYMS weak.

compendious

compendious adjective a compendious essay on Italian music: succinct, pithy, short and to the point, short and sweet, potted, thumbnail, brief, crisp, compact, concise, condensed, shortened, contracted, compressed, abridged, abbreviated, summarized, summary, abstracted; in a nutshell, in a few well-chosen words; informal snappy; rare lapidary, epigrammatic, synoptic, aphoristic, gnomic. ANTONYMS rambling; expanded.

compendium

compendium noun a compendium of useful information about language: collection, compilation, anthology, treasury, digest; summary, synopsis, precis, résumé, outline, summarization, round-up, summing-up; companion, handbook, manual; Latin vade mecum; rare conspectus, summa, epitome.

compensate

compensate verb 1 you can never compensate for what you did to me: make amends, make up, make restitution, make reparation, make recompense, recompense, atone, requite, pay; expiate, make good, put to rights, rectify, offset, square. 2 terms were agreed to compensate him for his loss: recompense, repay, pay back, reimburse, remunerate, recoup, requite, indemnify; settle up with, settle accounts with. 3 he had sufficient flair to compensate for his faults: balance, balance out, counterbalance, counteract, counterpoise, countervail, make up for, offset, cancel out, neutralize, nullify, even up, square up; rare equilibrize, negative, counterweigh.

compensation

compensation noun they provide adequate compensation for any costs incurred: recompense, repayment, payment, reimbursement, remuneration, requital, indemnification, indemnity, redress, satisfaction; damages, reparations; N. Amer. informal comp; archaic guerdon, meed; rare solatium.

compère

compère noun she was the compère of a recent Channel 4 series: host, presenter, anchorman, anchorwoman, anchorperson, anchor, master of ceremonies, MC, link person, announcer; informal emcee, talking head.

compete

compete verb 1 young footballers are invited to compete in a five-a-side tournament: take part, play, be a contestant, be a competitor, participate, be involved, get involved, engage; enter, go in for; informal throw one's hat in the ring, be in the running. 2 they had to compete with other firms for the contract: contend, vie, fight, battle, clash, tussle, grapple, wrestle, wrangle, jockey, wage war, cross swords, lock horns, go head to head; strive against, struggle against, pit oneself against; challenge, take on, try to beat; informal pitch oneself against. 3 in this sort of form, no one can compete with him: rival, challenge, keep up with, keep pace with, compare with, be the equal of, match up to, match, be on a par with, be in the same class as, be in the same league as, come near to, come close to, touch, approach, approximate, emulate; informal hold a candle to.

competence

competence noun 1 this area of research is beyond my technical competence: capability, ability, competency, capacity, proficiency, accomplishment, adeptness, adroitness, knowledge, expertise, expertness, skill, skilfulness, prowess, mastery, resources, faculties, facilities, talent, bent, aptitude, artistry, virtuosity; informal savvy, know-how. ANTONYMS incompetence. 2 doubts arose over the competence of the system: adequacy, appropriateness, suitability, fitness; effectiveness, efficacy, productiveness; value, worth, merit. ANTONYMS inadequacy. 3 these matters fall within the competence of the church courts: authority, power, control, jurisdiction, ambit, scope, remit.

competent

competent adjective 1 he's an extremely competent carpenter: capable, able, proficient, adept, adroit, accomplished, skilful, skilled, gifted, talented, masterly, virtuoso, expert, knowledgeable, qualified, trained; efficient, good, excellent, brilliant; informal great, mean, wicked, deadly, nifty, crack, ace, wizard, magic; N. Amer. informal crackerjack; vulgar slang shit-hot; archaic or humorous compleat; rare habile. ANTONYMS incompetent. 2 she spoke quite competent French: adequate, acceptable, satisfactory, reasonable, fair, decent, good enough, sufficiently good, not bad, all right, average, tolerable, passable, moderate, middling; up to scratch, up to the mark, up to par; informal OK, okay, so-so, fair-to-middling, up to snuff. ANTONYMS inadequate. 3 the court determined that it was not competent to hear the case: fit, fitted, equipped, suitable, suited, appropriate; qualified, empowered, authorized. ANTONYMS unfit. CHOOSE THE RIGHT WORD competent, capable, efficient, able These words are all used to express approval of people who are good at what they do. ■ Someone described as competent has the necessary skill or knowledge to perform a particular task or fulfil a particular role (a team of competent trainers | he has been pronounced competent to drive ). Alternatively, they may have the general skill and intelligence to cope with any task (he is the most experienced and competent man around ). When applied to people engaged in an artistic activity, competent may convey mere technical proficiency, contrasted with brilliance or genius (she was never more than a competent actress ). ■ Describing someone as capable conveys a sense of confidence that any task entrusted to them will be done reliably and well. The word suggests not only competence but also a practicality and organization which ensure that everything that is necessary will be done (he left the management of their lives largely to his highly capable wife ). It is also used to refer to a specific quality or ability (I've got players here capable of playing for England ). ■ An efficient person does whatever they have to do quickly and well and without wasting any effort (he had a most efficient young secretary | teachers become more efficient at writing objectives the more they practise ). ■ Describing someone as able emphasizes the intellectual capacity or the talent that makes them good at what they do (the department attracts able students from across the country ). Like capable, able can also refer to a more specific capacity (if anything went wrong I wouldn't be able to cope ).These notes show fine distinctions in meaning between closely related synonyms to help you find the best word.

competition

competition noun 1 Stephanie came second in the competition: contest, tournament, match, game, round, heat, fixture, event, meet, encounter; race; bout, fight, prizefight; quiz; trials, stakes. 2 I'm just not interested in competition: rivalry, competitiveness, vying, contesting, opposition, contention, conflict, feuding, battling, fighting, struggling, strife, war; informal keeping up with the Joneses. 3 they upgraded their services to remain ahead of the competition: opposition, opposing side, other side, other team, field, enemy, foe; challengers, opponents, rivals, opposers, adversaries, fellow contenders, fellow competitors; rare corrivals.

competitive

competitive adjective 1 a very competitive player: ambitious, competition-oriented, vying, combative, contentious, aggressive; insistent, driving, pushing, zealous, keen; informal pushy, go-ahead. ANTONYMS apathetic. 2 tourism is a highly sophisticated and competitive industry: ruthless, merciless, aggressive, fierce; informal dog-eat-dog, cut-throat. ANTONYMS gentlemanly. 3 they produce quality merchandise at competitive prices: reasonable, moderate, economical, keen; low, inexpensive, cheap, cheap and cheerful, budget, economy, bargain, sale, cut-rate, cut, reduced, marked down, discounted, discount, rock-bottom; informal bargain-basement. ANTONYMS exorbitant; uncompetitive.

competitor

competitor noun 1 there were more than forty competitors in the race: contestant, contender, challenger, participant, candidate, entrant; runner, racer, player, athlete. 2 we have to be more efficient than our European competitors: rival, challenger, opponent, opposer, adversary, antagonist, combatant, enemy, foe; competition, opposition; rare corrival, vier. ANTONYMS ally.

compilation

compilation noun this is the best compilation of American folk tales: collection, selection, anthology, treasury, compendium, album, corpus, miscellany, pot-pourri; miscellanea; archaic garland; rare ana, collectanea, analects, florilegium, spicilege.

compile

compile verb he compiled a dossier of patients with tropical diseases: assemble, put together, make up, collate, compose, marshal, organize, arrange, sort out, systematize, systemize, anthologize; gather, collect, accumulate, amass.

complacency

complacency noun success brings with it the danger of complacency: smugness, self-satisfaction, self-approval, self-approbation, self-admiration, self-congratulation, self-regard; gloating, triumph, pride; satisfaction, contentment; carelessness, slackness, laxity, laxness, laziness; archaic self-content. ANTONYMS dissatisfaction.

complacent

complacent adjective no one in industry can afford to stand still and be complacent: smug, self-satisfied, pleased with oneself, proud of oneself, self-approving, self-congratulatory, self-admiring, self-regarding; gloating, triumphant, proud; pleased, gratified, satisfied, content, contented; careless, slack, lax, lazy; informal like the cat that got the cream, I'm-all-right-Jack; N. Amer. informal wisenheimer; N. Amer. vulgar slang shit-eating. ANTONYMS dissatisfied; humble. EASILY CONFUSED WORDS complacent or complaisant? See complaisant . These notes clear up confusion between similar-looking pairs.

complain

complain verb the neighbours complained about his singing: protest, grumble, moan, whine, bleat, carp, cavil, lodge a complaint, make a complaint, make a fuss; object to, speak out against, rail at, oppose, lament, bewail; criticize, find fault with, run down, inveigh against; informal whinge, kick up a fuss, kick up a stink, bellyache, beef, grouch, grouse, bitch, sound off, go on about, pick holes in; Brit. informal gripe, grizzle, chunter, create, be on at someone; N. English informal mither; N. Amer. informal kvetch; S. African informal chirp; Brit. dated crib, natter; archaic plain over.

complaint

complaint noun 1 they lodged a complaint with the European Commission: protest, protestation, objection, remonstrance, statement of dissatisfaction, grievance, charge, accusation, criticism; cavil, quibble, grumble, moan, whine; informal beef, gripe, grouse, grouch, whinge; Law, Brit. plaint. 2 there appears to be little cause for complaint: protesting, protestation, objection, exception, grievance, grumbling, carping, whining, moaning, muttering, murmuring; criticism, fault-finding, condemnation, disapproval, dissatisfaction, fulmination, outcry, fuss; informal beefing, bitching, whingeing, griping, grousing, grouching, bellyaching, nitpicking; N. English informal mithering. 3 the patient has a kidney complaint: disorder, disease, infection, affliction, illness, ailment, sickness, malady, malaise, infirmity, indisposition, weakness, condition, problem, upset; trouble; informal bug, virus; Brit. informal lurgy; Austral. informal wog.

complaisant

complaisant adjective he made drunken moves on complaisant chamber maids: willing, assenting, acquiescent, agreeable, amenable, cooperative, accommodating, obliging, biddable, compliant, pliant, deferential, docile, obedient, conformable, tractable. ANTONYMS unwilling. EASILY CONFUSED WORDS complaisant or complacent? Although complaisant and complacent both come from the Latin complacere ‘to please ’, they do not mean the same thing. Complaisant means ‘willing to please ’, and is often used to suggest that someone is too ready to do what someone else wants (it would be impossible in future for the king to prolong the life of a complaisant parliament ). Complacent, the more common word, describes someone who is satisfied and confident, often inappropriately so (we cannot afford to be complacent about what lies ahead | I was too complacent going into the competition ).These notes clear up confusion between similar-looking pairs.

complement

complement noun 1 local ales provide the perfect complement to the food: accompaniment, companion, addition, supplement, accessory, adjunct, trimming, finishing touch, final touch. ANTONYMS contrast. 2 the ship had a full complement of lifeboats: amount, total, aggregate, contingent, company; capacity, allowance, quota. ▶verb this mouth-watering sauce complements the dessert beautifully: accompany, go with, round off, set off, suit, harmonize with, be the perfect companion to, be the perfect addition to, add the finishing touch to, add the final touch to, add to, supplement, augment, enhance, complete. ANTONYMS contrast. EASILY CONFUSED WORDS complement or compliment? Complement and compliment (together with their derivative adjectives complementary and complimentary ) are frequently confused but have quite different meanings. As a verb, complement means ‘add to (something ) in a way that enhances, improves, or completes it ’ (a classic blazer complements a look that's smart or casual ), while compliment means ‘congratulate or praise (someone ) for something ’ (he complimented her on her appearance ). Both are ultimately derived from Latin complere ‘to fill up, fulfil, or complete ’; compliment, however, came into English via Italian complimento meaning ‘a statement that fulfils the requirements of polite behaviour ’.These notes clear up confusion between similar-looking pairs.

complementary

complementary adjective neutral tones allow the widest choice of complementary furnishings and decoration: harmonizing, harmonious, complementing, supportive, supporting, reciprocal, interdependent, interrelated, compatible, corresponding, matching, twin; completing, finishing, perfecting; rare complemental. ANTONYMS incompatible; contrasting.

complete

complete adjective 1 the complete interview will appear in next week's issue: entire, whole, full, total, intact, uncut, unshortened, unabridged, comprehensive. ANTONYMS incomplete. 2 their research was complete: finished, ended, concluded, completed, finalized, accomplished, achieved, fulfilled, discharged, settled, done; informal wrapped up, sewn up, polished off, sorted out; rare effectuated. ANTONYMS unfinished. 3 you're acting like a complete fool: absolute, out-and-out, utter, total, real, outright, downright, thoroughgoing, thorough, positive, proper, veritable, prize, perfect, consummate, unqualified, unmitigated, sheer, rank; inveterate, congenital, dyed-in-the-wool, true blue; in every respect; N. Amer. full-bore; informal deep-dyed; Brit. informal right; Austral. /NZ informal fair; archaic arrant; rare right-down, apodictic. ANTONYMS partial. ▶verb 1 she advised him to complete his architectural training: finish, end, conclude, bring to a conclusion, finalize, wind up, consummate, bring to fruition; crown, cap, set the seal on; informal wrap up, sew up, polish off, sort out. ANTONYMS give up. 2 the outfit was completed with a delicate veil: finish off, round off, top off, make perfect, perfect, crown, cap, complement, add the finishing touch to, add the final touch to. 3 entrants are required to complete an application form: fill in, fill out, fill up, answer. WORD LINKS complete holo- related prefix, as in holocaust, holophytic Word Links sections supply words that are related to the headword but do not normally appear in a thesaurus because they are not actual synonyms.

completely

completely adverb he had always been completely honest with her: totally, entirely, wholly, thoroughly, fully, utterly, absolutely, perfectly, unreservedly, unconditionally, quite, altogether, downright; in every way, in every respect, in all respects, one hundred per cent, every inch, to the hilt, to the core, all the way; informal dead, deadly. ANTONYMS partially.

completion

completion noun the money ran out before the scheme's completion: realization, accomplishment, achievement, fulfilment, execution, consummation, finalization, resolution; finish, ending, conclusion, close, closing, cessation, termination; fruition, success; informal wind-up, winding up, sewing up, polishing off.

complex

complex adjective 1 a complex situation | criminal law is an extremely complex subject: complicated, involved, intricate, convoluted, tangled, elaborate, serpentine, labyrinthine, tortuous, impenetrable, Byzantine, Daedalian, Gordian; difficult, hard, knotty, tricky, thorny, problematical; informal fiddly; rare involute, involuted. ANTONYMS simple, straightforward. 2 a complex structure: compound, composite, compounded, multiplex. ▶noun 1 a complex of mountain roads: network, system, interconnected system /structure /scheme, nexus, web, tissue; combination, composite, synthesis, fusion, aggregation. 2 informal there's no point having a complex about losing your hair: obsession, phobia, fixation, preoccupation; neurosis; French idée fixe; informal hang-up, thing, bee in one's bonnet. WORD TOOLKIT complex See intricate . Word Toolkits illustrate the difference between close synonyms by means of words typically used with them.

complexion

complexion noun 1 an attractive girl with a pale complexion: skin, skin colour, skin colouring, skin tone, skin texture, pigmentation. 2 this puts an entirely new complexion on things: perspective, angle, slant, interpretation; aspect, appearance, light, look, countenance. 3 successive governments of all complexions: type, kind, sort; nature, character, disposition, description, cast, stamp, hue, ilk, kidney, grain, mould.

complexity

complexity noun the complexities of family life | an issue of great complexity: complication, problem, difficulty, twist, turn, convolution, entanglement; intricacy, complicatedness, involvement, convolutedness. ANTONYMS simplicity.

compliance

compliance noun 1 the company's compliance with international law: obedience to, accordance with, observance of, observation of, adherence to, conformity to, respect for; archaic abidance by. ANTONYMS violation, infringement. 2 he had mistaken her lack of interest for compliance: acquiescence, agreement, assent, consent, concession, concurrence, acceptance; complaisance, tractability, malleability, biddableness, pliability, docility, meekness, submissiveness, submission, passivity. ANTONYMS defiance.

compliant

compliant adjective her compliant husband: acquiescent, amenable, biddable, tractable, complaisant, accommodating, cooperative, adaptable; obedient, docile, manageable, malleable, pliable, pliant, flexible, submissive, dutiful, tame, meek, yielding, easily handled, like putty in one's hands, controllable, unresisting, unassertive, passive, governable, persuadable, manipulable; informal, dated milky; rare persuasible. ANTONYMS recalcitrant, bloody-minded. CHOOSE THE RIGHT WORD compliant, obedient, biddable, docile, dutiful See obedient . These notes show fine distinctions in meaning between closely related synonyms to help you find the best word.

complicate

complicate verb involvement with Adam could only complicate her life: make (more ) difficult, make complex, make complicated, mix up; confuse, muddle, entangle, embroil; informal mess up, snarl up, screw up; archaic perplex, embarrass; rare ravel. ANTONYMS simplify.

complicated

complicated adjective the complicated election rules: complex, intricate, involved, convoluted, tangled, elaborate, impenetrable, knotty, tricky, thorny, serpentine, labyrinthine, tortuous, cumbersome, Byzantine, Daedalian, Gordian; confused, confusing, bewildering, baffling, puzzling, perplexing, difficult to understand, above one's head; informal fiddly; rare involute, involuted. ANTONYMS easy, simple, straightforward.

complication

complication noun 1 there is a complication concerning ownership of the site: difficulty, problem, obstacle, hurdle, stumbling block, barrier, impediment; drawback, snag, catch, hitch; informal fly in the ointment, prob, headache, hiccup, facer; Brit. informal spanner in the works; N. Amer. informal monkey wrench in the works. 2 the increasing complication of life in Western society: complexity, complicatedness, difficulty, intricacy, convolution, convolutedness, elaboration; confusion, muddle. ANTONYMS simplicity, straightforwardness.

complicity

complicity noun they were accused of complicity in the attempt to overthrow the government: collusion, involvement, collaboration, connivance, abetment; conspiracy; informal being in cahoots. ANTONYMS ignorance.

compliment

compliment noun 1 she blushed at the unexpected compliment: flattering remark, tribute, accolade, commendation, bouquet, pat on the back, encomium; (compliments ) praise, acclaim, acclamation, plaudits, admiration, approbation, homage, eulogy; flattery, blandishments, blarney, honeyed words; N. Amer. informal, dated trade last; rare laudation, eulogium. ANTONYMS insult; criticism. 2 (compliments ) my compliments on your cooking: congratulations, praise, commendations. 3 (compliments ) Lady Margaret sent her compliments to him: greetings, good wishes, best wishes, regards, respects, salutations, felicitations; archaic remembrances; French archaic devoirs. ▶verb critics fell over themselves to compliment his performance: praise, sing the praises of, heap praise on, pay tribute to, speak highly /well of, flatter, say nice things about, express admiration for, wax lyrical about, make much of, congratulate, commend, acclaim, pat on the back, take one's hat off to, throw bouquets at, applaud, salute, honour, eulogize, extol; N. Amer. informal ballyhoo; black English big someone /something up; dated cry someone /something up, crack someone /something up; archaic emblazon; rare laud, panegyrize, felicitate. ANTONYMS criticize; condemn. EASILY CONFUSED WORDS compliment or complement? See complement . These notes clear up confusion between similar-looking pairs.

complimentary

complimentary adjective 1 complimentary remarks: flattering, appreciative, congratulatory, admiring, approving, commendatory, laudatory, highly favourable, glowing, eulogizing, adulatory; fulsome, honeyed, saccharine, sugary; informal rave; rare panegyrical, acclamatory, encomiastic, laudative. ANTONYMS derogatory, scathing. 2 complimentary tickets: free, free of charge, gratis, for nothing; courtesy; informal on the house; N. Amer. informal comp.

comply

comply verb failure to comply with the regulations can result in a £2000 fine | Myra complied with his wishes: abide by, act in accordance with, observe, obey, adhere to, conform to, follow, respect; agree to, assent to, consent to, concur with /in, fall in with, acquiesce in, go along with, yield to, submit to, bow to, defer to; satisfy, meet, fulfil, measure up to. ANTONYMS ignore, disobey.

component

component noun the components of electronic devices such as televisions and computers: part, piece, bit, constituent, element, ingredient; unit, module, item; section, portion; rare integrant. ▶adjective the water molecule's component elements: constituent, integral; basic, essential, intrinsic; rare integrant.

comport

comport verb rare PHRASES comport oneself articulate students who comported themselves well in television interviews: conduct oneself, acquit oneself; behave, act, perform; rare deport oneself.

compose

compose verb 1 the first poem composed by Shelley | she also composes music for television and films: write, create, devise, make up, think up, frame, formulate, fashion, produce, originate, invent, contrive, concoct; pen, author, draft; literary rhyme, sing, verse; archaic indite. 2 Vermeer probably used a camera obscura to help him compose his pictures: design, arrange, plan, organize, work out, frame, balance, order, map out, construct, put together, shape, form, concoct. 3 the National Congress is composed of ten senators: make up, constitute, form, comprise. PHRASES compose oneself calm down, settle down, control oneself, regain /recover one's composure, pull oneself together, get control of oneself, collect oneself, steady oneself, keep one's head, simmer down; informal get a grip, keep one's cool, keep one's shirt on; N. Amer. informal decompress, stay loose. ANTONYMS get worked up.

composed

composed adjective she seemed very composed as she went about her duties: calm, collected, {cool, calm, and collected }, cool, as cool as a cucumber, cool-headed, controlled, self-controlled, serene, tranquil, relaxed, at ease, self-possessed, unruffled, unperturbed, unflustered, undisturbed, unmoved, unbothered, untroubled, unagitated; equable, even-tempered, level-headed, imperturbable; informal unflappable, unfazed, together, laid-back; rare equanimous. ANTONYMS excited, overwrought.

composer

composer noun melodist, symphonist, songwriter, singer-songwriter, songster, writer; informal tunesmith, songsmith.

composite

composite adjective a composite structure: compound, complex; combined, blended, mixed, compounded, synthesized. ▶noun the English legal system is a composite of legislation and judicial precedent: amalgamation, amalgam, combination, compound, fusion, synthesis, mixture, blend, meld, admixture, conglomeration; alloy; pastiche, patchwork, hybrid.

composition

composition noun 1 the composition of the new council: make-up, constitution, configuration, structure, construction, conformation, formation, form, framework, fabric, anatomy, arrangement, organization, format, layout; informal set-up. 2 Chopin's most romantic compositions | a literary composition: work of art, work, creation, literary /musical /artistic work, opus, oeuvre, piece, arrangement; poem, novel, play, drama; symphony, concerto, opera; painting, drawing, picture. 3 the composition of a poem: writing, creation, devising, making up, thinking up, framing, formulation, production, fashioning, origination, invention, concoction, compilation. 4 a school composition: essay, paper, article, text, study, piece of writing; task; N. Amer. theme. 5 the composition of the painting derives from Matteo's ‘Madonna and Child ’: arrangement, disposition, layout, design, organization, construction; proportions, harmony, balance, symmetry. 6 an adhesive composition: mixture, compound, amalgam, blend, mix, admixture.

compost

compost noun fertilizer, plant food, dressing, organic matter, vegetable waste, humus, peat.

composure

composure noun Juliet tried desperately to regain some composure: self-control, self-possession, self-command, calmness, equanimity, equilibrium, calm, coolness, collectedness, serenity, tranquillity; aplomb, poise, presence of mind, sangfroid, self-assurance, assurance; imperturbability, placidity, placidness, impassiveness, impassivity, dispassion, phlegm, stolidity, unexcitability; informal cool, unflappability; rare countenance, ataraxy, ataraxia. ANTONYMS agitation, nervousness, discomposure.

compound

compound noun |(stress on the first syllable ) |a compound of two elements | a compound of energy and idealism: amalgam, amalgamation, combination, composite, blend, mixture, mix, admixture, meld, fusion, synthesis, consolidation; alloy; hybrid; informal mash-up. ▶adjective |(stress on the first syllable ) |a compound substance: composite, complex; blended, fused, synthesized, compounded, combined. ANTONYMS simple. ▶verb |(stress on the second syllable ) | 1 a smell compounded of dust and mould: be composed of, be made up of, be constituted of, be formed from. 2 detergents consisting of liquid soaps compounded with disinfectant: mix, combine, blend, put together, amalgamate, alloy, fuse, synthesize, coalesce, mingle, meld, intermingle; rare admix, commix, commingle. 3 the prisoners' lack of contact with the outside world compounds their problems: aggravate, worsen, make worse, add to, augment, exacerbate, intensify, heighten, increase, magnify; add insult to injury, rub salt in the wound, add fuel to the fire /flames; complicate. ANTONYMS alleviate, improve.

comprehend

comprehend verb 1 Katie couldn't comprehend what he was saying: understand, grasp, take in, see, apprehend, follow, make sense of, fathom, make out, puzzle out, get to the bottom of, penetrate; realize, perceive, discern, divine; unravel, decipher, interpret, piece together; informal work out, figure out, make head or tail of, get one's head around, wrap one's mind round, take on board, get a fix on, get the hang of, get the drift of, catch on to, latch on to, tumble to, crack, dig, get, see the light, get the picture; Brit. informal twig, suss out, suss; N. Amer. informal savvy. 2 formal German parties comprehend as many political stances as do the British ones: comprise, include, take in, encompass, embrace, involve, contain; cover. ANTONYMS exclude.

comprehensible

comprehensible adjective the information must be accurate and comprehensible: intelligible, understandable, easy to understand, digestible, user-friendly, accessible; lucid, coherent, clear, crystal clear, transparent, plain, perspicuous, explicit, unambiguous, straightforward, self-explanatory, penetrable, fathomable, graspable. ANTONYMS incomprehensible, opaque.

comprehension

comprehension noun matters which seemed beyond her comprehension: understanding, ability to understand, grasp, grip, conception, apprehension, cognition, cognizance, ken, knowledge, awareness, perception, discernment; interpretation. ANTONYMS ignorance, incomprehension.

comprehensive

comprehensive adjective a comprehensive review of UK defence policy: inclusive, all-inclusive, complete; thorough, full, extensive, all-embracing, overarching, umbrella, exhaustive, in-depth, encyclopedic, universal, catholic, eclectic; far-reaching, radical, sweeping, across the board, blanket, wholesale; broad, wide, wide-ranging, broad-ranging; widespread, nationwide, countrywide, coast-to-coast; detailed, compendious; informal wall-to-wall. ANTONYMS partial, selective, limited.

compress

compress verb 1 the skirt can be folded and compressed into a relatively small bag: flatten; squeeze, press, squash, crush, cram, jam, stuff, wedge; tamp, pack, wad, compact; constrict; informal scrunch, squidge; rare coarct, coarctate. 2 Polly compressed her lips and sat down: purse, press together, squeeze together, pinch, crimp; pucker. 3 the material has been compressed into 17 pages: abridge, shorten, cut, condense, abbreviate, contract, telescope; summarize, synopsize, precis, abstract, digest; truncate; rare epitomize. ANTONYMS expand, pad out.

comprise

comprise verb 1 the country comprises twenty states: consist of, be made up of, be composed of, contain, take in, embrace, encompass, incorporate; include; involve, cover; formal comprehend. 2 this breed comprises 50 per cent of the cattle population: make up, constitute, form, compose; account for.

compromise

compromise noun 1 eventually they reached a compromise: agreement, understanding, settlement, terms, accommodation; deal, trade-off, bargain; halfway house, middle ground, middle course, happy medium, balance; Latin modus vivendi. 2 the secret of a happy marriage is compromise: give and take, concession, cooperation. ANTONYMS intransigence. ▶verb 1 in the end we compromised: meet each other halfway, find the middle ground, come to terms, come to an understanding, make a deal, make concessions, find a happy medium, strike a balance; give and take; informal split the difference. 2 his actions could compromise his academic credibility: undermine, weaken, be detrimental to, damage, injure, harm, do harm to; prejudice, be prejudicial to, jeopardize, endanger, imperil; bring into disrepute, reflect badly on, put in a bad light, discredit, dishonour, bring shame to, shame, embarrass.

compulsion

compulsion noun 1 he had been under no compulsion to go: obligation, constraint, force, coercion, duress, pressure, pressurization, enforcement, oppression, intimidation; French force majeure. 2 he felt an overwhelming compulsion to tell her the truth: urge, impulse, need, necessity, desire, longing, motivation, drive; obsession, fixation, addiction; temptation, pull; US black English jones.

compulsive

compulsive adjective 1 a compulsive desire: irresistible, uncontrollable, compelling, driving, overwhelming, overpowering, urgent, besetting; obsessive, neurotic. 2 compulsive eating: obsessive, obsessional, addictive, uncontrollable, out of control, ungovernable. 3 a compulsive liar | compulsive drinkers: inveterate, chronic, incorrigible, incurable, irredeemable, hardened, hopeless, persistent; obsessive, obsessional, addicted, habitual, dependent; informal pathological, hooked. ANTONYMS occasional. 4 it's compulsive viewing: fascinating, compelling, gripping, riveting, engrossing, totally absorbing, enthralling, captivating, spellbinding, mesmerizing, mesmeric, entrancing; informal unputdownable. ANTONYMS dull, tedious.

compulsory

compulsory adjective legislation which made the wearing of seat belts compulsory: obligatory, mandatory, required, requisite, necessary, essential, statutory, prescribed; imperative, enforced, demanded, binding, forced, unavoidable, inescapable, incumbent, enforceable; contractual, stipulated, set; French de rigueur. ANTONYMS optional, voluntary.

compunction

compunction noun she had no compunction about deceiving them: scruples, misgivings, qualms, worries, unease, uneasiness, hesitation, hesitancy, doubts, reluctance, reservations; guilt, feelings of guilt, guilty conscience, pangs /twinges of conscience, remorse, regret, contrition, contriteness, self-reproach, repentance, penitence.

compute

compute verb the hire charge is computed on a daily basis: calculate, work out, reckon, figure, enumerate, determine, evaluate, assess, quantify, put a figure on; add up, add together, count up, tally, total, totalize; measure; Brit. tot up; rare cast.

computer

computer noun WORD LINKS computer cyber- related prefix, as in cybernetics, cybercafe cyberphobia fear of computers Word Links sections supply words that are related to the headword but do not normally appear in a thesaurus because they are not actual synonyms.

Duden Dictionary

Compact Disc

Com pact Disc , Com pact Disk Substantiv, feminin , die Compact Disk |Compact D i sc Compact D i sk ˈkɔmpɛkt - ˈkɔmpɛkt -|die Compact Disc; Genitiv: der Compact Disc, Compact Discs die Compact Disk; Genitiv: der Compact Disk, Compact Disks englisch compact disc aus metallisiertem Kunststoff bestehende kleine, durch Laserstrahl abtastbare Speicherplatte von hoher Ton- bzw. Bildqualität Abkürzung: CD Kurzform: CD 1

Compagnie

Com pa g nie , Com pa gnie Substantiv, feminin , die |kɔmpanˈjiː | Kompanie

Compagnon

Com pa g non , Com pa gnon Substantiv, maskulin , der |kɔmpanˈjõː | Kompagnon

Compi

Com pi Substantiv, maskulin umgangssprachlich scherzhaft , der |C o mpi |der Compi; Genitiv: des Compis, Plural: die Compis -i Computer

Compiler

Com pi ler Substantiv, maskulin EDV , der |kɔmˈpa͜ilɐ |der Compiler; Genitiv: des Compilers, Plural: die Compiler englisch compiler, zu: to compile = zusammenstellen < französisch compiler < lateinisch compilare, kompilieren Programm 4 , das dazu dient, eine andere Programmiersprache in die Programmiersprache eines bestimmten Computers zu übersetzen

Compliance

Com pli ance Substantiv, feminin , die |kəmˈplaɪəns |die Compliance; Genitiv: der Compliance englisch 1 Medizin, Psychologie Bereitschaft eines Patienten zur aktiven Mitwirkung an therapeutischen Maßnahmen 2 Medizin elastische Volumendehnbarkeit von Atmungs- und Gefäßsystemen 3 Bankwesen Sicherstellung der ordnungsgemäßen Durchführung von Wertpapierdienstleistungen der Banken zum Schutz der Anleger 4 Wirtschaftsjargon regelgerechtes, vorschriftsgemäßes, ethisch korrektes Verhalten

Composé

Com po sé Substantiv, Neutrum , das |kõpoˈzeː |a Kombination aus zwei oder mehreren farblich und im Muster aufeinander abgestimmten Stoffen b aus einem Composé a hergestellte mehrteilige Damenoberbekleidung ein Composé aus Mantel und Rock

Composé

Com po sé Substantiv, maskulin , der |kõpoˈzeː |der Composé; Genitiv: des Composé [s ], Plural: die Composé [s ] französisch composé, 2. Partizip von: composer = zusammensetzen, zu lateinisch compositum, Kompositum zweifarbig gemustertes Gewebe, bei dem Muster- und Grundfarbe wechseln

Composer

Com po ser Substantiv, maskulin Druckwesen , der |Comp o ser |der Composer; Genitiv: des Composers, Plural: die Composer lateinisch-französisch -englisch elektrische Schreibmaschine mit automatischem Randausgleich und auswechselbarem Kugelkopf, die druckfertige Vorlagen liefert

Compoundkern

Com pound kern Substantiv, maskulin Kernphysik , der |kɔmˈpaʊnt …|der Compoundkern; Genitiv: des Compoundkerns, Plural: die Compoundkerne lateinisch-französisch -englisch ; deutsch bei Beschuss eines Atomkerns mit energiereichen Teilchen entstehender neuer Kern

Compoundmaschine

Com pound ma schi ne Substantiv, feminin , die die Compoundmaschine; Genitiv: der Compoundmaschine, Plural: die Compoundmaschinen a Kolbenmaschine, bei der das Antriebsmittel nacheinander verschiedene Zylinder durchströmt b Elektrotechnik Gleichstrommaschine

Compoundöl

Com pound öl Substantiv, Neutrum , das das Compoundöl; Genitiv: des Compoundöls, Plural: die Compoundöle Mineralöl mit Fettölzusatz zur Erhöhung der Schmierfähigkeit

Compoundtriebwerk

Com pound trieb werk Substantiv, Neutrum , das das Compoundtriebwerk; Genitiv: des Compoundtriebwerks, Plural: die Compoundtriebwerke Verbindung eines Flugmotors mit einer Abgasturbine zur Leistungssteigerung

Comprette

Com pret te Substantiv, feminin , die ® |Compr e tte |die Comprette; Genitiv: der Comprette, Plural: die Compretten meist im Plural ein Arzneimittel

comptant

comp tant kontant |kõˈtãː |

Comptoneffekt

Comp ton ef fekt Substantiv, maskulin Physik , der |ˈkɔmptən …|der Comptoneffekt; Genitiv: des Comptoneffekt [e ]s nach dem amerikanischen Physiker A. H. Compton, 1892 –1962 mit einer Änderung der Wellenlänge verbundene Streuung elektromagnetischer Wellen

Compur

Com pur Substantiv, maskulin Fotografie , der ® |Comp u r |der Compur; Genitiv: des Compurs, Plural: die Compure Kunstwort Objektivverschluss

Computer

Com pu ter Substantiv, maskulin , der |kɔmˈpjuːtɐ |der Computer; Genitiv: des Computers, Plural: die Computer englisch computer, zu: to compute = (be )rechnen < lateinisch computare, Konto elektronische Rechenanlage den Computer programmieren | dem Computer wurde ein bestimmtes Programm eingegeben | am Computer arbeiten | er hat stundenlang [am ] Computer gespielt

Computeranimation

Com pu ter ani ma ti on Substantiv, feminin , die durch Computer erzeugte Darstellung mehrdimensionaler bewegter Bilder auf einem Bildschirm Kurzform: Animation 3

computeranimiert

com pu ter ani miert Adjektiv durch Computeranimation erzeugt computeranimierte Saurier

Computeranlage

Com pu ter an la ge Substantiv, feminin , die elektronische Datenverarbeitungsanlage

Computerausdruck

Com pu ter aus druck Substantiv, maskulin , der am Computer erstellter, von einem Drucker 2 ausgedruckter Text

Computerbild

Com pu ter bild Substantiv, Neutrum , das mithilfe eines Computers erstelltes Phantombild

Computerbildschirm

Com pu ter bild schirm Substantiv, maskulin , der Bildschirm eines Computers

Computerbranche

Com pu ter bran che Substantiv, feminin , die die Herstellung und den Verkauf von Computern umfassende Branche a

Computerchip

Com pu ter chip Substantiv, maskulin Elektronik , der Chip 3 in einem, für einen Computer

Computerdiagnostik

Com pu ter di a g nos tik, Com pu ter di a gnos tik Substantiv, feminin , die computergestützte Diagnostik und Auswertung der Befunde

Computerfahndung

Com pu ter fahn dung Substantiv, feminin , die Rasterfahndung

Computerfirma

Com pu ter fir ma Substantiv, feminin , die Firma, die Computer herstellt und vertreibt

Computerfreak

Com pu ter freak Substantiv, maskulin umgangssprachlich , der jemand, der sich in übertrieben erscheinender Weise für Computer begeistert

Computergeneration

Com pu ter ge ne ra ti on Substantiv, feminin , die Generation 4 in der Entwicklung von Computern

computergeneriert

com pu ter ge ne riert Adjektiv mithilfe eines Computers hervorgebracht

computergesteuert

com pu ter ge steu ert Adjektiv von einem Computer kontrolliert, überwacht

computergestützt

com pu ter ge stützt Adjektiv mithilfe der Datenverarbeitung bzw. unter Einbeziehung eines Computers erfolgend eine computergestützte Produktion

Computergrafik

Com pu ter gra fik, Com pu ter gra phik Substantiv, feminin , die Computergraphik mithilfe eines speziellen Computerprogramms erstellte Grafik 4

Computerhersteller

Com pu ter her stel ler Substantiv, maskulin , der Hersteller von Computern

Computerherstellerin

Com pu ter her stel le rin Substantiv, feminin , die weibliche Form zu Computerhersteller

Computerindustrie

Com pu ter in dus t rie Substantiv, feminin , die Industriezweig, der sich mit der Herstellung von Computern befasst

computerisieren

com pu te ri sie ren schwaches Verb |computeris ie ren |schwaches Verb; Perfektbildung mit »hat « 1 mit Computern ausstatten einen Arbeitsplatz computerisieren 2 a Informationen und Daten für einen Computer lesbar, verwertbar machen b Informationen und Daten in einem Computer speichern

Computerisierung

Com pu te ri sie rung Substantiv, feminin , die |Computeris ie rung |die Computerisierung; Genitiv: der Computerisierung, Plural: die Computerisierungen das Computerisieren

Computerkonzern

Com pu ter kon zern Substantiv, maskulin , der Konzern, dessen wirtschaftlicher Schwerpunkt auf der Produktion von Computern liegt

Computerkriminalistik

Com pu ter kri mi na lis tik Substantiv, feminin , die die Computerkriminalistik; Genitiv: der Computerkriminalistik computergestützte Aufklärung und Bekämpfung von Verbrechen

Computerkriminalität

Com pu ter kri mi na li tät Substantiv, feminin , die Gesamtheit der Straftaten, die mithilfe von Computern begangen werden

Computerkunst

Com pu ter kunst Substantiv, feminin , die ohne Plural Kunstproduktion, bei der mithilfe von Computern Grafiken, Musikkompositionen, Texte u. a. hergestellt werden

Computerkurs

Com pu ter kurs Substantiv, maskulin , der Kurs, bei dem die Teilnehmer den Umgang mit Computern lernen sollen

Computerlinguist

Com pu ter lin gu ist Substantiv, maskulin , der

Computerlinguistik

Com pu ter lin gu is tik Substantiv, feminin , die Teilgebiet der modernen Linguistik, das elektronische Rechenanlagen für die Bearbeitung und Beschreibung sprachlicher Probleme verwendet

Computerlinguistin

Com pu ter lin gu is tin Substantiv, feminin , die

Computermagazin

Com pu ter ma ga zin Substantiv, Neutrum , das Zeitschrift, die mit dem Computer in Zusammenhang stehende Themen behandelt

computern

com pu tern schwaches Verb umgangssprachlich mit dem Computer arbeiten, umgehen

Computernetz

Com pu ter netz Substantiv, Neutrum , das System von wie ein Netz miteinander verbundenen Computern

Computernetzwerk

Com pu ter netz werk Substantiv, Neutrum , das Network 2

Computernutzer

Com pu ter nut zer, Com pu ter nüt zer Substantiv, maskulin , der auch Computernützer jemand, der Computer nutzt

Computernutzerin

Com pu ter nut ze rin , Com pu ter nüt ze rin Substantiv, feminin , die auch Computernützerin weibliche Formen zu Computernutzer , Computernützer

Computerprogramm

Com pu ter pro gramm Substantiv, Neutrum , das Programm 4

Computersatz

Com pu ter satz Substantiv, maskulin Druckwesen , der mithilfe eines Computers erstellter Satz 3b , bei dem der Text ohne Berücksichtigung der Zeilenenden eingegeben wird (und die Einteilung in Zeilen erst später im Rechner erfolgt )

Computersimulation

Com pu ter si mu la ti on Substantiv, feminin , die das Durchrechnen eines in der Zeit ablaufenden Prozesses durch einen Computer, um ausgewählte Eigenschaften des Prozessablaufs sichtbar zu machen

Computerspezialist

Com pu ter spe zi a list Substantiv, maskulin , der Fachmann auf dem Gebiet der Computertechnik

Computerspezialistin

Com pu ter spe zi a lis tin Substantiv, feminin , die weibliche Form zu Computerspezialist

Computerspiel

Com pu ter spiel Substantiv, Neutrum , das Spiel, das mithilfe eines an einen Personal Computer angeschlossenen Monitors, der als Spielfeld, -brett dient, gespielt werden kann

Computersprache

Com pu ter spra che Substantiv, feminin , die Programmiersprache

Computersystem

Com pu ter sys tem Substantiv, Neutrum EDV , das System von Programmen 4 für die Steuerung und Überwachung von Computern wichtig ist, die verschiedenen Computersysteme miteinander zu vernetzen

Computertechnik

Com pu ter tech nik Substantiv, feminin , die Zweig der Technik, der sich mit der Entwicklung und der Konstruktion von Computeranlagen befasst

Computertomograf

Com pu ter to mo graf , Com pu ter to mo graph Substantiv, maskulin , der Computertomograph |Computertomogr a f Computertomogr a ph |der Computertomograf; Genitiv: des Computertomografen, Plural: die Computertomografen der Computertomograph; Genitiv: des Computertomographen, Plural: die Computertomographen bei der Computertomografie verwendete rotierende Röntgenröhre, die an einen Computer angeschlossen ist Abkürzung: CT

Computertomografie

Com pu ter to mo gra fie , Com pu ter to mo gra phie Substantiv, feminin , die Computertomographie 1 Röntgenuntersuchung, die durch Schicht für Schicht erstellte Aufnahmen auch die Struktur der Weichteile eines Körpers sichtbar macht Abkürzung: CT 2 durch Computertomografie erzeugtes Diagnosebild, Computertomogramm Abkürzung: CT

computertomografisch

com pu ter to mo gra fisch , com pu ter to mo gra phisch Adjektiv computertomographisch die Computertomografie betreffend, zu ihr gehörend; mithilfe der Computertomografie

Computertomogramm

Com pu ter to mo gramm Substantiv, Neutrum , das |kɔmˈpjuːtɐ …|das Computertomogramm; Genitiv: des Computertomogramms, Plural: die Computertomogramme durch Computertomografie erzeugtes Diagnosebild Abkürzung: CT

Computer-to-Plate-Verfahren

Com pu ter-to-Plate-Ver fah ren Substantiv, Neutrum EDV, Druckwesen , das |…tʊˈpleɪt …|das Computer-to-Plate-Verfahren; Genitiv: des Computer-to-Plate-Verfahrens Druckverfahren, bei dem die Druckplatten direkt vom Computer aus beschrieben werden

computerunterstützt

com pu ter un ter stützt Adjektiv computergestützt

Computervirus

Com pu ter vi rus Substantiv, maskulin oder Substantiv, Neutrum EDV , der oder das der, auch: das Computervirus Computerprogramm, das jemand unbemerkt in einen Rechner einschleust in der Absicht, die vorhandene Software zu manipulieren oder zu zerstören Kurzform: Virus 2

Computerwurm

Com pu ter wurm Substantiv, maskulin , der Computervirus

French Dictionary

compact

compact , e adj. adjectif 1 De format réduit. : Une voiture compacte. 2 Serré. : Une foule compacte, un brouillard compact. LOCUTIONS Disque compact. Disque audionumérique. : Ève vient de s ’acheter le disque compact Alegria du Cirque du Soleil. Disque optique compact (DOC ). Disque laser à grande capacité de mémoire et qui peut stocker des images fixes ou animées, des sons, des textes. SYNONYME cédérom . Note Technique C ’est l ’Académie française qui a proposé le néologisme cédérom. Prononciation Les lettres ct se prononcent, [kɔ̃pakt ]

compactage

compactage n. m. nom masculin 1 Action de compacter. 2 informatique Opération qui consiste à réduire la taille des informations en supprimant les blancs, redondances et autres données inutiles, de manière à diminuer l ’espace mémoire qu ’elles occupent une fois stockées ou la durée de leur transmission (GDT ). : Le compactage des données. ANTONYME décompactage .

compacter

compacter v. tr. verbe transitif Réduire de volume en compressant. aimer

compagne

compagne n. f. nom féminin 1 Personne avec qui l ’on fait une activité. : Des compagnes de classe. Note Sémantique Ne pas confondre avec les noms suivants: • camarade, amie, surtout chez les enfants, les adolescentes; • consœur, personne qui appartient à une même profession, à une même société; • copine, camarade intime. 2 Femme avec qui une personne vit. Note Technique La forme masculine de ce nom est compagnon.

compagnie

compagnie n. f. nom féminin Abréviation C ie ou Cie (s ’écrit sans point, avec une majuscule initiale dans une raison sociale ). : Lefranc, Dupuy & C ie . 1 Société. : Une compagnie aérienne. Une compagnie d ’assurances. 2 Présence auprès de quelqu ’un. : Tiens-moi compagnie un peu, reste un moment. Cette dame voyage en compagnie d ’une amie. LOCUTIONS Animal de compagnie. Animal domestique. : Les lapins sont-ils des animaux de compagnie? Fausser compagnie à quelqu ’un. Quitter quelqu ’un à la dérobée. FORME FAUTIVE compagnie de finance. Calque de « finance company » pour société de crédit, société de financement.

compagnon

compagnon n. m. nom masculin 1 Personne avec qui l ’on fait une activité. : Des compagnons de travail. Note Sémantique Ne pas confondre avec les noms suivants: • camarade, ami, surtout chez les enfants, les adolescents; • collègue, personne avec qui l ’on travaille ou qui exerce la même fonction; • condisciple, personne avec qui l ’on étudie; • confrère, personne qui appartient à une même profession, à une même société; • copain, camarade intime. 2 Homme avec qui une personne vit. Note Technique La forme féminine de ce nom est compagne.

comparable

comparable adj. adjectif 1 Que l ’on peut comparer. : Des bateaux comparables entre eux. 2 Comparable à. : Ce bolide de course est comparable à un avion. Note Syntaxique On emploie la préposition à lorsqu ’il est question de choses semblables. 3 Comparable avec. : Les végétaux ne sont pas comparables avec les minéraux. ANTONYME différent ; incomparable . Note Syntaxique Dans une phrase négative, on emploie la préposition avec pour des choses différentes, la préposition à lorsqu ’il est question de choses semblables. Ces résultats ne sont pas comparables à ceux de l ’an dernier. 4 Peu différent. : Ces tissus sont comparables; ils coûtent le même prix. SYNONYME semblable .

comparaison

comparaison n. f. nom féminin 1 Action de comparer deux ou plusieurs personnes ou choses. : Une comparaison entre un livre et un autre. SYNONYME parallèle ; rapprochement . 2 Fait de rapprocher des personnes, des choses qui se ressemblent. : Les expressions rapide comme l ’éclair et frisé comme un mouton sont des comparaisons. Note Syntaxique La comparaison est introduite par la conjonction comme alors que la métaphore ne contient pas de conjonction. LOCUTIONS En comparaison de Par rapport à. : Les affaires sont tranquilles en comparaison de l ’an dernier. Par comparaison avec Par rapport à. : Par comparaison avec son cousin, il est très gentil. SYNONYME comparativement à . Sans comparaison Sans égal, incomparable. : La rapidité de ce skieur est sans comparaison.

comparaître

comparaître v. intr. verbe intransitif droit Se présenter de façon obligatoire. : Comparaître devant un juge. LOCUTION Citation à comparaître. Avis de comparaître en justice transmis généralement par huissier. : Recevoir une citation à comparaître (et non un *subpœna ). paraître

comparatif

comparatif , ive adj. et n. m. adjectif Qui contient une comparaison. : Des études comparatives. nom masculin Degré de signification d ’un adjectif, d ’un adverbe qui exprime la supériorité (plus ), l ’égalité (aussi ) ou l ’infériorité (moins ). : Elle est plus intelligente, il est aussi gentil, ils sont moins bronzés. Note Syntaxique Les comparatifs ne doivent pas être utilisés avec des adjectifs qui sont déjà des comparatifs: supérieur, inférieur, meilleur, pire, moindre, etc.

comparativement

comparativement adv. adverbe Par comparaison. : Comparativement à lui, elle est plus petite.

comparer

comparer v. tr. , pronom. verbe transitif 1 Examiner les ressemblances et les différences entre deux personnes, deux choses. : La maîtresse a comparé les résultats des deux classes. SYNONYME mettre en parallèle . 2 Rapprocher des objets semblables. : Comparer le printemps à la jeunesse. Note Syntaxique En ce sens, le verbe se construit avec la préposition à. 3 Confronter, rechercher les différences et les ressemblances. : Comparer la signature d ’un chèque avec la signature consignée au dossier. Note Syntaxique En ce sens, le verbe se construit avec la préposition avec. Qui peut être mis en parallèle. : Les pommes et les oranges ne se comparent pas. Note Grammaticale À la forme pronominale, le participe passé de ce verbe s ’accorde toujours en genre et en nombre avec son sujet. Ils se sont comparés aux champions. aimer

comparse

comparse n. m. nom masculin péjoratif Personne qui joue un rôle secondaire dans une affaire illicite.

compartiment

compartiment n. m. nom masculin Division, section. : Ce meuble comporte peut-être un compartiment secret.

compartimenter

compartimenter v. tr. verbe transitif 1 Doter de compartiments. 2 figuré Cloisonner, spécialiser. : Compartimenter des disciplines universitaires. aimer

comparution

comparution n. f. nom féminin Action de comparaître.

compas

compas n. m. nom masculin Instrument qui sert à tracer des cercles. LOCUTION Avoir le compas dans l ’œil. figuré Être habile à mesurer exactement à simple vue. Prononciation Le s ne se prononce pas, [kɔ̃pa ] Note Orthographique compa s.

compassé

compassé , ée adj. adjectif Guindé. : Une personne compassée et hypocrite. SYNONYME empesé ; pincé .

compassion

compassion n. f. nom féminin littéraire Pitié. : Inspirer de la compassion. SYNONYME commisération .

compatibilité

compatibilité n. f. nom féminin Qualité de ce qui est compatible. : La compatibilité d ’un ordinateur et d ’un logiciel. La compatibilité d ’un groupe sanguin.

compatible

compatible adj. adjectif 1 Qui peut s ’accorder avec autre chose. : Le travail à temps partiel est peu compatible avec les études. Son sang n ’est pas compatible avec celui de son père. 2 Qui peut fonctionner avec un autre appareil. : Ces ordinateurs sont compatibles entre eux. ANTONYME incompatible .

compatir

compatir v. tr. ind. verbe transitif indirect Avoir de la compassion pour, partager. : Compatir à la souffrance d ’un ami. SYNONYME plaindre . Note Technique Contrairement au verbe pâtir, le verbe s ’écrit sans accent circonflexe. finir

compatissant

compatissant , ante adj. adjectif Charitable. : Des amis compatissants l ’ont aidé. « Geoffrey aux yeux compatissants me regarda avec une peine si évidente pour moi que je me sentis humiliée » (Gabrielle Roy , La Détresse et l ’Enchantement ).

compatriote

compatriote n. m. et f. nom masculin et féminin Personne originaire du même pays que quelqu ’un d ’autre.

compendium

compendium n. m. nom masculin didactique Abrégé. : Des compendiums médicaux. Prononciation Attention à la prononciation, [kɔ̃pɛ̃djɔm ]

compensation

compensation n. f. nom féminin 1 Dédommagement. : Une compensation financière. 2 Système de virements bancaires. : La compensation (et non le *clearing ). LOCUTION En compensation En contrepartie. : Il a travaillé pendant la fin de semaine; en compensation, il a eu congé lundi. Note Syntaxique Suivie d ’un complément, la locution se construit avec la préposition de. FORME FAUTIVE compensation. Anglicisme au sens de indemnisation, réparation.

compenser

compenser v. tr. verbe transitif Équilibrer, contrebalancer. : Ces jours de congé compenseront les (et non *pour les ) longues heures de travail. Note Syntaxique Le verbe se construit sans préposition; c ’est un verbe transitif direct. aimer

compère

compère n. m. nom masculin Complice de certaines supercheries. Note Technique Ce mot s ’emploie uniquement en parlant d ’un homme.

compétence

compétence n. f. nom féminin 1 Connaissance approfondie reconnue. : Ils ont la compétence pour régler ce problème. 2 Aptitude reconnue d ’une autorité à traiter d ’une question, à accomplir un acte, selon des modalités déterminées. : Les questions éducatives sont de compétence (et non *juridiction ) provinciale. Note Technique Le nom juridiction appartient exclusivement au vocabulaire de la justice.

compétent

compétent , ente adj. adjectif Qui connaît son métier, qualifié. : Ce plombier est très compétent.

compétiteur

compétiteur , trice n. m. et f. nom masculin et féminin 1 Personne qui est en compétition avec d ’autres (pour un poste, dans une épreuve sportive, etc. ). SYNONYME adversaire ; concurrent ; rival . 2 Entreprise qui fait concurrence à d ’autres entreprises. SYNONYME concurrent .

compétitif

compétitif , ive adj. adjectif Apte à supporter la concurrence, qui permet la compétition. : Des prix compétitifs, un marché compétitif. SYNONYME concurrentiel .

compétition

compétition n. f. nom féminin 1 Recherche simultanée d ’un même objet. : Ils sont en compétition pour ce poste. SYNONYME concurrence . 2 Épreuve sportive. : Une compétition internationale.

compétitionner

compétitionner v. intr. verbe intransitif québécisme néologisme sports Participer à une épreuve sportive. : Ce soir, les Castors de Rigaud compétitionneront avec les Renards de Vaudreuil. SYNONYME concurrencer ; être en concurrence avec ; prendre part à ; se faire concurrence . aimer

compétitivité

compétitivité n. f. nom féminin Caractère de ce qui est compétitif. : La compétitivité d ’une entreprise.

compilation

compilation n. f. nom féminin 1 Action de compiler. : La compilation des votes. 2 Disque ou cassette réunissant les grands succès d ’un compositeur, d ’un interprète. : Une compilation de Félix Leclerc.

compiler

compiler v. tr. verbe transitif Rassembler des extraits de documents de diverses sources en vue de faire un recueil, une recherche spécifique. : Les élèves ont compilé des informations sur les araignées pour leur travail de recherche. Note Sémantique Ne pas confondre avec le verbe compulser, consulter, feuilleter. aimer

complainte

complainte n. f. nom féminin Chanson populaire. : La Complainte du phoque en Alaska est une très jolie chanson de Michel Rivard.

complaire

complaire v. tr. ind. , pronom. littéraire Se rendre favorable aux désirs de quelqu ’un. : Ils cherchaient avant tout à complaire à leur supérieur. Note Syntaxique En ce sens, le verbe se construit avec la préposition à. verbe pronominal péjoratif Trouver sa satisfaction en la compagnie d ’une personne, dans la pratique d ’une chose. : Ils se sont complu à critiquer sans cesse. Note Syntaxique En ce sens, le verbe se construit avec les prépositions à, dans. Note Grammaticale Le participe passé de ce verbe est toujours invariable. plaire INDICATIF PRÉSENT Je me complais, tu te complais, il se complaît, nous nous complaisons, vous vous complaisez, ils se complaisent. IMPARFAIT Je me complaisais. PASSÉ SIMPLE Je me complus. FUTUR Je me complairai. CONDITIONNEL PRÉSENT Je me complairais. IMPÉRATIF PRÉSENT Complais-toi, complaisons-nous, complaisez-vous. SUBJONCTIF PRÉSENT Que je me complaise. IMPARFAIT Que je me complusse. PARTICIPE PRÉSENT Complaisant. PASSÉ Complu.

complaisamment

complaisamment adv. adverbe Avec complaisance.

complaisance

complaisance n. f. nom féminin 1 Satisfaction de soi. : Se vanter avec complaisance. SYNONYME orgueil ; vanité . 2 Obligeance, amabilité. SYNONYME empressement . 3 Indulgence excessive.

complaisant

complaisant , ante adj. adjectif 1 Qui cherche à plaire à autrui. : Il a un caractère complaisant. SYNONYME aimable ; serviable . 2 Indulgent à l ’excès.

complément

complément n. m. nom masculin 1 Ce qui s ’ajoute à une chose pour qu ’elle soit complète. : Le complément d ’une somme. Un complément d ’information. Note Sémantique Ne pas confondre avec le nom supplément, ce qui est ajouté à une chose déjà complète. 2 grammaire Mot qui complète le sens d ’un autre. : Un complément direct (CD ), un complément indirect (CI ), un complément de phrase (CP ). tableau – complément. Complément du nom. Qui détermine le sens d ’un mot en le précisant. Note Grammaticale Le complément du nom est introduit par la préposition de et sert à préciser la possession, le lieu, la matière, l ’origine, la qualité, l ’espèce, l ’instrument, le contenu. .. Ainsi, dans l ’expression « la maison de campagne », le nom « campagne » est complément du nom « maison ».

complémentaire

complémentaire adj. adjectif Qui constitue un complément. : Des renseignements complémentaires. Note Sémantique Ne pas confondre avec les mots suivants: • additionnel, qui s ’ajoute; • supplémentaire, ajouté à une chose déjà complète. Note Orthographique complément aire.

complet

complet , ète adj. adjectif 1 Entier, dont il ne manque aucun élément. : Une collection complète. Un groupe complet de 30 élèves. 2 Rempli. : C ’est complet: il n ’y a plus de billets, de chambres. SYNONYME bondé ; plein . 3 Dans le domaine de l ’industrie hôtelière, on recourt au terme complet pour signaler qu ’il n ’y a pas de chambres libres (Recomm. off. ). On ne doit rien indiquer lorsqu ’il y a des chambres libres. LOCUTION Au (grand ) complet En totalité. : L ’équipe est au grand complet.

complet

complet n. m. nom masculin Vêtement masculin composé d ’un pantalon, d ’une veste et parfois d ’un gilet. : Un complet (et non *habit ) bleu marine. SYNONYME costume .

complètement

complètement adv. adverbe 1 Entièrement. : Son travail est complètement terminé. SYNONYME absolument ; intégralement . 2 Tout à fait. : Ils sont complètement d ’accord avec toi. SYNONYME parfaitement ; totalement .

compléter

compléter v. tr. , pronom. verbe transitif 1 Rendre complet. : Ce dixième album complète la collection. Il faut que je complète mon travail: il ne me reste que la conclusion à faire. 2 Achever, terminer. : Compléter un rapport. SYNONYME finir . verbe pronominal Former un tout, un ensemble harmonieux. : Leurs aptitudes se complètent bien. Note Grammaticale À la forme pronominale, le participe passé de ce verbe s ’accorde toujours en genre et en nombre avec son sujet. Ces deux formations se sont complétées remarquablement. FORMES FAUTIVES compléter une commande. Anglicisme au sens de exécuter. : Votre commande sera exécutée (et non *complétée ) promptement. compléter un formulaire. Anglicisme au sens de remplir. : Il a refusé de remplir (et non *compléter ) un formulaire. compléter un mandat, une mission. Anglicisme au sens de accomplir. : Ces militaires ont accompli (et non *complété ) leur mission avec un grand courage. compléter un projet. Anglicisme au sens de réaliser. : Cet architecte de talent pourra-t-il réaliser (et non *compléter ) ce projet ambitieux? posséder Conjugaison Le é se change en è devant une syllabe contenant un e muet, sauf à l ’indicatif futur et au conditionnel présent. Je complète, mais je compléterai.

complétion

complétion n. f. nom féminin littéraire Action de compléter. : La complétion de son œuvre. FORME FAUTIVE complétion des travaux. Impropriété pour achèvement des travaux.

complexé

complexé , ée adj. et n. m. et f. adjectif et nom masculin et féminin Qui a des complexes. : Sa grandeur excessive l ’a rendu complexé. SYNONYME coincé .

complexe

complexe adj. et n. m. adjectif Qui contient plusieurs éléments, plusieurs idées, qui n ’est pas facile à comprendre. : Un problème complexe. SYNONYME compliqué . nom masculin 1 Ce qui est difficile à comprendre, ce qui n ’est pas simple. 2 Ensemble d ’immeubles, d ’installations qui concourent à un même but. : Le complexe Desjardins, un complexe industriel, universitaire. 3 Sentiment d ’infériorité ou de supériorité, manque de confiance en soi. : Il a des complexes. Elle n ’a pas de complexes. Note Technique En ce sens, le nom s ’emploie généralement au pluriel.

complexer

complexer v. tr. , pronom. verbe transitif familier Donner des complexes à (quelqu ’un ). : Son accent la complexe. Se donner des complexes. : Elle se complexe à tort. Note Grammaticale À la forme pronominale, le participe passé de ce verbe s ’accorde toujours en genre et en nombre avec son sujet. Ils se sont complexés sans raison. aimer

complexification

complexification n. f. nom féminin Fait de devenir plus compliqué.

complexifier

complexifier v. tr. , pronom. verbe transitif Rendre plus compliqué. : Les Rectifications orthographiques simplifient-elles ou complexifient-elles l ’écriture du français? Devenir plus complexe. : L ’affaire s ’est complexifiée. Note Grammaticale À la forme pronominale, le participe passé de ce verbe s ’accorde toujours en genre et en nombre avec son sujet. Les négociations se sont complexifiées. étudier Conjugaison Redoublement du i à la première et à la deuxième personne du pluriel de l ’indicatif imparfait et du subjonctif présent. (Que ) nous complexifiions, (que ) vous complexifiiez.

complexité

complexité n. f. nom féminin Caractère de ce qui est complexe. : La complexité de la situation.

complication

complication n. f. nom féminin 1 Concours de faits, de circonstances de nature à compliquer quelque chose. : Des complications sont à craindre. SYNONYME difficulté ; embarras ; ennui ; problème . 2 Aggravation d ’une maladie, d ’une blessure. : Loïc a été opéré pour une appendicite et il y a eu des complications parce qu ’il est allergique à certains médicaments. Note Technique En ce sens, le nom s ’emploie généralement au pluriel.

complice

complice adj. et n. m. et f. adjectif Qui aide, favorise. : Un sourire complice. nom masculin et féminin Personne qui participe à un crime. : Les complices d ’un contrebandier.

complicité

complicité n. f. nom féminin 1 Participation à un délit, à un crime commis par un autre. 2 figuré Connivence. : Cette complicité entre frères et sœurs est touchante. SYNONYME accord ; entente . Note Technique En ce sens, le nom n ’a pas de connotation défavorable.

compliment

compliment n. m. nom masculin Louanges adressées à une personne pour la féliciter. SYNONYME éloge . FORME FAUTIVE compliments de la saison. Calque de « compliments of the season » pour meilleurs vœux, joyeuses fêtes, selon le cas.

complimenter

complimenter v. tr. verbe transitif Adresser des éloges à quelqu ’un. : On l ’a complimentée pour sa bonne mine. SYNONYME féliciter ; louer . aimer

compliqué

compliqué , ée adj. adjectif Difficile à faire, à comprendre. : Ce problème est trop compliqué, je n ’arrive pas à trouver la solution. SYNONYME complexe .

compliquer

compliquer v. tr. , pronom. verbe transitif Rendre une chose moins simple qu ’elle n ’était. : La grêle a compliqué le voyage. verbe pronominal Devenir plus difficile, plus grave. : La situation se complique, sa pneumonie s ’est compliquée. SYNONYME aggraver . Note Grammaticale À la forme pronominale, le participe passé de ce verbe s ’accorde toujours en genre et en nombre avec son sujet. L ’affaire s ’est compliquée singulièrement. aimer

complot

complot n. m. nom masculin Projet préparé secrètement contre quelqu ’un, quelque chose. : Les policiers ont démasqué les auteurs du complot contre le premier ministre. SYNONYME conspiration ; machination . Note Orthographique complo t.

comploter

comploter v. tr. , intr. verbe transitif Préparer secrètement. : Ils complotent une nouvelle agression. SYNONYME manigancer ; ourdir ; tramer . verbe intransitif Former un complot. : Ce groupe complote contre notre formation politique. SYNONYME conspirer . aimer Note Orthographique complo t er.

comportement

comportement n. m. nom masculin 1 Manière d ’agir, de vivre. : Son comportement est égoïste. SYNONYME conduite . 2 figuré Évolution d ’une valeur. : Le comportement du dollar canadien, des cours boursiers.

comportemental

comportemental , ale , aux adj. adjectif Relatif au comportement. : Des problèmes comportementaux.

comporter

comporter v. tr. , pronom. verbe transitif 1 Comprendre. : Ce choix comporte une difficulté majeure. SYNONYME impliquer . 2 Contenir, être constitué de. : Cet immeuble comporte douze logements. verbe pronominal 1 Se conduire de telle ou telle manière. : Ils se sont bien comportés en refusant cette offre malhonnête. SYNONYME agir . 2 Fonctionner, en parlant de choses. : Ce voilier s ’est bien comporté en mer malgré la tempête. Note Grammaticale À la forme pronominale, le participe passé de ce verbe s ’accorde toujours en genre et en nombre avec son sujet. Les enfants se sont comportés comme des grands. aimer

composant

composant n. m. nom masculin Se dit des parties qui servent à composer un tout. : Des composants chimiques, des composants électroniques. SYNONYME élément .

composante

composante n. f. nom féminin Chacun des éléments d ’un ensemble complexe. : Les composantes d ’une œuvre. SYNONYME partie .

composé

composé , ée adj. et n. m. adjectif Fait de divers éléments. : Une assiette composée qui comprend des carottes crues, du céleri, etc. ANTONYME simple . nom masculin Corps résultant de la combinaison de plusieurs éléments. : Des composés chimiques. LOCUTIONS Temps composé. grammaire Forme du verbe accompagnée de l ’auxiliaire avoir ou être. : Le passé composé ainsi que le plus-que-parfait sont des temps composés. Mot composé. grammaire Mot formé de plusieurs éléments, souvent liés par un trait d ’union, et qui a un sens différent de ceux des éléments qui le composent. : Le mot pomme de terre est un nom composé dont la signification est différente de celles de pomme et de terre.

composer

composer v. tr. , intr. , pronom. verbe transitif 1 Former un tout de l ’assemblage de diverses parties. : Composer un menu. SYNONYME agencer ; organiser ; préparer . 2 Élaborer, créer. : Composer une chanson. SYNONYME écrire ; produire . 3 Former une suite d ’éléments déterminés. : Composer un numéro de téléphone, un code d ’accès, un numéro d ’identification personnelle (NIP ). verbe pronominal Comprendre. : L ’étude se compose de quatre parties. SYNONYME comporter ; être composé de . Note Grammaticale À la forme pronominale, le participe passé de ce verbe s ’accorde toujours en genre et en nombre avec son sujet. Les équipes se sont composées en un rien de temps. verbe intransitif S ’accorder avec quelqu ’un, s ’accommoder de quelque chose. : Il est facile de composer avec ce collègue. aimer

composeuse

composeuse n. f. nom féminin Machine à composer, en typographie.

composite

composite adj. adjectif Formé d ’éléments très différents. : Un style composite. SYNONYME hétéroclite . Note Orthographique compos ite.

compositeur

compositeur compositrice n. m. et f. nom masculin et féminin Personne qui compose de la musique. : Mozart est un compositeur autrichien du xviii e siècle.

composition

composition n. f. nom féminin 1 Agencement. : La composition d ’un bouquet. SYNONYME arrangement ; combinaison . 2 Élaboration d ’une œuvre. : La composition d ’un opéra. SYNONYME conception . 3 Rédaction. : Une composition française. 4 Assemblage des caractères pour former une page d ’impression, en typographie. : La composition des textes est maintenant informatisée.

compost

compost n. m. nom masculin Engrais composé de terre et de déchets organiques. : Pour la protection de l ’environnement, les feuilles mortes sont conservées pour fabriquer du compost, les eaux de ruissellement rejetées dans les zones plantées, les végétaux choisis afin d ’encourager la biodiversité. Prononciation Les lettres st se prononcent, [kɔ̃pɔst ]; le nom rime avec poste

compostable

compostable adj. Qui peut être composté et se décomposer rapidement. : « Cette entreprise fabrique des ustensiles de plastique compostables qui se transforment en terre arable, sans la moindre molécule toxique, en moins de huit semaines » (Le Devoir ). : « Dans cette cantine, les assiettes en papier recyclé et les bols en résidu de canne à sucre sont compostables » (Le Figaro ).

compostage

compostage n. m. nom masculin 1 Perforation au composteur. 2 Préparation de compost.

composter

composter v. tr. verbe transitif 1 Perforer au composteur. : Il est nécessaire de composter son billet avant de monter à bord du train. 2 Transformer des déchets organiques en matière humique par compostage. : « Au Québec, les déchets domestiques qu ’on pourrait composter au lieu de les enfouir représentent 40 \% du sac vert » (Le Devoir ). aimer

composteur

composteur n. m. nom masculin 1 Appareil servant à perforer et à dater des documents, des billets (de métro, de train, etc. ). : Les voyageurs doivent insérer leur billet dans la fente du composteur. 2 Contenant utilisé pour la fermentation et la décomposition de déchets végétaux afin de les transformer en engrais (GDT ). : Pourquoi ne pas installer un composteur pour récupérer les déchets d ’entretien du jardin collectif et les déchets organiques des familles comme les épluchures de fruits et de légumes, le marc de café?

compote

compote n. f. nom féminin Fruits cuits avec du sucre. : De la compote de pommes. Note Grammaticale Le complément de ce nom est généralement au pluriel. LOCUTION En compote. familier Meurtri. : J ’ai les pieds en compote. SYNONYME en bouillie . Note Orthographique compo t e.

compotée

compotée n. f. Préparation de produits cuits très lentement jusqu ’à ce qu ’ils aient la consistance d ’une compote. : Une compotée de tomates, de marjolaine et de citron confit.

compotier

compotier n. m. nom masculin Plat creux à pied. : Dans le compotier, il y a des cerises, des raisins et des abricots.

compréhensible

compréhensible adj. adjectif 1 Facile à comprendre. : Ce livre n ’est pas compréhensible; les explications sont très compliquées. SYNONYME accessible ; clair ; intelligible ; simple . ANTONYME incompréhensible . 2 Qui peut se comprendre. : Il est compréhensible que Sophie soit distraite: elle part en voyage ce soir. SYNONYME excusable . ANTONYME incompréhensible . Note Sémantique Ne pas confondre avec l ’adjectif compréhensif, apte à comprendre. Note Orthographique compré hen sible.

compréhensif

compréhensif , ive adj. adjectif Qui est apte à comprendre les autres, qui a une grande largeur d ’esprit. : Elle sera compréhensive et vous permettra de partir plus tôt. SYNONYME indulgent ; magnanime ; tolérant . Note Sémantique Ne pas confondre avec l ’adjectif compréhensible, qui peut se comprendre. FORMES FAUTIVES assurance compréhensive. Anglicisme au sens de assurance tous risques, multirisque. compréhensif. Anglicisme au sens de global, complet. : Une étude complète (et non *compréhensive ) de la situation. Note Orthographique compré hen sif.

compréhension

compréhension n. f. nom féminin 1 Faculté de comprendre. : La compréhension d ’un problème. SYNONYME intelligence ; perception . 2 Possibilité d ’être compris. : Un roman de compréhension ardue. 3 Indulgence. : Elle a fait preuve de beaucoup de compréhension. SYNONYME largeur d ’esprit ; magnanimité ; tolérance .

comprendre

comprendre v. tr. , pronom. verbe transitif 1 Saisir le sens de quelque chose. : Il comprend bien la question du professeur. SYNONYME déchiffrer ; décoder ; piger . 2 Prendre conscience. : Je dois donc comprendre que vous ne reviendrez plus. SYNONYME apercevoir ; rendre compte de . Note Syntaxique En ce sens, le verbe se construit avec l ’indicatif ou le conditionnel. 3 Trouver naturel. : Je comprends que vous soyez inquiète. Note Syntaxique En ce sens, le verbe se construit avec le subjonctif. 4 Comporter, être composé de. : Cette étude comprend plusieurs chapitres. L ’année comprend 12 mois. SYNONYME compter ; contenir ; englober ; inclure . verbe pronominal S ’accorder, être sur la même longueur d ’onde. : Ils se comprennent sans même avoir à se parler. SYNONYME entendre ; sympathiser . Note Grammaticale À la forme pronominale, le participe passé de ce verbe s ’accorde toujours en genre et en nombre avec son sujet. Elles se sont comprises à demi-mot. apprendre INDICATIF PRÉSENT Je comprends, tu comprends, il comprend, nous comprenons, vous comprenez, ils comprennent. IMPARFAIT Je comprenais. PASSÉ SIMPLE Je compris, nous comprîmes. FUTUR Je comprendrai. CONDITIONNEL PRÉSENT Je comprendrais. IMPÉRATIF PRÉSENT Comprends, comprenons, comprenez. SUBJONCTIF PRÉSENT Que je comprenne. IMPARFAIT Que je comprisse. PARTICIPE PRÉSENT Comprenant. PARTICIPE PASSÉ Compris, ise.

compresse

compresse n. f. nom féminin Pansement. : Appliquez une compresse humide sur son genou.

compresser

compresser v. tr. verbe transitif Serrer. : Compresser des vêtements dans une valise. SYNONYME comprimer . aimer

compresseur

compresseur adj. m. et n. m. adjectif masculin Qui sert à aplanir. : Des rouleaux compresseurs. nom masculin Appareil qui comprime un fluide à une pression donnée. : Des compresseurs à pistons.

compressibilité

compressibilité n. f. nom féminin 1 Propriété d ’un corps à diminuer de volume sous l ’action d ’une pression. 2 Caractère de ce qui peut être réduit. : La compressibilité des coûts de production.

compression

compression n. f. nom féminin 1 Action de comprimer. : La compression d ’un gaz. 2 Réduction des dépenses (d ’une entreprise, d ’un organisme, etc. ). : Les compressions budgétaires, des compressions de personnel (et non des *coupures ). SYNONYME coupe ; diminution ; restriction .

comprimé

comprimé , ée adj. et n. m. adjectif Réduit par la pression. : Air comprimé. nom masculin Médicament sous forme de pastille. : Alain a pris un comprimé d ’aspirine. Note Sémantique Ne pas confondre avec le nom cachet, médicament en poudre contenu dans une capsule assimilable par l ’organisme.

comprimer

comprimer v. tr. verbe transitif 1 Diminuer le volume d ’un corps. : Ces chaussures me compriment trop les orteils. SYNONYME presser ; serrer . 2 figuré Réduire, diminuer. : Il faut comprimer les dépenses. Nous devons comprimer ces données informatiques. 3 Réprimer (une émotion, un sentiment ). : Elle avait du mal à comprimer son indignation. SYNONYME retenir . aimer

compris

compris , ise adj. adjectif 1 Inclus. : Une addition de 50 $, service compris. 2 Dont le sens a bien été saisi. : Un problème bien compris. LOCUTIONS Non compris. En excluant. : Le prix est de 15 $, taxes non comprises. Piles non comprises. Y compris. En comprenant. : Toute la famille était là, y compris les petits-enfants. Note Grammaticale Devant un nom, un adjectif ou un pronom, et employées sans auxiliaire, les expressions y compris ou non compris sont considérées comme des locutions prépositives et demeurent invariables. Le total s ’élève à 500 $, y compris les taxes.

compromettant

compromettant , ante adj. adjectif Qui peut compromettre la réputation de quelqu ’un. : Une amitié compromettante.

compromettre

compromettre v. tr. , pronom. verbe transitif 1 Nuire à la réputation de quelqu ’un. : Cette histoire de drogue pourrait le compromettre. 2 Exposer à un danger. : Trop manger peut compromettre la santé. SYNONYME nuire à . verbe pronominal Risquer sa réputation. : Ces financiers se sont compromis dans une affaire louche. Note Grammaticale À la forme pronominale, le participe passé de ce verbe s ’accorde toujours en genre et en nombre avec son sujet. Elle ne s ’est pas compromise. remettre

compromis

compromis n. m. nom masculin 1 Concession. : Je ne ferai pas de compromis sur cette question. 2 Entente, accord au moyen de concessions mutuelles. : Ils sont parvenus à un compromis afin d ’éviter la grève. SYNONYME arrangement . Note Orthographique compromi s.

comptabilisation

comptabilisation n. f. nom féminin Action de comptabiliser.

comptabiliser

comptabiliser v. tr. verbe transitif Inscrire dans un registre comptable. : Comptabiliser une dépense. aimer

comptabilité

comptabilité n. f. nom féminin Tenue des comptes d ’une entreprise, d ’un organisme. : Elle s ’occupe de la comptabilité de l ’association.

comptable

comptable adj. et n. m. et f. adjectif 1 Relatif à la comptabilité. : Des systèmes comptables. 2 figuré Qui a des comptes à rendre, qui doit répondre de. : Être comptable (et non *imputable ) de ses décisions devant le conseil d ’administration. SYNONYME responsable . nom masculin et féminin Personne spécialisée dans la comptabilité. : Vincent et Andrée sont des comptables agréés.

comptage

comptage n. m. nom masculin Action de compter. : Le comptage des personnes présentes. SYNONYME dénombrement ; inventaire ; recensement .

comptant

comptant adj. m., adv. et n. m. adjectif masculin En espèces. : Argent comptant. ANTONYME crédit . Note Grammaticale Dans cet emploi, l ’adjectif est considéré comme adverbe et reste invariable. adverbe En espèces ou par chèque et de façon immédiate. : Ils paient comptant. Une addition qu ’elle réglera comptant (et non *cash. ) ANTONYME à crédit ; à terme . Note Grammaticale Pris adverbialement, le mot est invariable. Après l ’indication d ’une somme, le mot est invariable. Le prix est de 15 000 $ comptant. nom masculin L ’argent comptant, le paiement fait au moment de l ’achat. : Ils ont donné 10 \% de comptant. LOCUTIONS Au comptant. Se dit d ’un paiement en espèces ou par chèque portant la somme totale sans terme ni crédit. : Vendre au comptant, un achat au comptant. Prendre quelque chose pour (de l ’) argent comptant. Ajouter foi trop facilement à ce qui est dit. : Ne prends pas ces promesses pour argent comptant. SYNONYME croire ; tenir pour certain . Note Orthographique com p t a nt.

compte

compte n. m. nom masculin 1 Évaluation d ’une quantité. : Le compte n ’y est pas. SYNONYME calcul ; dénombrement . 2 État de ce que l ’on a et de ce que l ’on doit dans une banque, une caisse populaire. : Jules a demandé le solde (et non la *balance ) de son compte d ’épargne. 3 Tableau où figurent, en débits ou en crédits, les variations de l ’actif ou du passif et les résultats. : Un compte bancaire. SYNONYME comptabilité . LOCUTIONS À bon compte À bon prix, d ’une façon économique. : Les jeunes devront voyager à bon compte. Au bout du compte Finalement, tout bien considéré. Comptes clients. comptabilité Poste du bilan où figurent les sommes à recouvrer et résultant le plus souvent de la vente de biens ou de la prestation de services. SYNONYME créances ; débiteurs . Comptes fournisseurs. comptabilité Poste du bilan où figurent les dettes sur achats de marchandises, matières ou fournitures, sur prestations de services et autres opérations. SYNONYME créditeurs . Compte tenu. Si l ’on tient compte. : Compte tenu de sa compétence et de sa formation, nous l ’engageons. Note Syntaxique La locution se construit avec la préposition de, non avec la conjonction que. Note Technique Cette locution est invariable. En fin de compte Finalement. Entrer en ligne de compte. Compter. : L ’expérience entre en ligne de compte pour l ’attribution de ce poste. SYNONYME être pris en considération . Faire son compte. S ’y prendre. : Comment a-t-il fait son compte pour s ’enliser ainsi? Prendre en compte. Considérer. : Nous devrons prendre en compte ces nouvelles données. SYNONYME tenir compte de . Règlement de comptes. figuré Vengeance. Note Technique Le complément s ’écrit généralement au pluriel. Rendre compte de quelque chose. Rapporter quelque chose, faire un compte rendu de quelque chose. Se rendre compte de. S ’apercevoir de, comprendre. : Ils se sont rendu compte de l ’erreur trop tard. SYNONYME prendre conscience de ; réaliser . Note Grammaticale Attention au participe passé de cette locution, qui est invariable. Tenir compte de. Ne pas négliger. : Elle a tenu compte de ce fait. SYNONYME considérer ; prendre en compte . Tout compte fait Finalement. FORMES FAUTIVES compte de taxes. Impropriété pour avis d ’imposition. compte passé dû. Anglicisme pour compte échu, compte en souffrance. comptes à payer. Calque de « accounts payable » pour comptes fournisseurs, créditeurs. comptes à recevoir. Calque de « accounts receivable » pour comptes clients, créances, débiteurs. comptes payables. Calque de « accounts payable » pour comptes fournisseurs, créditeurs. comptes recevables. Calque de « accounts receivable » pour comptes clients, créances, débiteurs.

compte-

compte- élément Les noms composés avec l ’élément compte- sont variables lorsque compte- est un nom; ils sont invariables lorsque compte- est un verbe. : Des comptes-chèques. Des compte-gouttes.

compte(-)chèques

compte (-)chèques n. m. (pl. comptes (-)chèques ) nom masculin Compte bancaire sur lequel le titulaire peut tirer des chèques. : Des comptes chèques bien provisionnés. Note Grammaticale Dans ce nom composé, l ’élément compte- est un nom et prend la marque du pluriel.

compte-fil(s)

compte-fil (s ) n. m. (pl. compte-fils ) nom masculin invariable Petite loupe puissante. : Un compte-fils ou un compte-fil.

compte-goutte(s)

compte-goutte (s ) n. m. (pl. compte-gouttes ) nom masculin invariable Tube servant à compter les gouttes d ’un liquide. : Verse trois gouttes de vitamines à l ’aide de ce compte-gouttes ou compte-goutte. LOCUTION Au compte-gouttes locution adverbiale figuré Très peu à la fois. : Les provisions nous sont livrées au compte-gouttes.

compter

compter v. tr. , intr. , pronom. verbe transitif direct 1 Calculer, déterminer le nombre de. : Compter les participants. SYNONYME chiffrer ; dénombrer ; inventorier ; recenser . 2 Comporter. : Cette école compte 25 salles de cours. SYNONYME composer de ; comprendre . 3 Avoir l ’intention de. : Elle compte partir en vacances. Que comptez-vous faire? SYNONYME espérer ; penser ; projeter ; proposer de . Note Syntaxique En ce sens, le verbe se construit avec l ’infinitif. verbe transitif indirect Se fier à. : Je compte sur vous. SYNONYME appuyer ; tabler . Note Syntaxique En ce sens, le verbe se construit avec la préposition sur. verbe intransitif 1 Entrer dans un calcul. : Les erreurs comptent pour un point. 2 Calculer. : Elle compte mentalement. 3 Avoir de l ’importance. : Peu importe le retard, ce sont les résultats qui comptent. « Cela ne donnait rien d ’affirmer, ce qui comptait c ’était de faire voir, de faire aimer » (Gabrielle Roy , De quoi t ’ennuies-tu, Éveline?). SYNONYME importer . verbe pronominal Être compté. : Les grippés se comptent par centaines. Note Grammaticale À la forme pronominale, le participe passé de ce verbe s ’accorde toujours en genre et en nombre avec son sujet. Elles s ’étaient comptées privilégiées de bénéficier de l ’avis d ’un expert. locutions À compter de. À partir de. : À compter du 2 mai, nous serons en vacances. aimer

compte rendu

compte rendu n. m. (pl. comptes rendus ) nom masculin Rapport oral ou écrit. : J ’aimerais avoir des comptes rendus de ces accidents. SYNONYME récit . Note Technique Ce nom s ’écrit parfois avec un trait d ’union. Prononciation Le e de la deuxième syllabe ne se prononce pas, [kɔ̃trɑ̃dy ]

compte-tour(s)

compte-tour (s ) n. m. (pl. compte-tours ) nom masculin invariable Appareil servant à compter le nombre de tours faits par l ’arbre d ’un moteur, d ’une machine, d ’une pompe, etc. : Un compte-tours ou compte-tour électronique.

compteur

compteur n. m. nom masculin Appareil servant à compter. : Le compteur (et non le *meter ) du taxi marque dix dollars.

comptine

comptine n. f. nom féminin Chanson enfantine. : « Un, deux, trois, quatre, ma petite vache a mal aux pattes. » (Comptine ) Note Orthographique com p tine.

comptoir

comptoir n. m. nom masculin Table longue, étroite sur laquelle les marchands étalent leurs marchandises. LOCUTION Comptoir (de cuisine ). Dans une cuisine, surface horizontale servant à diverses opérations. SYNONYME plan de travail .

compulser

compulser v. tr. verbe transitif Consulter, feuilleter. : Compulser des écrits. Note Sémantique Ne pas confondre avec le verbe compiler, rassembler des extraits de documents en vue de faire une recherche précise. aimer

compulsif

compulsif , ive adj. adjectif 1 psychologie Qui est relatif à la compulsion. : Une vérification compulsive. 2 Qui a tendance à agir de manière répétitive, obsessive. : Une personne compulsive. Personnalité obsessionnelle-compulsive. Trouble de la personnalité caractérisé principalement par une préoccupation démesurée de l ’ordre, le perfectionnisme, le contrôle mental et interpersonnel, aux dépens de la souplesse, de l ’ouverture et de l ’efficacité (GDT ). Trouble obsessionnel-compulsif (TOC ). Trouble anxieux caractérisé par des pensées, impulsions ou représentations récurrentes (obsessions ) et des actes mentaux ou des actions répétitives (compulsions ) que le sujet se sent poussé à accomplir afin de neutraliser son sentiment de détresse ou d ’empêcher un évènement redouté (GDT ).

compulsion

compulsion n. f. nom féminin Nécessité d ’accomplir certains actes (ordre, répétition, etc. ) sous peine d ’angoisse, de culpabilité.

Spanish Dictionary

compa

compa nombre común coloquial Compañero (persona ):un compa de clase .

compact

compact compact disc . ETIMOLOGÍA Elisión de compact (disc ) (V.).

compactación

compactación nombre femenino 1 Acción de compactar algo :la compactación de un archivo informático .2 Aumento de la densidad del material que compone un terreno :el riego frecuente produce una compactación fuerte del terreno .

compactador

compactador adjetivo inform [programa ] Que reduce por codificación la extensión de los datos sin que se pierda información .

compactadora

compactadora nombre femenino Máquina utilizada en obras públicas, destinada a aglomerar y comprimir uniformemente los elementos constitutivos de una calzada :es una compactadora autopropulsada sobre ruedas, que dispone de diferentes tipos de rodillos .

compactar

compactar verbo transitivo 1 Hacer compacta una cosa :compactar un bloque de cartón; se detuvo en el umbral de la puerta y tras recoger de su mesa todas las cartas, las compactó tomándolas con ambas manos sin aparente esfuerzo ;emplean una máquina picadora, de manera que la carne se compacte y la hamburguesa no se rompa al cocinarla .2 inform Procesar un conjunto de archivos en una unidad de memoria para que junte archivos relacionados o los ponga en zonas de memoria próxima .

compact disc

compact disc (también simplemente compact )nombre masculino 1 Disco de material plástico de 12 cm de diámetro, que contiene generalmente sonidos grabados que se pueden reproducir por medio de un aparato de lectura que emplea el láser :un doble compact disc de música clásica; he comprado el último compact disc que tienen en el mercado .SINÓNIMO disco compacto .2 Aparato que reproduce los sonidos grabados en este disco :la marca alemana lanzará el nuevo año dos nuevos modelos de compact disc .Se pronuncia aproximadamente ‘cómpac disc ’.

compactible

compactible adjetivo Que puede hacerse más compacto .

compacto, -ta

compacto, -ta adjetivo 1 [cuerpo, materia ] Que tiene una estructura apretada y poco porosa :el mármol es una piedra caliza de textura compacta y cristalina que puede ser pulimentada .2 Que está formado por elementos muy juntos :una alfombra de pelo muy compacto; una tipografía compacta; con aires de prima donna, agrieta la compacta masa humana a fuerza de codos .3 [grupo de personas ] Que está formado por individuos de características similares y que actúan de manera coordinada :nuestro equipo tiene una defensa muy ordenada y compacta; la oposición ha formado un frente compacto contra el Gobierno .4 adjetivo /nombre masculino [aparato, sistema ] Que está formado por varios componentes unidos entre sí en una sola pieza :un equipo compacto de música .5 nombre masculino Aparato reproductor de discos compactos .6 Cuba, Méx, Pan, PRico Caja de pequeño tamaño que contiene polvos que se emplean para dejar el maquillaje más uniforme o mate . VÉASE disco compacto .

compadecer

compadecer verbo transitivo /verbo pronominal Sentir tristeza al ver padecer a alguien y desear aliviar su dolor o sufrimiento :compadecer a los menos afortunados; compadecerse de las desgracias ajenas; iban entrando como si hubiera un enfermo que dormía allí y todos preguntasen por él y se compadecieran de él . Conjugación [43 ] como agradecer .

compadrada

compadrada nombre femenino RPlata coloquial Dicho o hecho propio de un compadrito :se mandó una compadrada de las suyas, con ostentación y prepotencia .

compadraje

compadraje nombre masculino Compadreo .

compadrar

compadrar verbo intransitivo 1 Contraer relación de compadrazgo .2 Hacerse amigo de alguien .

compadrazgo

compadrazgo nombre masculino 1 Relación entre el padrino y los padres de un niño .SINÓNIMO compaternidad .2 Méx Acuerdo entre dos o más personas para favorecerse mutuamente, por lo general causando daño a otra .

compadre

compadre nombre masculino 1 Padrino de un niño respecto a los padres y madrina de este .2 Padre de un niño respecto a los padrinos de este .3 coloquial Apelativo con el que se llaman los hombres entre sí :hombre, compadre, ¿tú por aquí? 4 RPlata Hombre que actúa de una manera prepotente y es provocador, pendenciero y presumido :el guarda esperaba con cara de pocos amigos, retacón y compadre .SINÓNIMO compadrito . VÉASE jueves de compadres . ETIMOLOGÍA Voz patrimonial del latín eclesiástico compater, compatris ‘padrino ’, derivado de pater , patris. De la familia etimológica de padre (V.).

compadrear

compadrear verbo intransitivo 1 Tratarse familiarmente, llamándose mutuamente compadre .2 Entablar una amistad, en especial cuando se hace con fines ilícitos .3 RPlata Tener una actitud prepotente y presumida alardeando de lo que se posee o se es .

compadreo

compadreo nombre masculino Unión de personas para ayudarse mutuamente .SINÓNIMO compadraje .

compadrería

compadrería nombre femenino Relación que se establece entre compadres o amigos .

compadrito

compadrito nombre masculino RPlata coloquial Compadre (hombre que actúa de manera prepotente ):un negro con pañuelo de seda y ropa muy ajustada, a la manera de los compadritos de la esquina .

compaginación

compaginación nombre femenino 1 Acción de compaginar o compaginarse :se incidió de manera especial en la conservación del hábitat donde vive el oso pardo, mediante la compaginación del interés ecológico con el económico en la planificación y distribución de las áreas donde residen .2 Efecto de compaginar o compaginarse .

compaginado, -da

compaginado, -da adjetivo /nombre femenino [texto, libro, página ] Que resulta de ajustar galeradas .

compaginar

compaginar verbo transitivo 1 Combinar o alternar dos cosas que guardan relación o conexión de manera que ambas estén u ocurran a la vez :compaginó sus estudios de bachiller con la carrera de violín; el Barroco compagina las formas musicales religiosas con las profanas .2 Dar forma y distribuir en las páginas de una publicación el texto de las galeradas, las ilustraciones, tablas y demás elementos gráficos .3 compaginarse verbo pronominal Combinarse de manera adecuada o armónica [dos cosas ] entre sí :la retórica cortesana se compagina mal con la pasión desbordada; el bien de la agricultura no siempre podía compaginarse con el del mayorazgo .

companaje

companaje nombre masculino Esp Compango .

compango

compango nombre masculino Esp Comida que se toma acompañando al pan, como queso o cebolla :el relleno de la empanada ofrece la agradable sorpresa de algunas uvas pasas mezcladas con el compango de cebolla y bacalao .SINÓNIMO companaje .

compaña

compaña nombre femenino Esp formal Compañía (cercanía ):sobre la mesa había una impresionante carabina a la que hacían modesta compaña una pistola de dos tubos y un puñal .

compañerismo

compañerismo nombre masculino Relación amistosa, de colaboración y solidaridad entre compañeros :hay que potenciar el compañerismo entre los alumnos .

compañero, -ra

compañero, -ra nombre masculino y femenino 1 Persona que comparte con otra u otras la estancia en un lugar, los estudios, un trabajo o la práctica de un deporte u otra actividad :un compañero de habitación; un compañero de viaje; un compañero de promoción; un compañero de juego .2 Persona con la que se comparten ideas políticas o que pertenece al mismo partido o asociación sindical que otras de la misma ideología .SINÓNIMO correligionario .3 Persona con la que se mantiene una relación sentimental, en especial cuando se convive con ella sin estar casado :ella y su compañero han decidido independizarse y vivir juntos .4 Persona o animal que hace compañía a alguien :el perro era su buen compañero .5 Persona que forma pareja con otra en un juego :tiene que buscar un compañero para jugar al dominó .6 Objeto que forma pareja con otro o hace juego con otros :no encuentro el zapato compañero de este; esta taza es compañera de ese plato .7 Cosa inanimada que se corresponde o guarda relación con otra u otras :la melancolía es compañera del recuerdo .

compañía

compañía nombre femenino 1 Cercanía de las personas, animales o cosas que están juntas en un lugar al mismo tiempo :los cachorros permanecen en compañía de su madre hasta que pueden valerse por sí mismos .2 Persona, animal o cosa que está o va con alguien :añoro la compañía de mis amigos .3 Persona o grupo de personas que están o se relacionan habitualmente con alguien :andar con malas compañías; las buenas compañías influyeron positivamente en él .4 Conjunto de personas que forman una sociedad u organización con fines comerciales o industriales :una compañía de seguros; una compañía discográfica .SINÓNIMO empresa .5 Grupo de actores que representan un espectáculo :una compañía de teatro; una compañía de ópera; una compañía de ballet .6 Unidad militar compuesta por varias secciones y mandada por un capitán :pertenezco a la quinta compañía .

comparable

comparable adjetivo Que puede ser comparado :una estructura de poder comparable a la actual; tuvo una actuación comparable a la de sus mejores épocas; no hubo ni un solo debate de altura comparable a los que provocó este asunto en las cortes republicanas .

comparación

comparación nombre femenino 1 Acción de comparar (examinar dos o más cosas para establecer sus relaciones, diferencias o semejanzas ):el propósito resultó novedoso por comparación con la anterior insistencia en la prioridad absoluta de la inversión privada .2 Expresión de las relaciones de semejanza existentes entre dos o más cosas :calificó nuestras reivindicaciones de exacerbadas y de comparaciones ridículas .3 lit Figura retórica de pensamiento que consiste en la comparación explícita de una cosa con otra :Jorge Manrique utiliza la comparación en las "Coplas ": “nuestras vidas son los ríos que van a parar a la mar ”.SINÓNIMO símil .

comparado, -da

comparado, -da adjetivo Que procede por comparación :gramática comparada; anatomía comparada .

comparanza

comparanza nombre femenino coloquial Comparación .

comparar

comparar verbo transitivo 1 Examinar [una o más cosas ] con otra u otras para establecer sus relaciones, diferencias o semejanzas :comparar un vestido con otro; el consejo escolar comparará el mérito de los trabajos presentados .2 Establecer relaciones de semejanza entre dos o más cosas :en su artículo compara la situación actual con la vivida a raíz de la crisis del petróleo del 74 .

comparatismo

comparatismo nombre masculino Conjunto de los estudios gramaticales o literarios comparados .

comparatista

comparatista nombre común Persona especializada en estudios comparados de ciertas disciplinas .

comparativo, -va

comparativo, -va adjetivo 1 Que compara o sirve para comparar :un estudio comparativo; le han encargado un informe comparativo .2 [conjunción ] Que sirve para hacer una comparación :‘como ’ es una conjunción comparativa .3 adjetivo /nombre masculino [adjetivo, adverbio ] Que expresa comparación :‘mayor ’ es un comparativo .4 adjetivo /nombre femenino [oración ] Que expresa una comparación entre dos acciones, procesos o estados o entre dos personas o cosas, estableciendo su igualdad o desigualdad respecto de los aspectos que se precisan :‘en el campo se está más tranquilo que en la playa ’ es una oración comparativa . VÉASE agravio comparativo .

comparecencia

comparecencia nombre femenino Acción de comparecer, especialmente por requerimiento judicial :la comparecencia del técnico ante los medios de comunicación era ansiosamente esperada tras haber visto a varios jugadores ocupando posiciones inéditas en sus respectivas carreras deportivas; la comparecencia del acusado fue requerida por el fiscal .ANTÓNIMO incomparecencia .

comparecer

comparecer verbo intransitivo Presentarse [una persona ] en un lugar donde ha sido convocada o donde ha quedado con alguien :comparecer ante las cámaras de televisión; comparecer delante de un tribunal en calidad de acusado; comparecer en el Parlamento para contestar a las preguntas de los diputados . Conjugación [43 ] como agradecer .

compareciente

compareciente nombre común der Persona que comparece ante un juez .

comparsa

comparsa nombre femenino 1 Grupo de personas que desfilan juntas en una fiesta popular disfrazadas, a menudo con trajes del mismo tipo :las comparsas de carnavales; las comparsas de la feria de un pueblo; algunas comparsas tocan música con instrumentos de percusión .comparsa lubola Urug Agrupación integrada por personas que actúan en carnaval bailando candombe y representando determinados personajes heredados de las tradiciones africanas propias de los esclavos de la época colonial :cada comparsa lubola lleva su estandarte, una decena de tamboriles y unas cuantas personas que bailan .2 Conjunto de personas que representan papeles de poca importancia en una obra de teatro o cinematográfica o en otro espectáculo y aparecen en escena sin apenas hablar .SINÓNIMO acompañamiento .3 nombre común Persona que forma parte de ese conjunto :varios comparsas de la ópera se desmayaron durante los interminables ensayos .SINÓNIMO extra, figurante .4 despectivo Persona que no tiene iniciativa y se limita a depender de la iniciativa de otra :en la segunda parte el equipo local asumió el papel de aburrido comparsa y encajó cuatro goles .

comparsería

comparsería nombre femenino Conjunto de comparsas que participan en una representación teatral o cinematográfica .

comparte

comparte nombre común der Persona que es parte con otra en un litigio .

compartible

compartible adjetivo Que puede ser compartido :recurso compartible .

compartimentación

compartimentación nombre femenino Subdivisión interna de una parte ya acotada :la Edad Media se caracteriza por una rígida compartimentación social .

compartimentar

compartimentar verbo transitivo Proyectar o efectuar la subdivisión interna de una parte ya acotada :se compartimentó el barco; a principios del siglo xvi la decoración plateresca compartimenta los espacios con elementos arquitectónicos de clara ascendencia italiana .

compartimento

compartimento nombre masculino Parte en que está dividido un recinto, local u otro espacio mediante paredes u otra separación :los compartimentos de un vagón de tren; en la parte delantera se encontraba la cabina de mandos, y el compartimento de carga ocupaba la parte central .SINÓNIMO compartimiento, departamento .

compartimiento

compartimiento nombre masculino Compartimento .

compartir verbo transitivo 1 Dar [una persona ] parte de lo que tiene para que otra lo pueda disfrutar conjuntamente con ella :dividió su trozo de pan en dos y lo compartió con el caminante; (fig ) el chamán utiliza una serie de pensamientos que comparte con la parturienta y que bien manipulados la ayudan en el parto difícil .2 Usar o poseer una cosa en común o realizar algo conjuntamente :estas tres casas comparten el pozo de agua; encuentro realmente difícil transmitir una experiencia que no se ha compartido; estas playas son compartidas cordialmente por aquellos que usan traje de baño y por los que prescinden de él .3 Tener la misma opinión o comportamiento que otro o tener, por simpatía con otra persona, el mismo sentimiento o estado de ánimo :aunque conoce a todos ellos, dice no compartir algunas de sus costumbres; ambos compartimos la misma opinión; quisiéramos que ellos compartiesen con nosotros esta satisfacción; quisiera que mis palabras fuesen lo suficientemente patéticas como para que compartiese conmigo lo trágicamente doloroso que puede ser el destino de un monstruo .ETIMOLOGÍA Voz patrimonial del bajo latín compartiri ‘compartir con ’, derivado de partiri ‘dividir, separar ’. De la raíz indoeuropea de parte (V.).

compás

compás nombre masculino 1 Instrumento de dibujo para trazar arcos de circunferencia y tomar distancias entre dos puntos en un dibujo o mapa; consiste en dos brazos metálicos terminados en su extremo inferior en punta y articulados en su extremo superior por un eje o clavillo, de modo que se pueden separar o juntar .2 Instrumento de navegación que se usa a bordo para determinar el rumbo y consiste en una caja redonda con dos círculos concéntricos: el círculo interior, con la rosa de los vientos, lleva una aguja imantada que gira sobre un eje y señala el norte, y el segundo marca la dirección de la quilla de la nave .SINÓNIMO brújula .3 mús Signo que, en la notación musical, determina el tiempo o tempo de una composición, la colocación de los tiempos acentuados y el valor de las notas empleadas :el signo de compás se escribe al inicio del pentagrama y cada vez que se altera .4 mús Cada uno de los espacios de tiempo regulares en que se divide una composición musical de acuerdo con el valor de este signo :el clarinete entrará en el cuarto compás; la separación de los compases se señala en el pentagrama mediante una línea vertical que lo cruza de arriba abajo .5 mús Unidad de tiempo de una composición musical o de una parte de ella :seguir el compás; perder el compás; el cantante marcaba el compás dándose palmaditas en la rodilla .compás binario Compás que se compone de dos tiempos o un múltiplo de dos :el chachachá es una composición musical cubana de ritmo moderado, compás binario (cuatro por cuatro ) y tiempos muy marcados .compás cuaternario mús Compás que constituye una forma especial de compás binario .compás ternario Compás que se compone de tres tiempos o un múltiplo de tres :la barcarola es una composición musical en compás ternario (generalmente, seis por ocho o doce por ocho ) que imita las canciones de los gondoleros venecianos y recuerda el movimiento de los remos o de la embarcación sobre las olas .6 Ritmo o cadencia de un sonido no musical o de un asunto o actividad :la muerte roe paciente mis entrañas, y escucho el compás de su paso; sus manos se movían a un compás que no parecía corresponderse con el del resto del cuerpo; en estas tardes, el corazón del café late como el de un enfermo, sin compás .7 Resorte de metal para levantar o bajar la capota de los coches descapotables .8 compases nombre masculino plural Fase o momento por el que atraviesa algo :los compases iniciales de la crisis; los últimos compases del encuentro; los primeros compases del combate .a compás Siguiendo un ritmo :las gotas de lluvia rechazadas a compás por el parabrisas se aglomeraban en el cristal formando arroyos .compás de espera i mús Período de silencio en una composición musical cuya duración es igual a la de los períodos que marcan el tiempo .ii Espacio de tiempo, generalmente corto, durante el que se produce la interrupción o disminución de una actividad y durante el que se espera que continúe o se reanude :a comienzos de 1983 la economía argentina se encontraba en un compás de espera; se fue la luz en la fábrica, y durante el compás de espera los trabajadores hicieron una asamblea .marcar el compás Llevar la iniciativa o marcar el ritmo en una actividad .

compasado, -da

compasado, -da adjetivo Moderado, cuerdo (que tiene buen juicio y se comporta de manera prudente, reflexiva y responsable ).

compasar

compasar verbo transitivo 1 Medir una distancia con el compás :compasar la madera .2 Adaptar o acomodar una cosa a otra :compasar el gasto; compasar el tiempo .SINÓNIMO acompasar .3 mús Dividir en tiempos iguales las composiciones musicales formando líneas perpendiculares que cortan el pentagrama .

compasillo

compasillo nombre masculino Compás que tiene la duración de cuatro negras distribuidas en cuatro partes :el compasillo se señala con una ‘c ’ al comienzo de la partitura y después de la clave .

compasión

compasión nombre femenino Sentimiento de tristeza que produce el ver padecer a alguien y que impulsa a aliviar su dolor o sufrimiento, a remediarlo o a evitarlo :ten compasión por los menos afortunados; era una mujer tenida entre sus vecinos por persona un tanto extravagante, de carácter huraño y reservado, pero inofensiva en el fondo y, sobre todo, digna de compasión por su extremada pobreza .

compasivo, -va

compasivo, -va adjetivo 1 [persona ] Que siente compasión o es propenso a sentirla :la prensa no fue compasiva con los inadaptados que provocaron alborotos después del partido .2 Que denota compasión :aquel niño había despertado sus instintos maternales y compasivos; parecía que se divertían mucho y de vez en cuando me echaban una mirada entre curiosa y compasiva .

compaternidad

compaternidad nombre femenino Relación entre el padrino y los padres de un niño .SINÓNIMO compadrazgo .

compatibilidad

compatibilidad nombre femenino 1 Cualidad de compatible :científicos de todo el mundo opinan sobre la compatibilidad entre religión y ciencia; hay que encontrar la compatibilidad entre desarrollo tecnológico y bienestar social; debes consultar al médico sobre la compatibilidad de estos medicamentos .ANTÓNIMO incompatibilidad .2 Posibilidad legal de una persona para ejercer una función determinada o dos o más cargos a la vez :hay que solicitar a través del órgano en el que se trabaja esa declaración de compatibilidad .ANTÓNIMO incompatibilidad .

compatibilización

compatibilización nombre femenino Acción de compatibilizar :quizás estas proposiciones conducen a la necesidad de compatibilización entre la libertad y los derechos .

compatibilizar

compatibilizar verbo transitivo Hacer compatible una cosa con otra :compatibilizar los estudios con el trabajo . Conjugación [4 ] como realizar .

compatible

compatible adjetivo 1 Que puede existir, ocurrir o hacerse al mismo tiempo que otra cosa y de forma armónica con ella, o combinarse con ella sin estorbarla :la llamada agricultura ecológica tiene como objetivo hacer compatible la actividad agrícola con la estabilidad y protección del ecosistema; el diseñador ha declarado recientemente que la femineidad, la inteligencia y la profesionalidad son cualidades perfectamente compatibles .ANTÓNIMO incompatible .2 [aparato ] Que puede funcionar junto con otro por estar diseñado para adaptarse a él :impresora compatible . VÉASE ordenador compatible . ETIMOLOGÍA Préstamo (s. xviii ) del bajo latín compatibilis y este del latín compati ‘padecer con otro ’, ‘compadecerse ’, derivado de pati ‘sufrir, aguantar ’. De la familia etimológica de padecer (V.).

compatriota

compatriota nombre común Persona que es del mismo país que otra .

compay

compay nombre masculino 1 Cuba, Venez Hombre con quien se tiene una relación de amistad :tengo un compay que vive en Francia .2 Cuba, Venez Se usa para dirigirse a un hombre con quien se tiene confianza :no me mate la cochina, compay, le regateaban los contrincantes .

compeler

compeler verbo transitivo Obligar a una persona por la fuerza o con el poder de la autoridad a que haga una cosa en contra de su voluntad :el que pague en nombre del deudor, ignorándolo este, no podrá compeler al acreedor a subrogarle en sus derechos .

compendiar

compendiar verbo transitivo 1 Reducir un tratado a compendio :los grandes eruditos y filólogos habían copiado a veces los libros de sus bibliotecas y se dedicaban de forma permanente a leer, estudiar, revisar, confrontar, corregir, anotar y compendiar los que poseían .2 Ser [una cosa ] la expresión breve de lo que se expresa o contener lo que se expresa en sí :si una palabra pudiera compendiar la opinión que la mayoría de los investigadores tienen de dicha centuria, esta sería la de reforma . Conjugación [12 ] como cambiar .

compendio

compendio nombre masculino 1 Resumen breve, conciso y sustancial de una materia amplia :ha publicado un brillante compendio de gran parte de la historia reciente del cine mexicano .SINÓNIMO breviario .2 Persona o cosa que reúne en sí misma el conjunto de las cualidades, características o rasgos de otras :la circunstancia de que este actor sea el protagonista radica en la imagen que de él se ofrece, compendio de todas las frustraciones, represiones y anhelos del hombre de los años 60; la ópera se convirtió en el compendio de todas las manifestaciones artísticas .

compendioso, -sa

compendioso, -sa adjetivo 1 Que está, se escribe o se dice en compendio .2 Que reúne o engloba resumidamente muchas cosas :la publicación reúne la más compendiosa doctrina cristiana en lengua castellana .

compenetración

compenetración nombre femenino Hecho de estar compenetradas dos o más personas o cosas :entre nosotros hay una gran compenetración; la compenetración de los complicados volúmenes de estas bóvedas requiere el empleo de arcos de doble curvatura .

compenetrarse

compenetrarse verbo pronominal 1 Llegar [dos personas ] a estar muy unidas y de acuerdo en sus ideas y gustos de manera que convivan o realicen cierta actividad en armonía :es un equipo que se ha compenetrado muy bien en el departamento; el secreto de nuestra buena relación es que nos hemos compenetrado desde el primer día .2 Llegar [cosas distintas ] a influirse de tal modo que puedan llegar a confundirse :su estética se compenetra íntimamente con el espíritu germánico .3 Penetrar [las partículas de una sustancia ] entre las de otra .

compensable

compensable adjetivo Que puede ser compensado :si una persona tuviere contra sí varias deudas compensables, se observará en el orden de la compensación lo dispuesto respecto a la imputación de pagos .ANTÓNIMO incompensable .

compensación

compensación nombre femenino 1 Acción de compensar .2 Efecto de compensar .3 biol Modificación que se produce en un órgano para compensar un defecto y mantener el equilibrio .4 der Modo de extinguir obligaciones que consiste en dar por pagada una deuda en cuantía igual a la de su crédito, que se da por cobrado .5 econ Intercambio entre bancos de cheques, letras u otros instrumentos de crédito que están en posesión de uno de ellos y aparecen girados contra otro, con liquidación periódica, ordinariamente cotidiana de los créditos y débitos recíprocos .6 econ Liquidación análoga a la anterior de los créditos y débitos recíprocos entre naciones, procedentes del comercio internacional, por medio de los bancos de emisión respectivos, o de organismos anejos . VÉASE cámara de compensación .

compensador, -ra

compensador, -ra adjetivo 1 Que compensa :en el sueño se ponen en juego dinamismos compensadores de la angustia .2 nombre masculino Péndulo de reloj cuya varilla se ha reemplazado por un armazón de barritas combinadas de modo que la longitud total no varíe cualquiera que sea la temperatura .

compensar

compensar verbo transitivo 1 Contrarrestar o equilibrar los efectos de una cosa con otra contraria :el plan contó con 12 000 millones de dólares, destinados a compensar el déficit de los países europeos afectados; está previsto compensar la escasez de agua con la construcción de nuevos diques .2 Dar una cosa o hacer un beneficio a una persona como reparación de un daño, perjuicio o molestia que se le ha causado :la organización ha creado un fondo para compensar económicamente a las víctimas; no hay nada que pueda compensar tal humillación .SINÓNIMO resarcir .3 verbo intransitivo Tener [una cosa ] suficiente importancia o utilidad para una persona como para que esta considere que merece la pena :me compensa quedarme a comer porque ahorro tiempo .

compensativo, -va

compensativo, -va adjetivo Compensatorio .

compensatorio, -ria

compensatorio, -ria adjetivo Que compensa o iguala :los resultados favorables contribuyen como elemento compensatorio a equilibrar la vida deportiva de cada competidor .SINÓNIMO compensador .

competencia

competencia nombre femenino 1 Disputa entre personas, animales o cosas que aspiran a un mismo objetivo o a la superioridad en algo :la competencia por mantener una audiencia hace que las telenovelas experimenten con diferentes tipos de inserción intertextual; no es un premio para revelación, sino un premio de coronación para expertos y hay demasiada competencia para que puedan ganarlo noveles .2 Capacidad para el desarrollo de algo :nunca hemos puesto en duda su competencia en esta labor .ANTÓNIMO incompetencia .3 Función, responsabilidad u obligación que compete o corresponde a alguien :el motivo de esta limitación económica es que algunas competencias de este área han sido asumidas en otros departamentos; el Tribunal declaró su falta de competencia para conocer de la presunta inconstitucionalidad de los fines perseguidos por un partido político .4 Conjunto de personas que compiten por algo, especialmente el de los competidores de un producto en el mercado libre :si nuestra calidad es mejor que la de la competencia, debemos promocionar nuestros productos basándonos en ella .5 Amér Competición :la competencia de la Copa Libertadores de América de fútbol la juegan los equipos campeones de cada país .6 biol Relación entre dos organismos que utilizan un mismo recurso, de modo que la ventaja de uno de ellos condiciona la supervivencia del otro .competencia lingüística ling Sistema de reglas asimilado por los hablantes y que constituye su saber lingüístico :las distintas partes del examen de idioma están encaminadas a valorar la competencia lingüística de los estudiantes; los interlocutores comparten la mayoría de las reglas que forman la competencia lingüística de cada uno .También simplemente competencia .

competencial

competencial adjetivo De la competencia o relacionado con ella :delimitación competencial; ámbito competencial; distribución competencial .

competente

competente adjetivo 1 Que es adecuado o suficiente para algo :poder competente; edad competente .2 Que es apto o adecuado para competir :su intención era convertir al sector industrial en competente y rentable .3 [persona ] Que tiene competencia o capacidad para el desarrollo de algo, especialmente para el trabajo intelectual :un profesor muy competente; un funcionario muy competente .ANTÓNIMO incompetente .4 Que es propio o característico de la persona competente o con capacidad para el desarrollo de algo :comenzaron a producirse estrenos de obras extranjeras esenciales del teatro europeo contemporáneo por parte de profesionales que supieron hacer un trabajo innovador y competente .5 [persona, organismo ] Que tiene una determinada competencia (función, responsabilidad u obligación ):autoridad competente; los órganos competentes del Tribunal de Justicia .

competentemente

competentemente adverbio 1 De manera competente :desempeñar competentemente una función .2 Con legítima facultad o aptitud :no estoy competentemente autorizado para responder .

competer

competer verbo intransitivo Corresponder a alguien [una determinada función ]:compete a los poderes públicos organizar y tutelar la salud pública a través de medidas preventivas y de las prestaciones y servicios necesarios .SINÓNIMO concernir, pertenecer .ETIMOLOGÍA Préstamo (s. xv ) del latín competere ‘ir al encuentro una cosa de otra ’, derivado de petere ‘dirigirse a ’, ‘pedir ’. Del mismo origen que competir (V.), se ha diferenciado de este al especializarse en el significado de ‘pertenecer, tocar, incumbir a ’. De la familia etimológica de pedir (V.).

competición

competición nombre femenino 1 Prueba o conjunto de pruebas en que una serie de contrincantes luchan por conseguir el triunfo, especialmente en materia de deportes y juegos :el gimnasta ruso ha demostrado su supremacía a lo largo de toda la competición .2 Enfrentamiento o rivalidad entre dos o más partes por conseguir una misma cosa :quiero demostrar lo que valgo sin entrar en competición con otros actores .

competidor, -ra

competidor, -ra adjetivo /nombre masculino y femenino Que compite con otros que aspiran a un mismo objetivo o a la superioridad en algo :campaña publicitaria competidora; la empresa no quiere que sus competidores conozcan su nuevo producto mientras no se lance al mercado .SINÓNIMO contrincante, rival .

competir

competir verbo intransitivo 1 Luchar entre sí [varias personas, animales o cosas que aspiran a un mismo objetivo o a la superioridad en algo ]:los corredores compiten por la medalla de oro; la radio empezó a competir con la prensa escrita por la primacía en la difusión de las noticias .SINÓNIMO contender, rivalizar .2 Estar [algo o alguien ] en condiciones de ser comparado con otros, por poseer una determinada cualidad en grado igual o semejante a estos :las dos mujeres competían en belleza; nuestros vinos son tan buenos que pueden competir en calidad y atractivo con los de Francia .SINÓNIMO rivalizar .ETIMOLOGÍA Préstamo (s. xv ) del latín competere ‘ir al encuentro una cosa de otra ’, derivado de petere ‘dirigirse a ’, ‘pedir ’. Del mismo origen que competer (V.), se ha diferenciado de este especializándose en el significado de ‘contender dos o más personas ’. De la familia etimológica de pedir (V.). Conjugación [34 ] como servir .

competitividad

competitividad nombre femenino 1 Capacidad para competir :durante estos años ha mejorado notablemente la competitividad de nuestros productos, porque son mejores y más baratos .2 Rivalidad o competencia intensa para conseguir un fin :la liga de fútbol se caracteriza por su competitividad; continuamente surgen competitividades y hostilidades que se mantienen más o menos larvadas .

competitivo, -va

competitivo, -va adjetivo 1 De la competición o que tiene relación con ella :destaca la flexibilidad con que todos se ajustan a los vaivenes competitivos .2 Que es capaz de competir con otros que aspiran a un mismo objetivo o a la superioridad en algo :nuestros productos tienen precios muy competitivos .3 [persona ] Que tiende a competir con otras personas para conseguir un fin, en especial para demostrar su superioridad con respecto a ellas .4 Que se caracteriza por la gran competencia que establece o genera :entorno competitivo; el competitivo mundo de los negocios; vivimos en una sociedad competitiva .

compilación

compilación nombre femenino 1 Acción de compilar .2 Obra en la que se recogen varios libros o documentos o partes de ellos :una compilación de poesía moderna; una compilación de artículos publicados .

compilador, -ra

compilador, -ra adjetivo 1 Que compila :labor compiladora .2 adjetivo /nombre masculino y femenino [persona ] Que compila :Juan participó en el proyecto como compilador de los textos que se citan .3 nombre masculino inform Programa que traduce los programas escritos en lenguajes de alto nivel a código máquina .

compilar

compilar verbo transitivo 1 Reunir en una misma obra partes o extractos procedentes de otros varios libros o documentos :en el año 1095, en Alcalá de Henares el presbítero Juliano compiló y copió a dos columnas la "Conciliorum collectio ", conjunto de acuerdos conciliares .2 inform Traducir con un compilador un programa en lenguaje de alto nivel a lenguaje de la máquina .

compilatorio, -ria

compilatorio, -ria adjetivo Que sirve para compilar .

compinche

compinche nombre común col. desp. Persona que es compañera o cómplice de otra, especialmente en acciones delictivas o censurables :el convicto delató a sus antiguos compinches a cambio de la libertad .

complacencia

complacencia nombre femenino 1 Satisfacción o placer con que se hace o se recibe algo :notaba en ella una sonrisa de complacencia; el abuelo miraba a sus nietos con complacencia; se había detenido en el umbral de toda edad y se diría envuelta en una especie de calma, de complacencia .2 Tolerancia excesiva :está en contra de los malos modales y la violencia en los toros, pero sí denuncia, con otros aficionados locales, lo que estima complacencia del actual público .

complacer

complacer verbo transitivo 1 Producir placer o satisfacción a una persona :la invitación que ahora me ofrece me complace profundamente; echados sobre el diván, con las caras muy juntas, tienen los ojos entornados mientras se complacen en pensar en nada o en casi nada .2 Satisfacer un deseo o petición de alguien :me complace en todos mis caprichos; me gustaría complacerte, pero no puedo .3 complacerse verbo pronominal Sentir placer o satisfacción por algo :nos complacemos en desvelar a ustedes el fabuloso secreto celosamente guardado durante siglos; los novios se complacen en anunciar su casamiento; amigo de las formas idealizadas, rehuye el realismo, y se complace en lo delicado, bello y gracioso, tanto en la pintura como en la escultura . Conjugación [42 ] como nacer .

complacido, -da

complacido, -da adjetivo Que siente complacencia o satisfacción :acepta complacido los halagos; ¡qué bien! , se decía complacido el señor Tortosa .

complaciente

complaciente adjetivo 1 Que pretende complacer o satisfacer los deseos de alguien .2 Que implica o denota complacencia :una sonrisa complaciente; una actitud complaciente .3 Que consiente las infidelidades de su pareja :un marido complaciente .4 Que siente excesiva satisfacción por algo o es excesivamente tolerante con algo :un público complaciente; el mundo que nos presenta es el de una sociedad autosatisfecha, segura y complaciente de su posición .5 Que causa complacencia :no dijo nada complaciente .

compleción

compleción nombre femenino Calidad o condición de completo :aquella destrucción no se llevaba a efecto con el rigor y la compleción debidos .

complejidad

complejidad nombre femenino 1 Cualidad de complejo :la complejidad de los trámites burocráticos; la complejidad del carácter de una persona .2 Aspecto o cosa compleja :en la obra analiza los contrastes, complejidades y condicionantes de la urbe moderna; aquí la introspección se transmuta en parábola casi bíblica, sin alardes de ficción ni complejidades visuales .

complejista

complejista adjetivo /nombre común Cuba [persona ] Que tiene complejos :Juan es complejista, no puede dejar de pensar en el tamaño de sus orejas .

complejo, -ja

complejo, -ja adjetivo 1 Que está compuesto de elementos diversos :sistema complejo; una orografía compleja; la maquinaria de la fábrica se mueve mediante un complejo engranaje; la oración compleja es la que está formada por dos o más proposiciones relacionadas por coordinación o subordinación; los números complejos se expresan mediante la suma de un número real y otro imaginario .2 Que es difícil de comprender o de resolver por estar compuesto de muchos aspectos :la compleja normativa laboral de la compañía fomenta la conflictividad; la compleja elaboración de los retablos registró un gran desarrollo durante el Barroco .SINÓNIMO complicado .3 nombre masculino Conjunto de varias cosas :un complejo de montes y valles .4 Conjunto de edificios o instalaciones agrupados en función de una actividad común :un complejo turístico; un complejo arquitectónico de valor artístico incalculable; el complejo de La Cartuja se concibió y ordenó para que se transformara después de la Exposición Universal en un centro de desarrollo tecnológico y económico, además de diversión .5 En psicología, conjunto de sentimientos inconscientes, adquiridos por experiencias vividas en la infancia, que influyen sobre la personalidad :complejo de inferioridad; complejo de frustración .complejo de Edipo En psicología, complejo de una persona, especialmente durante su niñez, por el que manifiesta un evidente sentimiento de amor hacia al padre del sexo contrario y un sentimiento de rivalidad hacia el padre del mismo sexo; se aplica más concretamente al del hombre, por el que manifiesta amor por su madre y rivalidad hacia su padre :el complejo de Edipo permite acceder al deseo únicamente a través de la represión: es a través de una falta como se instituye el deseo .complejo de Electra En psicología, complejo por el que una mujer, durante su niñez, manifiesta amor por su padre y rivalidad hacia su madre .6 coloquial Creencia de un individuo de que posee un defecto o una virtud que le hace inferior o distinto frente a los demás, y que manifiesta, normalmente, mediante una actitud de inseguridad :tener complejo de gordo; tener complejo de intelectual; la adolescencia se caracteriza por el afloramiento de muchos complejos: ser gordo, ser feo, tener acné … VÉASE número complejo; oración compleja .

complementación

complementación nombre femenino 1 Acción de complementar :pretendemos desarrollar este tema en una futura ampliación y complementación del presente libro .2 Efecto de complementar :una posible manera de leer este trabajo es como continuación o complementación de su trabajo anterior .

complementar

complementar verbo transitivo 1 Añadir un complemento a una cosa para hacerla mejor, más completa, efectiva o perfecta :en algunas publicaciones complementan las fotografías de actualidad con un texto explicativo llamado pie de foto o epígrafe; afirmó que sería conveniente complementar las enseñanzas del instituto con una actividad investigadora; la arquitectura necesita complementarse con la ingeniería para escoger adecuadamente la forma, la geometría, los materiales .SINÓNIMO completar .2 Servir [una cosa o una persona ] de complemento a otra :la imaginación no se opone a la memoria, sino que la complementa estupendamente; el turismo supone un ingreso que complementa los escasos rendimientos de la agricultura o la ganadería en algunas regiones del sur; los grandes picos nevados de la cordillera complementan la belleza del paisaje .3 ling Completar o delimitar el significado de uno o varios componentes de la oración :la función de complemento predicativo es la que desempeña un adjetivo que complementa simultáneamente a un verbo y a un nombre del sujeto o del objeto directo de la oración .4 complementarse verbo pronominal Combinarse [dos cosas diferentes ] de manera que el efecto resultante sea mejor, más completo, efectivo o perfecto que el de cada una por separado :la tragedia y la comedia, con sus características tan diferentes, se complementaban; ambas facetas de su arte se complementan, se completan una a la otra .

complementariedad

complementariedad nombre femenino Conjunto de características que hacen que una cosa complemente otra :la complementariedad de dos teorías científicas .

complementario, -ria

complementario, -ria adjetivo Que complementa o sirve de complemento :el centro ofrece actividades extraescolares y complementarias; la economía se basaba en la agricultura y en la ganadería, con algunas actividades artesanales complementarias; las oficinas disponen de un conjunto de instalaciones complementarias . VÉASE arco complementario; color complementario; ángulo complementario .

complemento

complemento nombre masculino 1 Cosa que se añade a otra para hacerla mejor, más completa, efectiva o perfecta :complemento vitamínico; la utilización de las ilustraciones surge como complemento aclaratorio del texto; la explotación forestal ha sido un complemento muy favorable en la economía rural; (fig ) este jugador será un buen complemento para la estrella del equipo .2 Cosa no considerada básica que se añade a otra para hacerla más variada o agradable :complementos de moda; en la sección de complementos encontrará bolsos, cinturones y sombreros; ahora compraremos cuatro muebles y dejaremos las cortinas, jarrones y demás complementos para más adelante; un buen vino fue el perfecto complemento de la cena .3 Pago que se añade al sueldo base por determinados conceptos :complemento por peligrosidad; su sueldo líquido se sitúa, con esta asignación y otros complementos, en unos 1 500 pesos al mes .4 Parte de una oración gramatical que completa o delimita el significado de uno de sus componentes, del cual depende sintácticamente .complemento circunstancial Complemento verbal que da información sobre el lugar, tiempo, modo u otras circunstancias :en la oración ‘ayer recibí una carta ’, ‘ayer ’ es un complemento circunstancial de tiempo .También simplemente circunstancial .complemento de nombre ling Complemento que completa o delimita el significado del nombre al que acompaña :en ‘la casa de mi padre ’, ‘de mi padre ’ es un complemento de nombre .complemento directo Complemento verbal de un verbo transitivo que expresa la cosa o persona que recibe la acción verbal :en la oración ‘los novios han invitado a sus amigos,’ ‘a sus amigos ’ es el complemento directo .SINÓNIMO objeto directo .complemento indirecto Complemento verbal de un verbo transitivo o intransitivo que expresa el destinatario o beneficiario de la acción :en la oración ‘escribí una carta a María ’, ‘a María ’ es el complemento indirecto .SINÓNIMO objeto indirecto .complemento verbal ling Complemento que completa o delimita el significado de un verbo del que depende sintácticamente .5 Ángulo que sumado con otro completa uno recto .6 Arco que sumado con otro completa uno de 90 °.de complemento [escala militar ] Que está constituida por militares no profesionales o apartados del servicio activo que pueden ser llamados a filas cuando se estime conveniente :suboficial de complemento; los universitarios pueden hacer milicias universitarias y obtener el grado de alférez de complemento .

completar

completar verbo transitivo 1 Hacer que algo esté o sea completo :completar la serie ordenada de números; visitarán Venezuela, completando así un recorrido que les ha llevado por casi toda Latinoamérica; un hijo vino a completar nuestra felicidad .2 Añadir una cosa a otra para formar un todo :una ciudadela fortificada completaba las defensas de la ciudad .

completas

completas nombre femenino plural Parte del oficio religioso que se celebra por la noche, después del de vísperas y antes de retirarse a dormir, y que constituye una de las horas canónicas .

completivo, -va

completivo, -va adjetivo /nombre femenino [proposición, oración subordinada ] Que desempeña la función acusativa o de complemento directo :las completivas suelen ir introducidas por las conjunciones ‘que ’, ‘si ’ y ‘como ’.

completo, -ta

completo, -ta adjetivo 1 [cosa ] Que tiene todas las partes, elementos o fases que lo componen habitualmente :un proceso completo; un puzzle completo; cuarto de baño completo .2 Que cumple todos los requisitos para ser perfecto :un amor completo .SINÓNIMO pleno .3 Se usa, aplicado a ciertas cualidades, circunstancias o sucesos, para indicar que estos se dan plenamente, en todos los aspectos :un completo fracaso; un completo desastre; el programa ha obtenido un completo éxito de audiencia; hubo un entendimiento completo entre él y yo .SINÓNIMO absoluto, total .4 [sala de espectáculos, hotel ] Que tiene todas las plazas ocupadas :la sala de actos estaba completa; todos los hoteles de la ciudad y de los alrededores están completos .5 adjetivo /nombre masculino [servicio de prostituta ] Que incluye el coito .6 nombre masculino Conjunto de café, copa y puro .7 Asistencia de todos los miembros de un colectivo :el lunes, tras las vacaciones de verano, hubo completo en el parlamento .8 Chile Pequeño pan con una salchicha dentro y untado con mostaza .SINÓNIMO frankfurt, hot dog, panchito, pancho, perro caliente .9 adverbio Venez De modo total o absoluto :pasé mala noche, sin poderme dormir completo .al completo Sin faltar nadie :con el equipo ya más o menos casi al completo, tendremos opciones para ganar la copa .por completo En todos los aspectos :prescindiremos por completo, deliberadamente, de los antiguos conflictos dinásticos . VÉASE a tiempo completo; metamorfosis completa; obra completa; pensión completa .

complexión

complexión nombre femenino 1 Conjunto de caracteres o rasgos que configuran la estructura corporal de un individuo :el desaparecido mide aproximadamente un metro y setenta centímetros, es de complexión fuerte, moreno, pelo negro algo canoso y ondulado, bigote y ojos negros .SINÓNIMO constitución .2 lit Figura retórica de construcción que consiste en empezar con una misma palabra y en acabar igualmente con otra misma palabra dos o más cláusulas o miembros del período .

complicación

complicación nombre femenino 1 Acción de complicar o complicarse :estas obras revelan un enorme grado de complicación .2 Cosa o problema que complica algo o a alguien :hemos superado las complicaciones y el proceso se ha acabado satisfactoriamente .3 Cualidad de lo que es complicado :la complicación de las formas barrocas .4 med Fenómeno que sobreviene en el curso habitual de una enfermedad y que la agrava :si no surgen complicaciones en el estado del paciente, se le dará el alta médica mañana .

complicado, -da

complicado, -da adjetivo 1 Que es difícil de comprender o de resolver por estar compuesto de muchos aspectos :un problema muy complicado; una película realmente complicada .SINÓNIMO complejo .2 Que está compuesto de muchas partes o elementos :la complicada distribución interna de la Alhambra obedeció al interés de los monarcas en disponer de dependencias para llevar a cabo con comodidad sus obligaciones civiles, políticas, religiosas, militares y familiares; las brújulas actuales (más complicadas y completas ) tienen el mismo fundamento que la utilizada por Colón .3 [persona ] Que, por su carácter nervioso, descontento, rebelde, etc. , debe ser tratado con habilidad, inteligencia y esfuerzo .SINÓNIMO difícil .4 Que es propio o característico de la persona complicada :los padres se quejaban de que su hijo tenía un carácter complicado e introvertido . VÉASE metamorfosis complicada .

complicar

complicar verbo transitivo 1 Hacer una cosa complicada o difícil de comprender o resolver :alargaba la ruta y la complicaba a propósito; esta fórmula complica los cálculos en lugar de facilitarlos ;el partido acabó por complicarse .ANTÓNIMO facilitar .2 Hacer que una cosa pierda sencillez o claridad introduciendo muchos elementos nuevos, alterando su orden lógico, etc. :en el Barroco los artistas complican las formas del Renacimiento; los versos se complican con continuos ejercicios barrocos, con metáforas y neologismos ;el material que utilizábamos era muy sensible con lo que se complicaban más las cosas .3 Comprometer en un asunto a alguien :las investigaciones han conducido a pensar que el famoso aristócrata estaba complicado en el asesinato .4 Añadir problemas innecesarios a una persona que está haciendo algo difícil o que le cuesta resolver :en lugar de ayudarme, me complicas más . VÉASE complicar la vida . ETIMOLOGÍA Préstamo (s. xvi ) del latín complicare ‘plegar, arrollar, enroscar ’, derivado de plicare ‘doblar ’. De la familia etimológica de plegar (V.). Conjugación [1 ] como sacar .

cómplice

cómplice adjetivo 1 Que pone de manifiesto una relación de complicidad :el presidente de la cámara denunció el silencio cómplice del partido que no condenó la acción terrorista .2 nombre común Persona que ayuda a cometer un delito sin tomar parte en su ejecución material o que participa en él junto con otras personas :los cómplices de un asesinato también son condenados; la policía sospecha que los ladrones contaban con un cómplice dentro del banco .3 Persona que participa con otra en una acción o mantiene con ella una relación secreta de acuerdo o cooperación :su gran amistad la ha convertido en su cómplice y confesora .

complicidad

complicidad nombre femenino 1 Participación de una persona junto con otras en la comisión de un delito o colaboración en él sin tomar parte en su ejecución material :la complicidad de los dos acusados quedó demostrada en el juicio .2 Relación que se establece entre las personas que participan en profundidad o con coincidencia en una acción :toda la obra se fundamenta en la complicidad entre el espectador y el personaje .

complot

complot nombre masculino Acuerdo secreto para hacer algo, especialmente si es ilícito o perjudicial para otro :el nuevo intendente está empeñado en desvelar complots de la extrema derecha y las redes del narcotráfico .El plural es complots .

complutense

complutense adjetivo 1 Relativo a Alcalá de Henares, localidad española, o a sus habitantes .2 adjetivo /nombre común [persona ] Que es de Alcalá de Henares .

compluvio

compluvio nombre masculino Abertura en el tejado de las antiguas casas romanas que servía para dar luz y recoger el agua de la lluvia .

compón

compón nombre masculino En heráldica, cuadrado de esmalte alternado que cubre el fondo de cualquier figura o mueble del escudo .

componedor, -ra

componedor, -ra nombre masculino y femenino 1 Persona que compone .2 nombre masculino Regla con un borde a lo largo y un tope en uno de los extremos en la que el tipógrafo coloca las letras y los signos que en la imprenta componen un renglón .3 nombre masculino y femenino ASur Persona diestra en tratar dislocaciones de huesos .amigable componedor der Persona cuya decisión o sentencia se han comprometido a cumplir las partes interesadas en una divergencia o litigio .

componedora

componedora nombre femenino Máquina de componer .

componenda

componenda nombre femenino Solución o arreglo incompleto o provisional de un asunto, especialmente el censurable o de carácter inmoral acordado entre varias personas :había sido víctima de alguna extraña componenda que un día posiblemente pueda descubrirse .

componente

componente adjetivo /nombre masculino 1 [cosa ] Que compone, junto con otros elementos, un todo :la fruta y la verdura fresca son los componentes esenciales de una dieta saludable; el estudio de las principales partidas componentes del activo nos muestra cómo emplea la Banca la totalidad de sus recursos propios y ajenos .SINÓNIMO formante .2 nombre común Persona que forma parte de un grupo :es conveniente que los componentes de un equipo de fútbol se entiendan bien entre ellos .

componer

componer verbo transitivo 1 Formar una cosa combinando adecuadamente sus diversas partes :componer un rompecabezas; estuvo toda la mañana recogiendo flores para componer un ramo .2 verbo transitivo /verbo intransitivo Escribir una obra original musical, literaria o científica :componer poesía; ha compuesto un bello poema; algunos músicos no componen, solo tocan .3 verbo transitivo Ser [determinadas cosas o personas ] las partes o elementos de cierta cosa :las dos hijas del famoso actor componen el dúo musical más joven de este país; vamos a estudiar los huesos que componen el esqueleto humano ;la junta se compone de cinco miembros; el agua se compone de oxígeno e hidrógeno .SINÓNIMO constituir, formar, integrar .4 Ordenar o reparar una cosa :fue mozo de cuadra auxiliar del veterinario local, donde aprendió a reducir luxaciones y componer huesos; ¡se componen pucheros y cacerolas de porcelana! ; (fig ) la música compone los ánimos; (fig ) la purificación tiene sentido a través de la nueva acción, dirigida a componer los negativos efectos provocados por la acción anterior .5 Preparar un texto juntando los caracteres tipográficos y formando palabras, líneas y planas :la técnica de componer e imprimir libros no varió sustancialmente hasta el siglo xix; la primera máquina de componer fue creada en 1840 .6 Adornar, arreglar o acicalar a una persona o cosa :compónte antes de salir, que estás hecho un adefesio; la novia se está componiendo; componer el salón; componer la casa para la fiesta .7 Condimentar o aliñar una comida, especialmente una ensalada :para comer, solo falta componer las lentejas .8 ASur Colocar en su lugar los huesos dislocados de una persona o un animal .9 componerse verbo pronominal Arg, Méx, Urug Mejorarse [una persona ] tras haber estado enferma o haber padecido algún malestar :hace dos semanas que estoy mal de la garganta y no termino de componerme; (fig ) solamente se compuso de sus penas después que pasó mucho tiempo .componérselas coloquial Encontrar la manera de salir de un apuro o de conseguir un fin utilizando el ingenio :si tiene un problema, que se las componga como pueda .SINÓNIMO apañárselas, arreglárselas . Conjugación [78 ] como poner .

comporta

comporta nombre femenino Canasta que se utiliza para transportar las uvas en la vendimia .

comportamiento

comportamiento nombre masculino 1 Manera de comportarse una persona en una situación determinada o en general :normas de comportamiento social; pautas de comportamiento; siempre tuvo un buen comportamiento en clase .SINÓNIMO conducta .2 Manera de funcionar una cosa en una situación determinada :del buen diseño depende el correcto comportamiento del automóvil en cualquier circunstancia .

comportar

comportar verbo transitivo 1 Llevar consigo o significar una consecuencia o efecto :el beneficio no comporta los gastos de transporte; este negocio no te ha comportado ningún riesgo; la nueva concepción de la cultura comporta un cambio en la actitud artística; cortar leña, acarrear agua, levantar piedras, recolectar frutos silvestres comportaba un desgaste energético muy alto y una capacidad de resistencia y trabajo motriz excepcional .SINÓNIMO conllevar, implicar .2 comportarse verbo pronominal Actuar [una persona ], en general o en una situación determinada, de la manera que se expresa :el alumno se comporta bien; se comportó conmigo muy correctamente; actuar de forma educada .SINÓNIMO portarse .3 comportarse Actuar educada y correctamente :cuando le presentas a alguien sabe comportarse .4 comportarse Funcionar o actuar [cierta cosa ] en una situación determinada :debes vigilar cómo se comporta el vehículo en bajada .

composición

composición nombre femenino 1 Formación de un todo o un conjunto unificado uniendo con cierto orden una serie de elementos :el entrenador es el encargado de la composición del equipo .2 Conjunto de elementos ordenados :el entrenador ha realizado algunos cambios en la composición del equipo .3 Clase y número de los elementos presentes en una sustancia compuesta y proporción en que se hallan :la composición de un medicamento; la composición de una roca .4 Creación de una obra científica, literaria o musical .5 Obra científica, literaria o musical :composición poética; este concierto es una de sus primeras composiciones .6 Parte de la música que enseña el arte de componer o escribir obras musicales :estudia piano y composición .7 Manera en que están dispuestas las figuras representadas en una fotografía, pintura o escultura :la composición de este cuadro es muy original .8 Ejercicio de redacción que hacen los alumnos como tarea escolar para mejorar sus habilidades en el lenguaje escrito .9 Procedimiento morfológico de formación de palabras mediante la unión de dos o más palabras que ya existen en la lengua :la palabra ‘sacacorchos ’ se ha formado por composición de ‘sacar ’ y ‘corcho ’.10 En artes gráficas, conjunto de líneas compuestas que forman el texto de una galerada o una página antes de la impresión :la composición de ese libro está en galeradas y hay que corregirla .hacer (o hacerse ) una composición de lugar Pensar detenidamente en las circunstancias que rodean a un asunto y hacer un proyecto para ejecutarlo :antes de decidirme, debo hacerme una composición de lugar .

composicional

composicional adjetivo De la composición o relacionado con ella :tipologías composicionales; en este tipo de filmes no es necesaria una lógica composicional ni argumental .

composite

composite nombre masculino Material muy resistente constituido por fibras de vidrio, de carbono, de boro o de cerámica que se emplea principalmente en la industria aeronáutica y espacial, en la fabricación de material deportivo, como raquetas y esquíes, y de prótesis dentales .

compositivo, -va

compositivo, -va adjetivo 1 De la composición o relacionado con ella :métodos compositivos; el novelista retomaba la obra con absoluta libertad compositiva; el panorama compositivo colombiano .2 Que compone un todo formado por partes .3 [afijo, elemento ] Que forma palabras compuestas :muchas raíces griegas son utilizadas como elementos compositivos .

compositor, -ra

compositor, -ra nombre masculino y femenino Autor de una obra musical o persona que compone obras musicales, en especial si se dedica a ello profesionalmente :Falla, Granados y Albéniz son grandes compositores españoles .

compost

compost nombre masculino Fertilizante compuesto de residuos orgánicos (desechos domésticos, hierbas, deyecciones animales, etc. ), tierra y cal .

compostaje

compostaje nombre masculino Materia orgánica procedente de residuos agrícolas y de la jardinería tratados para acelerar su descomposición y ser utilizados como fertilizante .

compostelano, -na

compostelano, -na adjetivo 1 Relativo a Santiago de Compostela, ciudad de España, o a sus habitantes .SINÓNIMO santiagués .2 adjetivo /nombre masculino y femenino [persona ] Que es de Santiago de Compostela .

compostura

compostura nombre femenino 1 formal Acción de componer :la Celestina se dedica a la compostura de virgos rotos .2 Aspecto aseado y arreglado de una persona o una cosa :todavía por la cuesta arriba, las casas de aquella calle central tenían una cierta compostura; la compostura de nuestro atuendo resultaba una protesta tácita e impremeditada contra el desorden vestimentario que prevalecía; se asoma al jardín donde solamente el romero mantiene su compostura .3 Moderación, comedimiento y respeto al hablar o al actuar :traté de mantener la compostura, pero me estaba poniendo muy nervioso; los acogió con la camaradería sincera de los que pierden la compostura aireando la superioridad de cada una de las cosas del terruño .

compota

compota nombre femenino Conserva dulce que se elabora hirviendo fruta, entera o troceada, en agua y con una cantidad de azúcar menor que la que se utiliza en la preparación de la mermelada; en ocasiones se toma como postre :a la compota de manzana del relleno le añado corteza de limón y de canela .ETIMOLOGÍA Préstamo (s. xix ) del francés compote ‘compuesta ’, ‘compota ’ y este del latín composita ‘dispuesta convenientemente ’, participio de componere ‘poner juntamente ’ (en este caso, los distintos ingredientes ). De la familia etimológica de poner (V.).

compotera

compotera nombre femenino Recipiente en el que se guarda o se sirve compota, mermelada, etc :compotera de vidrio .

compra

compra nombre femenino 1 Acción de comprar :salir de compras; la compra de la primera vivienda .2 Cosa que se compra :una buena compra; me senté sobre la cama y examiné las compras de Raquel .3 Conjunto de productos que se adquieren para el consumo habitual de una casa :la compra de la semana; acaba de llegar con la compra . VÉASE cesta de la compra .

comprado

comprado nombre masculino 1 Juego de naipes entre cuatro jugadores, con ocho naipes cada uno, y en el que los ocho que restan se rematan en el que da más .2 Ecuad coloquial Conjunto de comestibles que se adquieren en una tienda o mercado :hemos de ir temprano a traer los comprados .Se usa también en plural con el mismo significado .SINÓNIMO compra .

comprador, -ra

comprador, -ra adjetivo /nombre masculino y femenino [persona ] Que compra :en este caso es la parte compradora la que debe pagar la escritura; tenemos dos compradores para su casa .

comprar

comprar verbo transitivo 1 Adquirir una cosa a cambio de dinero :comprar tierras; compró los derechos para la retransmisión del concierto; en ocasiones, la decisión de separarse de la villa partió de los propios pueblos, que compraron su autogobierno al rey .2 Entregar dinero u otra recompensa a una persona para conseguir de ella favores o beneficios, pidiéndole que haga algo que es ilícito o indigno .SINÓNIMO sobornar .

compraventa

compraventa nombre femenino Actividad de la persona que se dedica a comprar cosas, generalmente objetos usados, para revenderlas posteriormente :un negocio de compraventa de libros . VÉASE contrato de compraventa .

comprehender

comprehender verbo transitivo filos Comprender (contener o incluir ).

comprehensión

comprehensión nombre femenino filos Comprensión .

comprender

comprender verbo transitivo 1 Percibir y tener una idea clara de lo que se dice, se hace o sucede o descubrir el sentido profundo de algo :yo no comprendo sus intenciones; solamente el hombre es capaz de comprender la naturaleza; intenta comprender el auténtico misterio de la muerte .SINÓNIMO entender .2 Considerar explicable, justo o razonable un hecho, un sentimiento, etc. , o tener buena voluntad hacia algo o alguien :comprenda mi duda y mi inquietud .SINÓNIMO entender .3 Contener o incluir [una cosa ] dentro de sí lo que se expresa :se busca una Europa unida que también comprenda a los países del Este en todos los aspectos .SINÓNIMO abarcar .4 comprenderse verbo pronominal Avenirse o llevarse bien [dos o más personas ]:se comprenden muy bien .ETIMOLOGÍA Voz patrimonial del latín comprehendere ‘abarcar ’, ‘coger ’, y en el sentido de ‘coger intelectualmente ’, de donde ‘entender ’. De la familia etimológica de prender (V.).

comprensibilidad

comprensibilidad nombre femenino Cualidad de lo que es comprensible :la comprensibilidad de un escrito depende en buena medida de la claridad de la redacción .ANTÓNIMO incomprensibilidad .

comprensible

comprensible adjetivo Que puede ser comprendido :comprensible al entendimiento; comprensible para todos; un fenómeno comprensible; hablar un lenguaje comprensible .ANTÓNIMO incomprensible .

comprensión

comprensión nombre femenino 1 Acción de comprender :una tipografía clara facilita la comprensión del texto; en la comprensión de un hecho pueden influir de forma decisiva la edad, la cultura, las vivencias personales u otros muchos factores .2 Facultad del ser humano o facilidad para percibir las cosas y tener una idea clara de ellas .3 Actitud tolerante y respetuosa hacia los sentimientos o actos de otras personas :le expliqué lo sucedido y mostró una gran comprensión .4 En lógica, contenido o conjunto de rasgos de un concepto :cuanto mayor comprensión tiene un concepto, menor es su extensión; ‘montevideano ’ tiene mayor comprensión que ‘uruguayo ’.5 filos Modo de aprehensión de los objetos de las ciencias del espíritu frente a la explicación, que es el modo de aprehensión de los objetos de las ciencias naturales .ANTÓNIMO explicación .

comprensivo, -va

comprensivo, -va adjetivo 1 Que comprende, contiene o incluye dentro de sí varias cosas :precio comprensivo de todos los impuestos; un estudio comprensivo de la sociedad actual y del mundo en que vivimos .2 [persona ] Que es capaz de comprender los actos o sentimientos de los demás y de ser tolerante con ellos :es un hombre muy comprensivo; se muestra comprensivo con el delincuente .ANTÓNIMO incomprensivo .3 Que es propio o característico de las personas comprensivas :una mirada comprensiva; una actitud integradora, comprensiva y propicia a la negociación .4 filos De la comprensión o relacionado con ella .

compresa

compresa nombre femenino 1 Trozo de tela, de algodón u otro material absorbente, generalmente esterilizado, que se dobla dos o más veces y se usa para cubrir heridas, contener hemorragias o aplicar frío, calor o un medicamento :consiguió bajarle la fiebre con la aplicación de compresas de agua fría .2 Tira desechable de celulosa, o material semejante, que sirve para absorber secreciones del cuerpo humano, principalmente el flujo menstrual de la mujer .También compresa higiénica .

compresibilidad

compresibilidad nombre femenino Cualidad de lo que es compresible :la compresibilidad es una propiedad característica de los gases .ANTÓNIMO incompresibilidad .

compresible

compresible adjetivo Que puede ser comprimido .ANTÓNIMO incompresible .

compresión

compresión nombre femenino 1 Acción de comprimir o comprimirse :el sonido es una onda mecánica, no se propaga en el vacío y es longitudinal, pues se transmite por medio de compresiones y dilataciones .2 Efecto de comprimir o comprimirse :el paciente presenta un cuadro de compresión vertebral radicular con desplazamiento óseo .3 Disminución del volumen por efecto de la presión .4 Presión que alcanza la mezcla en el cilindro de un motor antes de que se produzca la explosión .

compresivo, -va

compresivo, -va adjetivo Que sirve para comprimir :venda compresiva .

compresor, -ra

compresor, -ra adjetivo 1 Que comprime o sirve para comprimir .2 nombre masculino Aparato que sirve para reducir a menor volumen un líquido o un gas por medio de la presión :un compresor de aire .

comprimido, -da

comprimido, -da nombre masculino 1 Medicamento en forma de pastilla o gragea que se obtiene por compresión de sus ingredientes reducidos a polvo :el médico me ha recetado unos comprimidos para el dolor de estómago .2 adjetivo biol Que es estrecho en el plano lateral, como ocurre en ciertos peces como el lenguado .

comprimir

comprimir verbo transitivo 1 Hacer que una cosa, mediante presión, ocupe menos espacio :los sedimentos del geosinclinal se pliegan por el empuje, que los comprime .2 Contener la fuerza o la violencia de una cosa, en especial de un sentimiento :en su infancia comprimieron su cuerpo, su corazón y su espíritu bajo un arnés de principios y prohibiciones .SINÓNIMO frenar, reprimir .3 inform Reducir la extensión de datos informáticos por medio de codificación sin perder información :comprimir archivos; antes de enviarme los ficheros por mail, comprímelos .ANTÓNIMO descomprimir . VÉASE aire comprimido .

comprobable

comprobable adjetivo Que puede ser comprobado :los beneficios del ejercicio para el corazón son comprobables; el resultado de las elecciones era el natural reflejo de una realidad sociológicamente comprobable .

comprobación

comprobación nombre femenino 1 Acción de comprobar :abandonamos todo prejuicio y queremos proceder a una comprobación empírica .2 Efecto de comprobar :sus comprobaciones corroboran aquella evidencia; para tío Andrés no servían evidencias ni contaban comprobaciones, que rechazaba pronto, y reconstruía los hechos a la manera de su capricho .

comprobante

comprobante adjetivo /nombre común 1 Que comprueba .2 nombre masculino Documento en el que queda constancia de la realización de algo, particularmente de haber efectuado un pago, cobro, entrega, compra, etc. :el comprobante puede ser un ticket electrónico o un vale manual .SINÓNIMO justificante .

comprobar

comprobar verbo transitivo 1 Pasar a tener la certeza de la veracidad de una suposición, un dato o un resultado obtenido anteriormente mediante demostración o pruebas que los acreditan como ciertos :prefirió quedarse quieto, sin querer comprobar aún la verosimilitud de una punzante sospecha; le complació comprobar que, cincuenta años después de ser rodada, el público todavía se quedaba boquiabierto con la escena del corte del ojo .2 Pasar a tener la certeza de que algo es como tiene que ser mediante demostración o pruebas ¿has comprobado si funciona bien el automóvil? ; me falta comprobar si el juego tiene todas las piezas . Conjugación [31 ] como contar .

comprobatorio, -ria

comprobatorio, -ria adjetivo Que comprueba o sirve para comprobar :dato comprobatorio .

comprometedor, -ra

comprometedor, -ra adjetivo /nombre masculino y femenino Que compromete ¿quién puede creer que ese papel, ahí exhibido, será la comprometedora carta que tanto anhela recuperar?

comprometer

comprometer verbo transitivo 1 Poner a una persona o una cosa en una situación difícil, incómoda o delicada :comprometer los intereses de la nación; comprometer al príncipe; esto compromete gravemente mis intereses .2 Hacer que alguien aparezca como implicado en un delito o hecho reprobable :comprometer a alguien en una estafa .3 Hacer [una cosa o una persona ] que alguien contraiga determinada obligación :esto me compromete a pagar .4 Acordar formalmente la realización de una cosa, especialmente una operación comercial .5 comprometerse verbo pronominal Contraer una obligación :ciertas marcas esponsorizan a los deportistas que se comprometan a utilizar la ropa, el calzado, la bebida o los complementos deportivos que comercializa la firma en cuestión; nos comprometemos en la defensa y desarrollo de nuestro estatuto .6 comprometerse Establecer [una persona ] relaciones amorosas formales con otra .7 comprometerse Tomar partido por una ideología política o social y actuar en consecuencia :según Saramago, es imposible que un escritor no se comprometa .ETIMOLOGÍA Derivado de prometer (V.). De la familia etimológica de meter (V.).

comprometido, -da

comprometido, -da adjetivo 1 [situación ] Que es difícil, peligroso o delicado .2 [persona ] Que asume un compromiso de carácter ético en lo político o lo social :autores comprometidos .3 [obra artística ] Que se centra en la crítica o denuncia social :literatura comprometida; poesía comprometida .

comprometimiento

comprometimiento nombre masculino Acción de comprometer o comprometerse .

compromisario, -ria

compromisario, -ria adjetivo /nombre masculino y femenino 1 [persona ] Que ha sido delegado por alguien para concertar, resolver o efectuar una cosa :debe existir una asamblea compuesta por el conjunto de los miembros que actúan directamente o por medio de compromisarios .2 nombre masculino y femenino Persona por quien los electores se hacen representar para una elección :numerosos compromisarios de toda Europa acuden hoy a la ciudad para participar en el congreso .

compromiso

compromiso nombre masculino 1 Obligación contraída por una persona que se compromete o es comprometida a algo :lo siento, no puedo ir esta noche porque tengo un compromiso ineludible; siente la imperiosa necesidad de eludir cualquier compromiso con la realidad o con los demás, esquivando siempre el dolor psíquico, la ansiedad o la frustración .2 Acuerdo formal al que llegan dos o más partes tras hacer ciertas concesiones cada una de ellas :el compromiso militar de respetar el alto el fuego formulado ayer, está en contradicción con un nuevo comunicado difundido este mediodía, que volvía a amenazar con una guerra total .3 Situación difícil, incómoda o delicada :si me pides esto me pones en un compromiso porque todavía no tengo tanta confianza con él .4 Relación amorosa formal que mantienen dos personas :las normas sociales establecen que el compromiso debe anunciarse cuando ya se sepa la fecha de la boda; cuando lo conocí no tenía compromiso alguno, ni novia, ni nada parecido .de compromiso i [obra artística ] Que se centra en la crítica o denuncia social .SINÓNIMO comprometido .ii [persona invitada ] Que no es de confianza y debe ser tratado con esmero :tiene unas visitas de compromiso .iii [solución, respuesta ] Que, sin ser completamente satisfactorio, es correcto :la solución de compromiso entre posturas antagónicas fue una eucaristía estrictamente formal, reduciendo a mero símbolo el ayuno y, algo más tarde, reservando el vino para el ministro .sin compromiso Sin tener que contraer obligación :puedes tomar lo que quieras de casa, sin compromiso; le hacemos el presupuesto sin compromiso .

compromisorio, -ria

compromisorio, -ria adjetivo der Del compromiso o relacionado con él :cláusula compromisoria .

comprueba

comprueba nombre femenino Prueba de un texto ya corregido que sirve para ver si en las siguientes se han hecho las correcciones indicadas .

compuerta

compuerta nombre femenino 1 Portón de gruesos tablones, encajado por ambos lados en una ranura a lo largo de la cual puede deslizarse; sirve en los canales o esclusas fluviales para graduar o cortar el paso del agua .2 Media puerta que solo cierra la parte inferior de ciertas entradas, para impedir el paso libre de personas y animales y no interceptar la luz del día .

compuesto, -ta

compuesto, -ta participio 1 Participio irregular de componer . También se utiliza como adjetivo :el músico ha compuesto una sinfonía; la mezcla, compuesta de muchas cosas, resultaba agradable .2 adjetivo [persona ] Que va muy arreglada .3 [tiempo verbal ] Que está formado por un verbo auxiliar conjugado y el participio pasado del verbo que se conjuga :el pretérito pasado o el pluscuamperfecto son tiempos compuestos .4 adjetivo /nombre masculino [palabra ] Que está formada por la unión de dos o más palabras que ya existían en la lengua :‘sacapuntas ’ y ‘lavaplatos ’ son compuestos .5 adjetivo /nombre femenino [planta ] Que posee flores pequeñas agrupadas entre sí, de manera que parecen formar una sola flor :el girasol y la margarita son plantas compuestas .6 nombre masculino Mezcla o unión de cosas distintas que componen un todo :compuesto farmacéutico; compuesto orgánico .7 Sustancia que se forma combinando dos o más elementos en una proporción fija :la sal es un compuesto de cloro y sodio .8 Cuba Bebida que resulta de la mezcla de un jugo o zumo de fruta y una bebida alcohólica .9 adjetivo /nombre femenino bot [planta ] Que pertenece a la familia de las compuestas .10 compuestas nombre femenino plural bot Familia de plantas dicotiledóneas (hierbas, arbustos y árboles ) de hojas simples o sencillas y flores agrupadas en capítulos compactos, cada uno de los cuales parece a su vez una única flor :la lechuga, el cardo y la dalia pertenecen a las compuestas . VÉASE condicional compuesto; flor compuesta; hoja compuesta; oración compuesta; orden compuesto; pienso compuesto; pretérito perfecto compuesto; quedarse compuesto y sin novia .

compulsa

compulsa nombre femenino Copia oficial de un documento, escritura, testamento, etc. , que se coteja con el original, generalmente guardado en un registro .

compulsación

compulsación nombre femenino Acción de compulsar .

compulsar

compulsar verbo transitivo 1 der Sacar una compulsa de un documento, escritura, testamento, etc .2 Comparar una copia con el documento original para comprobar su autenticidad :también allí estaban los encargados de compulsar las copias, antes de autorizarlas .3 Poner un sello de una entidad oficial en la copia de un documento como prueba de que se corresponde con el original :tienes que llevar las fotocopias de tu expediente a la secretaría para que te las compulsen .

compulsión

compulsión nombre femenino 1 Impulso o deseo intenso o vehemente de hacer una cosa :el final de un capítulo suele ser como una pausa, la mecha que enciende la compulsión a continuar la lectura .2 der Apremio y fuerza que, por mandato de la autoridad, se hace a uno, compeliéndole a que realice una cosa .

compulsivo, -va

compulsivo, -va adjetivo Que responde a un impulso o deseo intenso de hacer algo :un ladrón compulsivo; un comprador compulsivo; la adicción se constituye como un intento infructuoso de dominar la culpa, la depresión o la angustia mediante la actividad compulsiva .

compunción

compunción nombre femenino 1 Arrepentimiento por haber obrado en desacuerdo con la voluntad de Dios y propósito de no volver a actuar mal en adelante .SINÓNIMO contrición .2 Sentimiento de aflicción producido por el dolor ajeno .

compungido, -da

compungido, -da adjetivo 1 [persona ] Que siente pena por algo que ha hecho mal, por compasión de sí mismo o de otra persona :adoptó una actitud de cierto masoquismo moral, mostrándose compungida, contrita, con continuos y exagerados reproches; bajaron luego al estudio compungidos por haberse pasado tanto y me pidieron disculpas .2 Que es propio de la persona compungida :me respondió con voz compungida que había sido él .

compungir

compungir verbo transitivo 1 Causar a alguien pena profunda, [especialmente algo que se ha hecho mal o el padecimiento propio o de otras personas ]:descubrir que por mi culpa había sucedido aquello, me compungió .2 compungirse verbo pronominal Sentir [una persona ] pena profunda por algo que se ha hecho mal o por compasión de sí misma o de otra persona :nos compungimos mucho al verle llegar tan sucio y dejado . Conjugación [6 ] como dirigir .

compurgación

compurgación nombre femenino der Refutación de acusaciones o indicios inculpadores contra una persona .SINÓNIMO purgación .compurgación canónica der Acto por el que un acusado se justifica ante un juez eclesiástico siguiendo las reglas de los cánones .SINÓNIMO purgación canónica .

computable

computable adjetivo Que puede ser computado :redujo el coeficiente de inversión obligatoria en fondos públicos y otros valores computables; serán computables los períodos de tiempo transcurridos a efectos de demandar una pensión .

computación

computación nombre femenino Cómputo .

computacional

computacional adjetivo De la tecnología informática o relacionado con ella, o que utiliza los métodos o recursos de la informática :actividad computacional; lingüística computacional .

computador

computador nombre masculino Computadora .SINÓNIMO ordenador .

computadora

computadora nombre femenino Máquina electrónica capaz de almacenar información y tratarla automáticamente mediante operaciones matemáticas y lógicas controladas por programas informáticos .Su uso es más frecuente en América .SINÓNIMO computador, ordenador .

computadorizar

computadorizar verbo transitivo Computarizar . Conjugación [4 ] como realizar .

computar

computar verbo transitivo 1 Contar o calcular una cosa por números :los expertos computaron el número de kilowatios por hora gastados en una residencia durante un cierto período de tiempo; los créditos que uno de los cónyuges tenga frente al otro se computarán en el patrimonio final del cónyuge acreedor .2 Tomar en cuenta una cosa o tomarla en cuenta de determinada manera o como equivalente a determinado valor :los investigadores están estudiando el recurso a medidas concurrentes en el que se computan las correlaciones existentes entre el nivel de estrés y las medidas de patología .ETIMOLOGÍA Préstamo (s. xvi ) del latín computare ‘calcular ’. Del mismo origen que contar (V.), ha mantenido un significado especializado muy próximo al latino .

computarizar

computarizar verbo transitivo Introducir y tratar datos en una computadora .SINÓNIMO computerizar, computadorizar . Conjugación [4 ] como realizar .

computear

computear verbo intransitivo Chile coloquial Contar chismes o noticias o hacer comentarios sobre la vida de otras personas y gustar de hacerlo .

computerización

computerización nombre femenino 1 Proceso de adaptación al uso de tecnología computacional .2 Resultado de este proceso .

computerizado, -da

computerizado, -da adjetivo Que se hace o funciona mediante computadoras :sistema de vigilancia computerizado; algunos expertos creen que es plausible la posibilidad de crear un sistema computerizado capaz de interpretar las órdenes del cerebro .

computerizar

computerizar verbo transitivo Computarizar .ETIMOLOGÍA Préstamo del inglés to computerize . Conjugación [4 ] como realizar .La Real Academia Española desaconseja el uso de esta forma .

cómputo

cómputo nombre masculino Cálculo para averiguar el resultado, el valor o la medida de algo en que entra la comparación de diferentes cantidades o datos y el análisis de las relaciones que hay entre unos y otros :cómputo electoral; la inflación interanual consiste en su cómputo a lo largo de doce meses; para establecer el calendario laboral se ha de hacer el cómputo de los días festivos; para el cómputo de los años de la mayoría de edad se incluirá completo el día del nacimiento .

Sanseido Wisdom Dictionary

compact

com pact 1 /kəmpǽkt / (! 形容詞動詞と名詞で発音強勢が異なるので注意 ) 形容詞 more ～; most ～1 a. 〖名詞の前で〗小型の〈カメラ車など〉▸ a compact camera [car ]小型カメラ [車 ]b. ｟ほめて｠〖しばしば名詞の前で〗小型で場所を取らない , 小さくまとまった ▸ compact size [design ](物が )小さく場所を取らない大きさ [小型仕様 ]▸ The table is compact enough to fit into a small kitchen .そのテーブルはこぢんまりしていて狭い台所にも収まる 2 〈物などが〉密集した ; 〈物が〉緻密（ちみつ）な , ぎっしりと詰まった ▸ the compact city center of buildings 建物が密集する町の中心部 3 〈人が〉小柄でがっしりした [引き締まった体の ]▸ be compact and muscular 小柄でがっしりしていてたくましい 4 〈文章などが〉簡潔な .名詞 /kɑ́mpækt |kɔ́m -/C 1 コンパクト〘携帯用おしろい入れ〙.2 ｟主に米｠小型 (自動 )車 (compact car ).動詞 /kəmpǽkt /他動詞｟かたく｠〖通例be ～ed 〗〈物が〉凝縮 [圧縮 ]される (compress ); 〈物が〉固められる .～̀ d í sc [d í sk ]コンパクトディスク (｟略｠CD ).～ d í sc r è ad-only memory CD-ROM 〘読み取り [出し ]専用コンパクトディスク〙.～ly 副詞ぎっしりと詰めて ; 簡潔に .～ness 名詞

compact

com pact 2 /kɑ́mpækt |kɔ́m -/名詞 U C ｟かたく｠協定 ; 契約 ▸ make a compact 合意する

compacted

com pact ed /kəmpǽktɪd /形容詞〖名詞の前で〗凝縮 [圧縮 ]された .

compaction

com pac tion /kəmpǽkʃ (ə )n /名詞 U 1 (物の )凝縮, 圧縮 .2 (土壌などが )固まること .

companion

com pan ion 1 /kəmpǽnjən /〖com (一緒に )panion (パン )を食べる人〗名詞複～s /-z /C 1 仲間 , 連れ (!｟コーパス｠friendより一緒に行動する点に重点をおく言い方 ) ; (旅行などの )同行者 ; (苦楽を分かち合う )相手, 道連れ ; ｟比喩的に｠ «…の » お供 «for » ; 頭から離れないもの ▸ This dog is my constant companion .私はいつもこの犬と一緒にいます ▸ one's traveling [drinking ] companion 旅行の同伴者 [飲み友達 ]▸ This pearl necklace is the perfect companion for any dinner party .この真珠のネックレスはどんな晩餐（ばんさん）会にもぴったりです 2 (対をなす物の )一方 , «…の » 姉妹版 [編 , 品 ] «to » ; 〖形容詞的に〗対をなす ▸ a companion volume [product ](書籍などの )姉妹編 [姉妹品 ]3 〖通例C -〗 «…(へ )の » 手引き (書 ), 案内 (書 ), 必携 «to » (!特に解説書の書名の一部として用いられる ) ▸ The Oxford Companion to English Literature オックスフォード英文学案内 4 付添い人〘年配者の世話のために雇われる; 特に女性〙 (!パーティなどでもてなす女性はhostess; 展示会場での案内係はguide ) .5 ｟英｠〖C- 〗最下級勳爵士 .6 〘天〙伴（ばん）星〘連星系で暗い方の星〙.7 ｟英｠(旅行用などの )簡易道具 [小物 ]セット .動詞他動詞 …に付き添う .自動詞｟文｠ «…と » 付き合う «with » .～̀ á nimal コンパニオンアニマル〘ペットとして飼われる動物; 人間の仲間としての面を強調した言い方〙.～́ s è t ｟英｠(炉端の )暖炉用具セット〘火かき棒シャベルなど〙.

companion

com pan ion 2 名詞 C 〘海〙1 (後甲板の )天窓 .2 (甲板昇降口の木製の )覆い戸 (companion hatch [head ]); (甲板昇降口の )階段 (companionway ).

companionable

com p á n ion a ble 形容詞｟書｠〈人雰囲気などが〉親しげな, 親しみやすい, 一緒にいて心地よい ▸ in companionable silence 親密な沈黙のうちに .com p á n ion a bly 副詞

companionship

com pan ion ship /kəmpǽnjənʃɪ̀p /名詞 U C 【人との】交友, 交際 ; 【気の合う人と】一緒にいること «with » .

companionway

comp á nion w à y 名詞複～s C 〘海〙(船の甲板を結ぶ )階段 .

company

com pa ny /kʌ́mp (ə )ni /〖com (一緒に )panion (パン )を食べる仲間〗名詞複 -nies /-z /1 a. C 〖集合的に; ｟英｠では単複両扱い; しばしば名前の一部として〗会社 (｟略｠Co. ); (会社名に名を出していない )共同出資者, 共同経営者 ▸ Ford Motor Company フォード自動車 ▸ join [leave ] a company 入社 [退社 ]する ▸ What company do you work for? ≒What company are you with? どこ (の会社 )にお勤めですか ▸ run a record company レコード会社を経営している ▸ set up [start, found ] a company 会社を起こす ▸ an insurance company based in Tokyo 東京に本拠を置く保険会社 ▸ Dow Jones & Co .ダウジョーンズ社 (!「ダウ, ジョーンズ, および名を出していない共同出資者の会社」の意 ) b. 〖形容詞的に〗会社の ; 社用の ▸ a company car 社用車類義 companyとoffice, firm, corporation company は仕事上の目的を持った人の集まりである組織としての「会社」を表す語であるのに対し, office は仕事が行われる建物部屋など, 働く場所を意識した語 ▸ go to the office [╳company ]会社に行く .firm は2人以上の合資により経営される会社で, 特に法律金融経営などの専門業種および特定分野の調査にかかわる会社をいうが, companyと区別なく使われることもある. corporation は法的に認められた企業体で, 特に大企業あるいは企業グループをさす .2 U 同伴 , 同行 , 同席 , 一緒にいること (companionship ); 交際 , 付き合い ; 仲間 , 連れ ▸ I enjoy her [my own ] company .彼女は一緒にいると楽しい [私は一人でいるのが好きだ ]▸ Dave is good [poor, boring ] company .デイヴは一緒にいて楽しい [楽しくない, 退屈な ]男だ ▸ His mother doesn't like the company he keeps .母親は彼が付き合っている連中を嫌っている 3 U ｟かたく｠(食事 [泊り ]に来る )客 (guests )▸ We have [are expecting ] company this weekend .うちでは今週末にお客がある 4 U ｟かたく｠(特定の目的で )同席の人々 , 団体 ▸ The tour conductor explained the schedule to the assembled company .添乗員は集まった一行に旅程を説明した ▸ mixed company 男女入り交じった集まり 5 C 〖集合的に; 単複両扱い; しばしば名前の一部として〗(俳優ダンサー歌手などの )団 , カンパニー (band 2, troupe )▸ a theatre company 劇団 ▸ the Royal Shakespeare Company ロイヤルシェイクスピア劇団 6 C 〖集合的に; ｟英｠では単複両扱い〗a. 〖しばしば名前で〗〘軍〙中隊〘120人ぐらいの規模〙(→battery , flight 1 , troop ).b. 〘海〙(全 )乗組員 .c. ｟米｠消防隊 .7 ｟米話｠〖the C- 〗諜報（ちようほう）機関 (!米国のCIAなど ) .8 C 〘英史〙(中世の )職業組合 , ギルド .A and c ó mpany 〖Aは人名〗1 〖通例 & Co. の形で〗A社, A商会 (↑名詞 1a 第7例 ).2 ｟くだけた話けなして｠Aたち, Aの連中 [グループ ].b è ar A c ó mpany ｟古｠＝keep A company .be in g ò od c ó mpany 1 (同じ問題をかかえた )仲間はたくさんいる ▸ If you can't understand the instruction book, you're in good company .説明書がちんぷんかんぷんでも気にすることないよ . 皆同じようなものさ 2 よい仲間と付き合っている .for c ó mpany 1 付き合いに .2 (旅の )連れとして, (話し )相手として ▸ We're going together for company .我々は旅は道連れで行動を共にしている g è t into [f à ll into, k è ep ] bad c ó mpany 悪い仲間と付き合う .in c ó mpany (特に改まった場の )人前で, 人に立ち混って ; 連れ立って (↔alone ).in c ó mpany with A ｟かたく｠A 〈人グループ〉と一緒に ; A 〈物事〉と同時に, Aと共に .in the c ó mpany of A = in A's c ó mpany 1 A 〈人〉と一緒に .2 ｟かたく｠A 〈物事〉と同時に .(I ) s ì n [è rr ] in g ò od c ó mpany りっぱな人たちも犯す罪を犯す (!同じ間違いはりっぱな人でもするという自己弁護 ) .k è ep A c ó mpany (寂しがらせないように )A 〈人〉に付き合う, A 〈人〉に同行する ▸ I'll keep your kids company until you come back .帰ってくるまであなたの子供たちと一緒にいてあげる k è ep c ó mpany with A 1 A 〈人〉と一緒に行く, 同行する .2 ｟やや古｠A 〈人〉と (恋愛で )付き合う, よく一緒に外出する .p à rt c ó mpany ｟かたく｠1 【人と】別れる «with » .2 【人と】関係を絶つ «with » .3 【人話題と】意見を異にする «with » .pr è sent c ò mpany exc é pted ｟話｠(人を非難する発言の後で )ここにおられる方は別ですが (!丁寧な表現 ) .Tw ò 's c ó mpany (, thr è e's a cr ó wd [none ]).｟ことわざくだけて｠2人は仲間 (, 3人はただの寄り合い [3人では仲間割れ ]) (!特に恋人は2人にしてやるべきだという意味で用いる ) .～̀ l á w 会社法 .～̀ p ó licy 会社の方針 .～̀ s é cretary ｟英｠(会社の )経理 [総務 ]部員 .～́ t ò wn 企業城下町, 会社町〘住民の多くが被雇用者であるために, 財政経済が1企業に依存している都市〙.

compar

compar .comparative .

comparable

com pa ra ble /kɑ́mp (ə )rəb (ə )l |kɔ́m -/ (! 強勢は第1音節 ) →compare 形容詞 1 〈物人などが〉 (量性能重要性において ) «…に » 匹敵する , 同等の (equal ) «to , with » ▸ produce cars comparable (in quality ) to Japanese cars (性能において )日本車に匹敵する車を製造する ▸ a personal computer of comparable size [performance ]同等の大きさ [性能 ]のパソコン 2 〈物人などが〉 (種類状況が同じで ) «…と » 比較し得る , 相当する «to , with » ▸ Electric cars are more expensive than comparable gasoline cars .電気自動車はそれに相当する [同程度の ]ガソリン車よりも高くつく c ò m pa ra b í l i ty 名詞

comparably

c ó m pa ra bly 副詞 (量性能などについて )同程度に, 同等に, 匹敵する [比較できる ]ほどに .

comparative

com par a tive /kəmpǽrətɪv / (! 強勢は第2音節 ) →compare 形容詞比較なし〖名詞の前で〗1 対照的な , 比較の , 対比的な〈研究文学など〉▸ a comparative study of English and Japanese 英語と日本語の比較研究 ▸ comparative literature [religion, approach ]比較文学 [宗教学, (学問などの )研究法 ]2 相対的な, (ほかと )比較した上での , 相対的にみた [判断した ]場合の ▸ the comparative advantage of investing in stocks over bonds 債券より株に投資することの相対的な利点 3 〘文法〙(形容詞副詞の )比較級の〈形など〉(→positive , superlative ).名詞 C 〖しばしばthe ～〗〘文法〙(形容詞副詞の )比較級 (comparative degree ).

comparatively

com par a tive ly /kəmpǽrətɪvli /副詞〖形容詞副詞の前で〗比較的 (に ); かなり, 相当 ▸ comparatively easy [recently ]比較的簡単な [最近 ]

compare

com pare /kəmpéə r /〖「com (共に )pare (対等にする )」＞比較する〗(形 )comparable, (形名 )comparative, (名 )comparison 動詞～s /-z /; ～d /-d /; -paring 他動詞 1 〈人が〉〈複数の人物事〉を比べる ; 〖compare A with B /A to B 〗AとBを比較する (!｟コーパス｠数値などの厳密な比較ではtoよりもwithが好まれる ) ▸ Compare your answers with those of your classmates .自分の答えをクラスメートのものと比べてみなさい ▸ compare prices 価格を比べる ▸ compare and contrast British and Japanese folk tales イギリスと日本の民話を比較対照する 2 〖compare A to B /A with B 〗〈人が〉 (質規模などにおいて )AをBにたとえる , なぞらえる ; AとBが同じであると考える, 同等とみなす (!｟コーパス｠従来はtoが正しいとされてきたがwithも用いられる ) ▸ The actress is often compared to Madonna .その女優はよくマドンナに似ていると言われる 3 〘文法〙〈形容詞副詞の語〉を比較変化させる .自動詞〖compare with A /to A 〗1 〈物人が〉A 〈ほかの物人〉と (良く [悪く ])比べられる , 比較される (!通例様態の副詞疑問詞を伴う ) ▸ My personal computer compares unfavorably [favorably, well ] with this one .私のパソコンはこれに劣っている [まさっている ]2 〖否定文で; ～ with A /to A 〗〈物状況などが〉A 〈ほかの物状況など〉とは比べものにならない , 比べられない ▸ The amount of snowfall in Tokyo doesn't compare with [to ] that in Sapporo .東京の降雪量は札幌とは比べものにならない (as ) comp á red with [to ] A Aと比べると, 比較すると ; Aに対して (!通例asは省略される ) ▸ We had more patients this week compared with last week .先週と比べると今週の方が患者が多かった (!｟コーパス｠比較級と共に用いられることがある ) ▸ Only 18 percent of people are in favor of the current government, compared to 30 percent a year ago .1年前に30パーセントだったのに対して今では政府の支持率はわずか18パーセントである名詞 U (!次の句で ) ▸ beyond [without ] compare ｟主に文｠他と比べようのない, ほかの追随を許さない

comparison

com par i son /kəmpǽrɪs (ə )n / (! -pa-は /pæ /; 強勢は第2音節 ) →compare 名詞複～s /-z /1 U «…との /…間の » 比較 , 対照, 比べること «with /between , of » ; 類似性, 似ていること (!具体例ではa ～/～s; その際時に修飾語を伴う ) ▸ make [draw ] a (price ) comparison with other shops ほかの店と (値段を )比較する ▸ invite comparison with A ｟かたく｠〈物事が〉Aと似ている, 比べてみたくなる ▸ stand [bear ] comparison with A ｟かたく｠Aと比較して見劣りのしない, 遜色（そんしよく）のない ; Aと似ている ▸ There is no comparison between his sports car and my secondhand car .｟話｠彼のスポーツカーと私の中古車では比べものにならない 2 C «…に » なぞらえる [たとえる ]こと «to » ; 比喩（ひゆ）, 例示 ▸ the comparison of life to a voyage 人生を航海になぞらえること 3 U C 〘文法〙(形容詞副詞の )比較変化 .beyond comp á rison 比較にならないほど ; たとえようもなく .for comp á rison «…と (の )» 比較のために, 比べられるように «with » ▸ For comparison , we tested three products in the same price range .比較の目的で我々は同じ価格帯の3つの製品をテストしてみた in [by ] comp á rison «…と » 比べると «with, to » ; ｟主に書｠〖文頭で; 前文の内容を受けて〗それに対し, 対照的に ▸ My computer is slow in [by ] comparison with the latest models .私のパソコンは最新の型と比べると動作が遅い on comp á rison ｟英｠〖文修飾〗比較してみると, (比べて )結局のところ .

comparison-shop

comp á rison-sh ò p 動詞 →shop 自動詞 (安く買うため )店めぐりをする .

compartment

com part ment /kəmpɑ́ː r tmənt /名詞 C 1 (仕切った )区画〘たんすの一仕切り, 家の仕切り間, 庭の区画など〙; 仕切り室 .2 (列車の )仕切り客室, コンパートメント〘米国では寝室トイレ付きの特別個室; 英国ヨーロッパでは3, 4人用の座席が向かい合う客室〙.3 (船の )防水隔室 .

compartmentalize

com part men tal ize /kəmpɑ̀ː r tmént (ə )làɪz |kɔ̀m -/動詞他動詞 …を区画 [区分 ]する .com p à rt m è n tal i z á tion 名詞

compass

com pass /kʌ́mpəs / (! -o-は /ʌ /) 〖com (共に )pass (歩く )〗名詞複～es /-ɪz /1 C (航海用の )羅針盤 [儀 ], コンパス , (ハイキングなどに使う )(方位 )磁石 ; ｟比喩的に｠指針 ▸ use a compass to navigate 羅針盤を利用して航海する ▸ one's moral compass 道徳的指針 2 〖～es 〗(円を描くための )コンパス .3 C ｟かたく｠〖通例単数形で〗(地域の )境界 , (境界内の )地域 ; (活動などの )範囲 , 領域 ▸ within the compass of one's knowledge 知識の範囲内で .4 U C 〘楽〙音域 .5 U 適度 , 穏当さ .6 C ｟古｠巡回 .動詞他動詞 1 …を一巡する .2 …を取り囲む , 取り巻く .3 …を企てる ; …を達成する .4 …を理解する .～́ c à rd (羅針盤の )指針面 .～́ n è edle 羅針盤 [(方位 )磁石 ]の針 .～́ p ò int (32ある )羅針盤の方位 (の1つ )(point of the compass ).～̀ r ó se 羅針図 .～́ s à w 回し鋸（のこ）.～̀ w í ndow 〘建〙半円形出窓 .

compassion

com pas sion /kəmpǽʃ (ə )n /〖com (共に )passion (苦しむこと )〗名詞 U 【弱者に対する】(深い )同情 , 哀れみ «for , on » (!sympathyよりも深い同情と助けようという気持ちを表す ) ▸ have [show ] (great [deep ]) compassion for others 他人に対して (深く )同情する [(深い )同情の念を表す ]▸ feel [feel no ] compassion for one's patients 患者に対して哀れみを感じる [感じない ]～́ fat ì gue 同情心の減退 .

compassionate

com pas sion ate /kəmpǽʃ (ə )nət /形容詞〖しばしば名詞の前で〗【人に対して】哀れみ [情け ]深い «toward » .～̀ l é ave ｟主に英｠(家族の病気や死亡の際に与えられる )特別休暇 .～ly 副詞

compatibility

com p à t i b í l i ty 名詞 U 両立性 ; 適合性 ; 〘コンピュ〙互換性 .

compatible

com pat i ble /kəmpǽtəb (ə )l /形容詞 (↔incompatible )1 «…と » 両用の, 共用できる ; 〘コンピュ〙互換性がある «with » ▸ an IBM- compatible computer IBM互換機 2 〖通例be ～〗【人と】仲良くやっていける, うまが合う «with » .3 〖通例be ～〗 «…と » 適合する ; 一致する ; 両立する ; 矛盾しない «with » .com p á t i bly 副詞

compatriot

com pa tri ot /kəmpéɪtriət |-pǽt -/名詞 C 1 同国人, 同胞人 (countryman ).2 ｟米｠同僚, 友人 .

compel

com pel /kəmpél /〖com (共に )pel (押す )〗動詞～s /-z /; ～led /-d /; ～ling 他動詞 1 ｟ややかたく｠〖～ A to do 〗〈状況決まり人などが〉A 〈人など〉に …することを強いる [強制する ] (!時に受け身で ) ; 〈人などが〉〈事〉を強制 [強要 ]する ▸ The political scandal compelled the president to resign .政治スキャンダルにより大統領は辞任せざるを得なくなった ▸ be compelled to meet A A 〈人〉に会わなくてはならない 2 ｟かたく｠〈行為物などが〉〈ある反応変化など〉を招く , 引き起こす ▸ The investigation will compel the disclosure of the drug trafficking .その捜査で麻薬取引が摘発されるであろう 3 〈人〉を服従させる .

compelling

com pel ling /kəmpélɪŋ /→compel 形容詞 more ～; most ～1 強制的な, 有無を言わせない ; 抗しがたい ▸ a compelling argument 否定しがたい主張 ▸ compelling evidence 有力な証拠 ▸ have no compelling reason to do どうしても …しなくてはならない理由はない 2 尊敬 [感服, 注目 ]せずにはいられない ▸ a compelling personality 尊敬せずにはいられない人物 ▸ a compelling novel 読まずにはいられない小説 ▸ a compelling smile 思わずつり込まれる微笑～ly 副詞

compendious

com pen di ous /kəmpéndiəs /形容詞｟かたく｠簡潔な, 簡にして要を得た .～ly 副詞～ness 名詞

compendium

com pen di um /kəmpéndiəm /名詞複～s, -dia /-diə /C 1 要約 ; 概説, 概論 .2 ｟英｠卓上ゲームのセット .

compensate

com pen sate /kɑ́mp (ə )nsèɪt, -pen- |kɔ́m -/ (! 強勢は第1音節 ) 〖com (共に )pensate (釣り合わせる )〗動詞～s /-ts /; ～d /-ɪd /; -sating ｟主に書｠自動詞 1 〈人物事が〉【不利な状況不足などを】埋め合わせる , 補う «for » ▸ compensate for lost revenue from a new line of business 新規事業の遺失収益を補填（ほてん）する 2 〈人などが〉【損失損害などの】補償 [つぐない ]をする «for » ▸ compensate for the damage caused by the flood 洪水による損害に対し賠償する他動詞 1 【損失などに対して】〈人など〉に補償をする , つぐないをする «for » ; 【報酬などで】〈人など〉に報いる «with » ▸ compensate users for the fault of their cars 車の欠陥に対してユーザに補償する 2 〈人などが〉〈損失損害〉の埋め合わせをする .3 〈振り子など〉を補正する .c ó m pen s à tor 名詞 C 〘機〙補整器 .

compensation

com pen sa tion /kɑ̀mp (ə )nséɪʃ (ə )n, -pen- |kɔ̀m -/→compensate 名詞複～s /-z /1 U 【損害などに対する】賠償 [補償 ]金 ; «…に対して » 賠償 [補償 ]すること «for » ▸ receive compensation for one's injury けがに対する補償金を受け取る ▸ claim [seek ] compensation from the government 政府からの賠償金を要求する ▸ be paid seven million yen in [as ] compensation ≒be paid seven million yen compensation 700万円の賠償金を支払われる 2 U 〖具体例ではa (…) ～/～s 〗(つらい状況の中での )慰め ; «…の » 埋め合わせになるもの ; «…を » 補う行為 «for » ▸ Passing the exam after four-years of study was a real compensation .4年間の勉強を経てその試験に合格したことは, 大いに慰めとなった ▸ He gave me a present by way of compensation .彼は埋め合わせとして私にプレゼントをくれた 3 U ｟米かたく｠報酬 , 給与 .4 U C 〘生物〙代償 (作用 ); 〘心〙代償作用 .～al 形容詞賠償 [補償 ]の ; 埋め合わせの .

compensatory

com pen sa to ry /kəmpénsətɔ̀ːri |kɔ̀mp (ə )nséɪt (ə )ri /形容詞｟かたく｠〖通例名詞の前で〗1 代償の, 埋め合わせの〈行為反応など〉.2 賠償の, 補償の〈金など〉▸ compensatory damages 損害賠償

compere

com pere /kɑ́mpeə r |kɔ́m -/〖＜フランス〗 (!｟英｠) 名詞 C (ラジオテレビ番組の )司会者 (｟米話｠emcee ).動詞他動詞自動詞 (〈ラジオテレビ番組〉の )司会をする, 司会を務める .

compete

com pete /kəmpíːt /〖com (共に )pete (目指す )〗(名 )competition, competitor, (形 )competent, competitive 動詞～s /-ts /; ～d /-ɪd /; -peting 自動詞 1 〈企業国人などが〉 «…と /…を手に入れようと /…しようと » 競争する , 競う , 張り合う, せり合う «with , against /for /to do » ▸ compete with the company for the top share of the beer market ビールの市場シェアトップをかけてその会社としのぎを削る ▸ compete for the America's Cup アメリカ杯をかけて争う ▸ compete in the global marketplace 世界市場で競争する ▸ compete to get his attention 彼の注意を引こうと競い合う 2 〈人チームが〉【スポーツ競技に】参加する , 出場する «in , at » ▸ compete in the Honolulu Marathon ホノルルマラソンに参加する .3 〖通例否定文で〗 «…に » 匹敵する , «…と » 勝負になる «with » ▸ We cannot compete with foreign companies financially .外国の企業には資金面で太刀打ちできない 4 〈音においなどが〉【別の音においなどと】(判別しづらいほど )まじり合う , 重なる «with » .5 〈複数の考え議論主張などが〉対立している , 相容れない .

competence

com pe tence /kɑ́mpət (ə )ns |kɔ́m -/名詞 1 U «…における [の ]/…に必要な » 能力, 力量 (ability ); 適性 «in /for » ; C (特定の作業に必要な )技能 (skill ).2 U 〘法〙(裁判所などの )法的権限 .3 U (人の )知識 [知っている ]範囲 .4 〖単数形で〗(楽に暮らせる )資産, かなりの収入 .5 U 〘生物〙反応能 ; 〘言〙(母語の )言語能力 (↔performance ).

competency

com pe ten cy /kɑ́mpət (ə )nsi |kɔ́m -/名詞＝competence (!competenceの方が普通 ) .

competent

com pe tent /kɑ́mpət (ə )nt |kɔ́m -/→compete 形容詞 1 〈人などが〉 «…に » 有能な , 力量のある «in , at » , «…する » 能力のある (able ); «…するのに » 適任の , 適格な «to do » ▸ highly competent workers きわめて有能な従業員 ▸ be competent in both English and French 英仏両語に堪能（たんのう）である ▸ be competent to adapt to different environments 異なる環境に対する適応能力がある 2 〈出来栄え物などが〉 (特に優れているわけではないが )まずまずの , 満足のいく .3 〘法〙〈法廷組織人などが〉 «…する » 法的権限のある «to do » .～ly 副詞〈人物などが〉有能に, 効果的に〈ふるまう機能する〉; 〈人などが〉満足に, まずまず〈事を行う〉.

competing

com p é t ing 形容詞比較なし〖名詞の前で〗相容れない, 相反する〈主張利害など〉; 競合する〈組織製品など〉.

competition

com pe ti tion /kɑ̀mpətɪ́ʃ (ə )n |kɔ̀m -/→compete 名詞複～s /-z /1 U «…間の /…との /…を求めての » 競争 , 競合, 争い, 張り合い «between , among /from , with /for » ▸ fierce [stiff, intense ] competition between telecom companies 電信電話会社間の激しい競争 ▸ competition from rivals ライバルとの争い ▸ be in direct competition with A Aとまともに競合する ▸ There's a lot of competition for those jobs .その職を手に入れようとする競争は激しい ▸ in the face of international competition 国際競争に直面して 2 U 〖通例the ～; しばしば集合的に; 単複両扱い〗(特に商売スポーツにおける )競争相手 , ライバル , 競争者 ; 競合製品 [商品 ]▸ beat the competition on the range of one's merchandise 品揃えで競争相手を負かす ▸ He has no competition in the 100 -meters sprint .彼は100メートル競走では敵なしである 3 C (スポーツなどの )試合 , 競技会 ; (音楽などの )コンクール , コンテスト ; «…する » コンペ «to do » ▸ enter [win ] a competition 競技会に出る [で優勝する ]▸ hold a competition to design the memorial その記念碑をデザインするコンペを開催する .4 U 〘生態〙生存競争 .

competitive

com pet i tive /kəmpétətɪv /→compete 形容詞 1 競争的な , 競い合う , 競争の ; 〈人企業などが〉 «…と » 競い [張り ]合う «with » ; (ほかと )競争する上での〈有利な点など〉▸ a highly competitive market 競争の激しい市場 ▸ give A a competitive advantage [edge ]Aにとって競争する上で有利に働く 2 〈価格商品などが〉ほかより安い ; 〈企業が〉競争力のある , «…と » 張り合える «with » ▸ offer brand goods at competitive prices ブランド品をほかより安く提供する 3 〈人が〉競争心の強い [旺盛な ], 野心的な ▸ He is very competitive . ≒He has a strong competitive nature .彼は競争心が強い～ly 副詞競って, 張り合って .～ness 名詞 U 競争力 .

competitor

com pet i tor /kəmpétətə r /→compete 名詞複～s /-z /C 1 〖しばしばone 's ～〗(特に商売での )競争相手 , ライバル (会社 [団体 ]) (!rivalと違って敵意を強調しない ) ▸ lag behind one's major [biggest ] competitors 主な [最大の ]競争相手に遅れをとる 2 (スポーツ競技コンクールなどの )競技者 , 出場者 , 参加者 .

compilation

com pi la tion /kɑ̀mpɪléɪʃ (ə )n |kɔ̀m -/名詞 1 C (歌物語情報などを集めて )編集 [編纂（へんさん）]したもの, 選集 .2 U (音楽アルバム本報告書などの )編集, 編纂 .～́ à lbum 選曲 [ベスト ]アルバム .

compile

com pile /kəmpáɪl /動詞～s /-z /; ～d /-d /; -piling 他動詞｟主に書｠1 a. «情報源から /…用に » 〈報告書リストなど〉を編集する , 編纂（へんさん）する , 作成する «from /for » ▸ compile a list of recommended books 推薦図書のリストを作成する b. 【報告書リストなどに】〈情報など〉を編集する , まとめる «into » ▸ data [figures ] compiled by the government agency [research firm ]政府機関 [調査会社 ]がまとめたデータ [数値 ].2 〈得点〉を重ねる, 〈リード〉を広げる .3 〘コンピュ〙〈高級語で書かれたプログラム〉をコンパイルする , 機械語に翻訳する .

compiler

com p í l er 名詞 C 1 編集者, 編纂（へんさん）者 .2 〘コンピュ〙コンパイラ, 機械語翻訳プログラム .

complacence

com pla cence -cen cy /kəmpléɪs (ə )ns //-si /名詞 U ｟通例けなして｠満足, 安心 ; 自己満足, 独り善がり .

complacent

com pla cent /kəmpléɪs (ə )nt /形容詞｟通例けなして｠自己満足の, 独り善がりの ; «…に » 満足している «about » ; のんきな ▸ a complacent smile 満足そうな微笑～ly 副詞 (ひとり )満足して, のんきに .

complain

com plain /kəmpléɪn /〖com (完全に )plain (嘆き悲しむ )〗(名 )complaint 動詞～s /-z /; ～ed /-d /; ～ing 自動詞 1 〈人が〉文句を言う ; 〖complain (to A ) about [of ] B 〗(A 〈人〉に )B 〈事物人〉のことで不平 [不満 ]を言う , 苦情を言う, クレームをつける (→claim 他動詞 2 ); (正式に )(A 〈警察など〉に )Bについて抗議する, 訴え出る (!｟コーパス｠ofはaboutよりも頻度は低いが, 動名を伴って不満の具体的内容を述べるときには好んで用いられる ) ▸ complain bitterly to one's neighbor about the noise 騒音について隣人に激しく文句を言う ▸ complain of being treated unfairly 不公平な扱いを受けていると不満を述べる ▸ Don't complain . Work hard .つべこべ言わずに一生懸命働け ▸ “How are you doing? ” “(I ) Can't complain .”｟話｠「どう, 元気でやってる」「まあね」2 ｟かたく｠【体の痛み不調を】訴える «of » (!｟コーパス｠この意味ではaboutは｟まれ｠) ▸ complain of chest pain 胸の痛み (の症状 )を訴える 3 ｟詩｠さびし [悲し ]そうな音を立てる ; 〈機械が〉きしむ .他動詞〖complain (to A ) (that )節〗(A 〈人〉に )…であると不平 [不満 ]を言う , 訴える (!受け身にしない ) ; ｟書｠〖直接話法〗…と文句を言う (!伝達部は文頭のほか, 文中文尾も可能; →say 他動詞 1a 語法 ) ▸ The girl complained, “I'm so hungry. ”「とってもお腹がすいてるの」と女の子は不平を言った ▸ I am writing to complain that ……ということに不満を申し上げたく, 筆をとっております (!苦情の手紙の書き出し )

complainant

com plain ant /kəmpléɪnənt /名詞 C 〘法〙(裁判の )原告, 告訴側 (plaintiff ).

complainer

com pl á in er 名詞 C ｟非難して｠文句 [不平 ]ばかり言う人, 口うるさい人, クレーマー .

complainingly

com pl á in ing ly 副詞不平を言いながら ; 不平そうに .

complaint

com plaint /kəmpléɪnt /→complain 名詞複～s /-ts /1 a. C «…についての /…に対する /…だという » 苦情 , クレーム, 抗議 ; 不平 , 不満 , 愚痴 «about, of /against, to /that 節 » ; U 不平 [不満 ]を言うこと ▸ a common complaint about English education 英語教育についてのよくある不満 ▸ receive [get ] a lot of complaints from the audience 視聴者から多くの苦情を受ける (→claim 名詞 2 )▸ have complaints against the government 政府に対して不満を抱く ▸ file a complaint with [make a complaint to ] the Federal Trade Commission 連邦公正取引委員会に苦情を申し立てる ▸ You have good cause for complaint .君には文句を言うだけの十分な理由がある b. C 不満の種 [理由 ]▸ My only complaint is that the university library closes too early .私が1つだけ不満な点は大学図書館の閉館時間が早すぎることだ 2 C 〘法〙 «…に対する » 告訴 ; 不服の申し立て ; (民事訴訟での )原告による最初の申し立て «against » .3 C ｟かたく｠病気 , 疾患 ; 症状 (!特定の部位に影響が出る比較的軽い病気をさす ) ▸ have a stomach [skin ] complaint 胃 [皮膚 ]の疾患がある～́ proc è dure (公式に提出された )苦情 [抗議 ]の処理手順 [方法 ].

complaisance

com plai sance /kəmpléɪs (ə )ns |-z (ə )ns /名詞 U ｟かたく｠丁寧, いんぎん .

complaisant

com plai sant /kəmpléɪs (ə )nt |-z (ə )nt /形容詞｟かたく｠丁寧な, いんぎんな, 愛想のよい, 世話好きな .～ly 副詞

compleat

com pleat /kəmplɪ́ːt /形容詞｟古｠＝complete .

complement

com ple ment /kɑ́mpləmənt |kɔ́m -/ (! complimentと同音; 名詞と動詞で発音が異なるので注意 ) 名詞複～s /-ts /C 1 【通例好ましい物事を】補うもの , 補完するもの «to » ▸ A careful diet is an important complement to any medical therapy .注意深い食事療法はあらゆる薬物療法を補完する重要なものである 2 ｟かたく｠(必要な許容できる )総数 , 総量 ; (乗り物などの )定員 ▸ The car has a full complement of safety features .その車には必要な安全装備がすべてそろっている 3 〘文法〙補語〘主語や目的語を叙述説明する語 (句 )〙; 補文 .4 〘数〙余角 , 余弧 ; 補集合 .5 〘楽〙補足音程 .6 〘免疫〙補体 .7 〘美〙補色 .動詞 /-mènt /他動詞〈人物事が〉〈人物事〉を (バランスよくうまく )補う , 補完する ; 引き立てる ▸ The couple seem to complement each other .その夫婦はお互いにうまく補い合っているようだ

complementary

com ple men ta ry /kɑ̀mpləmént (ə )ri |kɔ̀m -/ (! complimentaryと同音 ) 形容詞 1 ｟かたく｠ «…を » 補う, «…に » 補完的な, 相補的な «to » .2 ｟主に英｠〖通例名詞の前で〗(西洋医学に対する )補完的な, 代替的な〈治療法など〉(↔conventional ).3 〘数〙補 [余 ]の .～̀ á ngle 〘数〙余角〘2つ合わせると直角になる角の一方〙.～̀ c ó lor 〘美〙補色, 余色 .～̀ m é dicine [th é rapy ](西洋医学に対する )補完的療法, 代替療法 [医学 ] 〘漢方療法鍼灸（しんきゆう）ヨガなど〙.c ò m ple men t á r i ty 名詞 U 補い合う [補完する ]こと .

complete

com plete /kəmplíːt /〖com (完全に )plete (満たす )〗(副 )completely 形容詞通例比較なし /more ～, most ～については ↓1 , 2 の用例注記 1 完全な , 全部そろっている ; (部分ではなく )全体の (↔incomplete )▸ a complete set of camping equipment キャンプ用品一式 ▸ The Complete Works of Shakespeare シェイクスピア全集 ▸ the most complete fossil of a tyrannosaur 最も完璧（かんぺき）に近いティラノサウルスの化石 (!比較変化した場合は「より [最も ]完全に近い」の意 ) 類義 completeとperfect complete はすべての部分が欠けることなく備わっていること, perfect は欠点がなく最高の状態にあることを表す ▸ a complete list 完全な一覧表 ▸ speak perfect English 完璧な英語を話す .2 ｟くだけて｠〖通例名詞の前で〗まったくの , 徹底した , この上ない (total ) (!強調表現 ) ▸ a complete victory [surprise ]完璧な勝利 [まったく思いがけないこと ]▸ a complete and utter stranger まったくの赤の他人 ▸ make a (more ) complete apology (もっと )徹底的にあやまる (!程度を問題にする場合は比較変化する ) 3 〖be ～〗完了した , 終了した (↔incomplete )▸ The tunnel will be complete at the end of March .トンネルは3月末には完成するだろう 4 «…» 付きの , «…の » 備わっている «with » ▸ The car comes complete with a navigation system as standard equipment .その車はカーナビが標準装備である 5 ｟時におどけて｠〖名詞の前で〗(ある道に )熟達した , 極めた〈人〉; まぎれもない〈紳士など〉 (!強調表現 ) .6 〘植〙〈花が〉完全な〘萼（がく）花弁雄しべ雌しべのすべてを備えた状態〙.動詞他動詞 1 〈人などが〉〈物事〉を完成させる , 仕上げる ; 修了する ; 〖～ doing 〗…し終える (!時間をかけて仕上げること; finishの方が普通 ) ▸ The research should be completed quite soon .その調査は早急にやり終えるべきだ ▸ complete high school 高等学校を修了する ▸ He completed painting [╳to paint ] the fence .彼はフェンスをペンキで塗り上げた 2 〈書類など〉に書き込む , 記入して仕上げる ▸ complete an application [a questionnaire ]申込書 [アンケート ]を書き上げる ▸ a sample completed form 書式の完全な記入例 3 …を完全なものにする ; …をすべてそろえる (!進行形にしない ) ▸ I need one more action figure to complete my collection .アクション人形があともう1体あればコレクションは完成する .～ness 名詞 U 完全である [全部そろっている ]こと .

completely

com plete ly /kəmplíːtli /→complete 副詞比較なし完全に , まったく , すっかり (totally, entirely, wholly )(↔incompletely )▸ I completely forgot her birthday .彼女の誕生日をすっかり忘れていた ▸ in a completely different way まったく違ったやり方で ▸ He gave me completely the opposite [wrong ] directions .彼が教えてくれたのはまったく逆の [別の ]方角だった ▸ I'm not completely happy with the result .私はその結果にまったく満足しているわけではない (!notと共に用いられると部分否定を表す )

completion

com ple tion /kəmplɪ́ːʃ (ə )n /名詞 U C 完成, 完了, 終了 ; 成就, 達成 ; ｟英｠〘法〙(不動産 )売買の完了 ▸ on [upon ] completion of A Aが完成するときに ▸ be nearing completion 完成間近である ▸ the completion date 完成 [終了 ]日 ▸ The building is due for completion in spring .そのビルは春に落成の予定だ

complex

com plex /kɑ̀mpléks, -́- |kɔ́mpleks / (! 形容詞名詞動詞で発音強勢が異なるので注意 ) 〖com (共に )plex (編み込まれた )〗(名 )complexity 形容詞 more ～; most ～1 〈物事人 (の性格など )が〉複雑な , 複雑で理解しづらい , 込み入った (↔simple )▸ The human brain is highly complex .人間の脳は非常に複雑だ ▸ a complex tax system 複雑な税制 ▸ Rachael is a very complex character .レイチェルはとても込み入った性格の持ち主だ 2 〈物過程などが〉複合的な , 多くの部分から成る ▸ a long and complex process of making kimonos 和服を作る長く複合的な工程 3 比較なし〖名詞の前で〗〘文法〙複文の , 複〈文〉; 複合 [合成 ]〈語〉(→compound 1 ); 〘数〙複素数の ; 〘化〙錯体（さくたい）の .名詞 /-́- /複～es /-ɪz /C 1 (複数の施設が入った )複合 [大型 ]ビル ; (1か所に集まった )ビル群 ▸ an office [an apartment, a housing ] complex (複数の事務所が入った )オフィスビル [住居用ビル ]▸ a lumped-together factory complex 寄り集まった工場群 [コンビナート ]2 «…に対する » (精神的な )コンプレックス ; (通例否定的な )固定観念 , 強迫観念 «about » ▸ have an inferiority [a superiority ] complex about one's appearance 自分の容姿に対して劣等感 [優越感 ]を持つ 3 (密接に結び付いた )複合体 ; 〘化〙錯体（さくたい）.4 〘数〙複素数 , 複体 .動詞 /kəmpléks /他動詞 1 〘化〙…を錯体にする .2 …を複雑にする .～̀ fr á ction 〘数〙繁分数 .～̀ n ú mber 〘数〙複素数 .～̀ s é ntence 〘文法〙複文〘従属節を含む文〙.～ly 副詞

complexion

com plex ion /kəmplékʃ (ə )n /名詞 C 1 肌の色つや ; 顔色, 血色 ▸ a fair [dark ] complexion 色白 [黒 ]▸ have a fine complexion 顔色がいい 2 〖通例単数形で〗様子, 様相, 性質 ▸ the threatening complexion of the sky 不穏な空模様 ▸ assume a serious complexion 重大な様相を呈する ▸ put a new complexion on A Aに対する見方を変える, Aを新しく見直す

complexity

com plex i ty /kəmpléksəti /→complex 名詞複 -ties /-z /1 U (事物の )複雑さ , 複雑性 , 錯綜（さくそう）(↔simplicity )▸ the complexity of human nature 人間の本性の複雑さ 2 C 〖通例 -ties 〗複雑なもの .

compliance

com pli ance /kəmplá (ɪ )əns /名詞 1 【規則要請などに】従う [応じる ]こと, 承諾 (obedience ) «with » .2 言いなりになること, 追従 .in compl í ance with A Aに従って [応じて ].

compliant

com pli ant /kəmplá (ɪ )ənt /形容詞｟かたく｠人の要求を入れる, 言いなりになる ; 人のいい (obedient ).～ly 副詞

complicate

com pli cate /kɑ́mpləkèɪt |kɔ́m -/〖com (共に )plicate (絡み合った )〗動詞～s /-ts /; ～d /-ɪd /; -cating 他動詞 1 〈状況問題など〉を複雑にする , 難しくする ▸ The incident can complicate the peace talks .その事件で和平会談は難航するかもしれない ▸ to complicate matters (further )事態を (さらに )複雑にすることに (!独立不定詞 ) 2 〈病状など〉を悪化させる , こじらす ; 〖通例be ～d 〗〈病状などが〉悪化する , こじれる .形容詞 /kɑ́mplɪkət /1 ｟古｠＝complicated .2 〘生物〙(葉昆虫の羽が )折り重なった .

complicated

com pli cat ed /kɑ́mpləkèɪtɪd |kɔ́m -/ (! 強勢は第1音節 ) →complicate 形容詞 more ～; most ～〈状況問題機械などが〉複雑な (↔simple ); (複雑で理解解決が )難しい , 困難な ▸ a very [an extremely, a pretty ] complicated issue きわめて複雑な問題 ▸ The job was much more complicated than I (had ) expected .仕事は想像していたよりもずっと複雑なものだった～ly 副詞～ness 名詞

complication

com pli ca tion /kɑ̀mpləkéɪʃ (ə )n |kɔ̀m -/→complicate 名詞複～s /-z /1 C U 状況を複雑に [難しく ]する事 [問題 ]; やっかいな問題 [状況 ]; 困難化 , 複雑化 .2 C 〖通例～s 〗〘医〙 «…が原因の » 合併症 , 余病 «from » ▸ die of complications from lung cancer 肺癌（がん）の余病により死亡する 3 C (要素物体などの )複雑な結合 [組み合わせ ].

complicity

com plic i ty /kəmplɪ́səti /名詞 U ｟かたく｠【犯罪などの /人との】共謀, 共犯, 連累 «in /with » .

compliment

com pli ment /kɑ́mpləmənt |kɔ́m -/ (! complementと同音; 名詞と動詞で発音が異なるので注意 ) 〖com (共に )pliment (満たすこと )〗名詞複～s /-ts /1 C (人に対する )賛辞 , ほめ言葉 , お世辞 ▸ take the word as a compliment その言葉を賛辞と解釈する ▸ pay a high compliment to A A 〈人〉に大いに賛辞を呈する ▸ Thank you for the [your ] compliment .ほめてくれてありがとう (!英米ではほめ言葉に対して, 「そんなことはありません」と否定せずにこのように応じる ) ▸ a left-handed ｟主に米｠ [back-handed ｟主に英｠] compliment 皮肉まじりの (よくも悪くもとれる )お世辞 2 C 敬意を表す [丁重な ]行為 [言葉 ]▸ He paid me the compliment of writing a letter .彼は丁重にも私に手紙をくれた ▸ return the compliment 返礼する, 報いる, 仕返しをする, しっぺ返しをする .3 〖～s 〗(丁重な )あいさつ ▸ My [Our ] compliments to the chef .料理長によろしく (!高級レストランで料理をほめるときの言葉 ) ▸ compliments of the season 季節のごあいさつ (!特にクリスマスと新年のあいさつに用いられる ) 4 C ｟古｠贈り物 (gift ).with the c ó mpliments of A = with A's c ó mpliments ｟かたく｠1 A 〈会社名など〉より謹呈 (!贈呈品の献呈カードに書く言葉 ) .2 Aのごあいさつ [感謝のしるし ]として (!会社などが無料で品物サービスを提供する時に用いる言葉 ) .動詞 /-mènt /他動詞 1 〈人などが〉 «…について » 〈人など〉をほめる , 賞賛する «on » ▸ compliment the host on the food 出された食事についてホスト [招待してくれた主人 ]をほめる 2 (敬意を表して )〈人〉に【物など】を贈る «with » .～́ (s ) sl ì p (贈呈品に添える )献呈カード .

complimentary

com pli men ta ry /kɑ̀mpləmént (ə )ri |kɔ̀m -/ (! complementaryと同音 ) 形容詞 1 〖通例名詞の前で〗(会社ホテルなどから )無料で提供される, ただの〈チケット飲食物など〉.2 〖通例be ～〗〈人などが〉 «…について » 賞賛する, 賞賛的な, ほめる «about , of » ; あいさつの, 儀礼的な, お世辞の .

comply

com ply /kəmpláɪ /動詞 -plies /-z /; -plied /-d /; ～ing 自動詞｟かたく主に書｠〈人組織などが〉【規則命令要求などに】従う , 応じる ; 〈物などが〉【基準規則などに】沿う , 合致する «with » ▸ comply with the law 法に従う

component

com po nent /kəmpóʊnənt /名詞複～s /-ts /C 1 (物などを構成する ) (構成 )要素 , 部品 , 部分 (→element コーパスの窓 ); (集団などの )構成員 ; (オーディオ機器の )コンポ ▸ an important component of the program そのプログラムの重要な構成要素 2 〘化数言〙成分 ; 〘物理〙(力の )分力 .形容詞〖名詞の前で〗構成する , 構成要素を成す〈部分物部品など〉; (オーディオ機器の )コンポの .

comport

com port /kəmpɔ́ː r t /動詞｟かたく｠他動詞〖～ oneself 〗ふるまう (behave ), 身を処する ▸ He comported himself well [with dignity ].彼は立派に [威厳をもって ]行動した自動詞 «…に » 適合する, 一致する «with » ▸ This does not comport with his position .これは彼の地位にふさわしくない

comportment

com p ó rt ment 名詞 U ｟かたく｠ふるまい, 態度 .

compose

com pose /kəmpóʊz /〖com (一緒に )pose (置く )〗動詞～s /-ɪz /; ～d /-d /; -posing 他動詞 1 〈複数の物人が〉〈物組織など〉を構成する ; 〖be ～d 〗〈物組織などが〉 «…で » 構成される , «…から » 成る «of » (!進行形にしない ) ▸ The committee is composed of economists and business people .その委員会は経済学者と財界人で構成されている 2 〈曲歌〉を作曲する ▸ compose a piece of music for one's love 恋人のために曲を作る 3 ｟かたく｠(よく考えて [注意深く ])〈小論手紙詩など〉を作成する , 執筆する (!writeの方が一般的 ) ▸ compose an essay on the topic その題目について小論を執筆する 4 〈気持ち〉を鎮める ; 〖～ oneself 〗気持ちを落ち着かせる ▸ compose one's features [thoughts ]表情を和らげる [気持ちを整理する ].5 〈写真絵など〉の構図をとる [決める ].6 〈活字〉を組む, 〈記事本など〉を活字で組む .7 〈けんか争い〉を調停する .自動詞作曲する ; 詩 [文 ]を作る ▸ compose for movies 映画音楽を作曲する (≒compose music for movies; ↑他動詞 2 ).

composed

com p ó sed 形容詞〖通例be ～〗〈人が〉落ち着いた, 平静な (calm ).

composer

com pos er /kəmpóʊzə r /→compose 名詞複～s /-z /C (特にクラシック音楽の )作曲家 ; 作者 ; (けんか争いなどの )調停者 ▸ music by great composers 偉大な作曲家の曲

composite

com pos ite /kəmpɑ́zət |kɔ́mpəzɪt /→compose 形容詞比較なし｟主にかたく｠1 〖名詞の前で〗異なる要素から成る , 複合的な , 合成の〈物〉; モンタージュの , 合成の〈写真素描など〉▸ composite materials 合成素材 2 〘植〙キク科の ; 〘数〙合成数の .3 〖C- 〗〘建〙混合式の〘イオニア式とコリント式の混合様式〙.名詞 C ｟主にかたく｠1 (異なる部分要素から成る )合成物 , 複合物 , 混合物 ; 複合材料 ▸ The main character in the novel is a composite of several actresses .小説の主人公は数人の女優を合わせてモデルとしたものです 2 ｟米｠(容疑者の )モンタージュ写真 (｟英｠identikit )▸ The police released the suspect's composite to the press .警察は容疑者のモンタージュ写真を報道陣に公開した 3 〘植〙キク科植物 .

composition

com po si tion /kɑ̀mpəzɪ́ʃ (ə )n |kɔ̀m -/→compose 名詞複～s /-z /1 a. U ｟かたく｠(物組織などの )構成 , 組み立て ; 構造 , 組成 , 成り立ち ; 配合 ▸ the chemical composition of water 水の化学的構成 ▸ the cultural and racial composition of the country その国の文化的および人種的な成り立ち ▸ The new material is almost identical to natural bone in (its ) composition .新素材はその組成において本物の骨とほとんど変わらない b. C (個々の )構成物 ; 組織成分 .2 a. C (音楽詩などの )作品 , 曲 ▸ piano compositions ピアノ曲 ▸ write a composition on guitar ギターで作曲する b. U (芸術作品の )創作 , 作曲 , 作詩 ; 創作 [作曲 ]技法 ▸ study music [musical ] composition 作曲を学ぶ 3 U 〖具体例ではa (…) ～/～s 〗(写真絵などの )構図 .4 C 〖教科名では不可算〗(特に学校での )作文 (essay )▸ (an ) English composition 英作文 .5 U 〘印〙植字 , 組版 .6 U 合成 (すること ); C 合成物 , 模造品 .7 U (人の )性質 , 性格 .8 C 和解 , 示談 ; 示談金 , (示談するための )部分的な返済金 .9 U 〘文法〙(語の )合成 , 複合 (語形成 ).10 U 〘数〙合成関数 .～al 形容詞

compositor

com pos i tor /kəmpɑ́zətə r |-pɔ́z -/名詞 C 植字工 .

compost

com post /kɑ́mpoʊst |kɔ́mpɔst /名詞 U 堆肥（たいひ）, 積み肥 ; 混合物, 合成物 ▸ a compost heap [pile ]堆肥の山 .動詞他動詞 …に堆肥を施す ; …を堆肥にする .

composure

com po sure /kəmpóʊʒə r /名詞 U 沈着, 平静 (calmness ); 落ち着いた態度 ▸ keep [lose, regain ] one's composure 落ち着きを保つ [失う, 取り戻す ]▸ with great [perfect ] composure 落ち着き払って

compote

com pote /kɑ́mpoʊt |kɔ́m -/名詞 1 U コンポート〘デザートに食べる果物の砂糖煮〙.2 C コンポート〘高い脚の付いた菓子果物の盛り皿〙.

compound

com pound 1 /kɑ́mpaʊnd |kɔ́m -/ (! 名詞形容詞と動詞で発音強勢が異なるので注意 ) 名詞複～s /-dz /C 1 〖通例～s 〗〘化〙化合物 ▸ organic [toxic, carbon ] compounds 有機 [有毒, 炭素 ]化合物 ▸ give off volatile compounds 揮発性化合物を発生させる 2 〖通例a ～〗複合体 , 組み合わせ (mixture ); 合成物 ; 混合物 .3 〘文法〙複合語〘backyard, bus driver, home-madeなど2つ以上の独立した意味を持つ要素から成る語〙.動詞 /kəmpáʊnd /他動詞 1 ｟かたく｠〈良くない物事が〉〈問題困難な状況など〉をさらに複雑にする , さらに悪化させる (!しばしば受け身で ) ▸ The nation's economic difficulties are compounded by the civil war .内戦によりその国の窮乏にさらに拍車がかかっている 2 «…と » …を混合する «with » ; 〈薬など〉を調合する ; …を混ぜ合わせて «…を » 作る «into » ; ｟かたく｠【部分要素などによって】…を構成する , 作り上げる «from , of » .3 ｟米｠〈銀行が〉 (顧客に対して )〈利子〉を複利で支払う .4 〈争いなど〉を和解によって決着させる , 示談にする ; 〈悪事の追及など〉を和らげる .自動詞 «…と /…に関して » 和解する , 示談にする «with /for » .形容詞 /kɑ́mpaʊnd |kɔ́m -/比較なし〖名詞の前で〗1 複合的な ; 〘植〙複合の , 〘動〙群体の ; 2つ以上の機能をもつ .2 〘文法〙複合 (的な )〈名詞形容詞動詞〉.3 〘文法〙重文の ▸ a compound sentence 重文〘主節が2つ以上並列されている文〙～̀ é ye 〘動〙(昆虫などの )複眼 .～̀ fr á ction 〘数〙繁分数 .～̀ fr á cture 〘医〙複雑骨折 .～̀ í nterest 複利 .～̀ l é af 〘植〙複葉 .～̀ t í me 〘楽〙複合拍子 .

compound

com pound 2 /kɑ́mpaʊnd |kɔ́m -/名詞 C (囲いをした )区域, 住宅街〘特にインドマレー半島中国などでの欧州人の屋敷や工場〙; (刑務所などの )構内 ▸ a terrorist compound テロリストの拠点

compounded

com p ó und ed /-ɪd /形容詞｟かたく｠〈物が〉複合的な, «…の » 入り混じった «of » .

comprehend

com pre hend /kɑ̀mprɪhénd |kɔ̀m -/ (! 強勢は第3音節 ) 〖com (完全に )prehend (つかむ )〗(名 )comprehension, (形 )comprehensive 動詞～s /-dz /; ～ed /-ɪd /; ～ing 他動詞｟かたく｠1 〖しばしば否定文 (に準ずる文 )で〗〈事物人 (の本質 )〉を (しっかりと )理解する ; 〖～ wh節 /that節〗…か […ということ ]を理解する (understand ) (!進行形にしない ) ▸ I couldn't fully comprehend what he was trying to say [the seriousness of the situation ].彼が何を言おうとしていたのか [状況の深刻さ ]が十分には理解できなかった 2 ｟かたく｠…を含む , 包括する (include ).～ing ly 副詞よく理解して .

comprehensible

com pre hen si ble /kɑ̀mprɪhénsəb (ə )l |kɔ̀m -/形容詞【人に】理解しやすい, 理解できる «to » .c ò m pre h é n si bly 副詞 c ò m pre h è n si b í l i ty 名詞

comprehension

com pre hen sion /kɑ̀mprɪhénʃ (ə )n |kɔ̀m -/→comprehend 名詞複～s /-z /1 U ｟かたく｠(物事を )理解する力 , 理解力 (understanding ); ｟英｠〖形容詞的に〗理解力の, 理解力を測る〈練習問題など〉▸ The theory was beyond my comprehension .その学説は私の理解の及ばないものだった ▸ The job requires good comprehension of written English .その仕事には書かれた英語を十分に理解できる力が必要である ▸ do the comprehension quiz 理解力をテストする問題に答える 2 U ｟かたく｠認識 , 理解 ; U C 知識 .3 C U ｟英｠(学校での )理解度測定試験 .4 U ｟やや古｠包含 ; U C 〘論〙内包 (connotation ).

comprehensive

com pre hen sive /kɑ̀mprɪhénsɪv |kɔ̀m -/→comprehend 形容詞 more ～; most ～1 〈物事が〉包括的な , 網羅的な , 広範囲にわたる (thorough )▸ a comprehensive list [study ]網羅的一覧 [包括的研究 ]▸ a comprehensive guide to theaters 完全版劇場案内 (書 ).2 比較なし｟英｠〖名詞の前で〗総合的な〈学校教育〉.3 ｟英｠〈勝負が〉はっきりした, 完全な ▸ a comprehensive win [defeat ]完勝 [完敗 ].4 〈理解力が〉幅広い .名詞 C 1 ｟英｠総合中等学校 (comprehensive school ) 〘11歳以上の生徒が通う公立の中高校で, 16歳の義務教育終了時もしくは18歳で卒業する〙.2 ｟米｠〖通例～s 〗総合試験 (comprehensive examination ) 〘学部学生や大学院生が受ける専攻科目の総合的試験〙.～̀ ins ú rance [p ó licy, c ó ver ](自動車の )総合保険〘広範囲にわたる損害を補償する〙.C -̀ (N ù clear ) T è st B à n Tr é aty 〖the ～〗包括的核実験禁止条約 (｟略｠CTBT ).～ly 副詞包括的に ; 完全に, 徹底的に .～ness 名詞

compress

com press /kəmprés /動詞他動詞 1 〈空気ガスなど〉を圧縮 [圧搾 ]する ; …を押し [締め ]付ける ; …を圧縮 [圧搾 ]して «…に » 詰め込む «into » .2 〈思想表現など〉を «…に » 凝縮する «into » ▸ compress one's thoughts into a few words 考えを数語に凝縮する 3 〘コンピュ〙〈ファイル〉を圧縮する .名詞 /kɑ́mpres |kɔ́m -/C 〘医〙(止血消炎用の )圧迫包帯 [湿布 ].com pr é s si ble 形容詞圧縮できる .

compressed

com pr é ssed /-t /形容詞〖通例名詞の前で〗圧縮 [圧搾 ]した ; 簡潔な〈思想文体など〉▸ compressed air [gas ]圧搾空気 [ガス ]▸ compressed lips かたく結んだ唇

compression

com pres sion /kəmpréʃ (ə )n /名詞 U 1 圧縮, 圧搾 .2 (思想表現などの )簡潔化, 要約 .3 〘機〙圧縮〘内燃機関での, 点火直前の燃焼混合物の圧縮〙.

compressive

com pres sive /kəmprésɪv /形容詞圧縮の ; 圧縮力のある .

compressor

com pres sor /kəmprésə r /名詞 C (空気ガスなどの )圧縮機 ; 〘医〙(動脈などの )圧迫器, 止血器 .

comprise

com prise /kəmpráɪz /動詞～s /-ɪz /; ～d /-d /; -prising 他動詞｟かたく｠1 〈全体が〉〈(複数の )部分〉から成る , 構成される ; …を (部分として )含む (consist of ) (!進行形にしない ) ▸ The editorial staff comprises ｟米｠ [comprise ｟英｠] students from six different universities .編集部は6つの大学の学生で構成される 2 〈人物が〉…を構成する (constitute, compose ) (!進行形にしない ) ▸ In Britain women comprise 40 per cent of the total work force .イギリスでは女性が全労働力人口の40パーセントを占める

compromise

com pro mise /kɑ́mprəmàɪz |kɔ́m -/ (! -miseは /maɪz /; 強勢は第1音節 ) 〖com (共に )promise (約束する )〗名詞複～s /-ɪz /1 C 〖行為では不可算〗 «…との /…の間の » 妥協 , 譲り合い, 歩み寄り ; 妥協案 «with /between » ; 〖形容詞的に〗妥協による〈解決合意など〉▸ make a compromise with the opposition parties 野党と妥協をする ▸ try to reach [arrive at ] a compromise 妥協を得ようとする ▸ There's no room for compromise (here ).妥協の余地はない 2 C «…の間の » 折衷したもの , 中間物 ; どっちつかずの物 «between » ▸ a reasonable compromise between environmental protection and convenience 環境保護と利便性の無理のない両立 .3 C (評判信望などを )傷つけるもの .動詞～s /-ɪz /; ～d /-d /; -mising 自動詞 1 〈人が〉【人などと /事について】妥協する , 歩み寄る «with /on , over » ▸ How far [much ] will you compromise ?どこまで妥協するつもりですか ▸ The employers are prepared to compromise with the labor union on the matter .経営陣はその問題について労働組合と妥協する用意がある 2 【信念主義などを】曲げる ; «…に関して » 譲歩する , 屈従する «with » .他動詞 1 〈名誉信用など〉を汚（けが）す , 傷つける ; 〖～ oneself 〗自分の信用を損なう ; 〈行為物などが〉…を危うくする , 台なしにする (→分詞 compromising )▸ compromise one's reputation 評判を落とす ▸ The treatment may compromise patients' safety .その治療法は患者の安全を損なうかもしれない 2 〈自分の信条考えなど〉を曲げる , …に反する [もとる ]ことをする ▸ compromise one's principles [oneself ] to get along with one's boss 上司とうまくやるために自分の信条を曲げる 3 ｟古｠〈争いなど〉を (妥協して )解決する .

compromising

c ó m pro m ì s ing 形容詞〖通例名詞の前で〗(人に知られると )恥ずかしい, 困る ; 名誉を傷つける〈状況写真など〉.

comptroller

comp trol ler /kəntróʊlə r /名詞 C ｟かたく｠(会計 )検査官 (!a ～ of accounts (会計検査官 )のような伝統的な官職名にのみcontrollerに代わって用いられる ) .

compulsion

com pul sion /kəmpʌ́lʃ (ə )n /名詞 1 C «…しようとする » (抑えられない )衝動 «to do » ; 〘心〙衝動強迫 .2 U 〖a ～〗 «…しなくてはならない » (上 [外 ]からの )強制 (力 ), 義務 «to do » ▸ under compulsion 強制されて

compulsive

com pul sive /kəmpʌ́lsɪv /形容詞 1 (よくないことを )しないではいられない, 衝動を抑えられない ; やむにやまれぬ, 衝動的な, 強制的な〈行動など〉▸ a compulsive eater 過食症の人 .2 たまらなくおもしろい, やめられない〈本番組など〉.3 〘心〙強迫衝動的な ▸ compulsive personality disorder 強迫性人格異常 .～ly 副詞～ness 名詞 U 強制 .

compulsorily

com pul so ri ly /kəmpʌ́ls (ə )r (ə )li /副詞強制的に .

compulsory

com pul so ry /kəmpʌ́ls (ə )ri /→compel 形容詞比較なし〈事物が〉 (法律制度により )義務的な , 強制的な (obligatory )(↔voluntary ); 〈学校などの科目が〉必修の (↔optional , elective )▸ Education to the age of 15 is compulsory in Japan .日本では15歳まで義務教育になっている名詞 C (フィギュアスケート体操などの )規定演技 .

compunction

com punc tion /kəmpʌ́ŋ (k )ʃ (ə )n /名詞 U 〖通例否定文で〗良心の呵責（かしやく）, 悔恨 ; 心の痛み, とがめ ▸ without compunction 少しも悪いとは思わないで ▸ have no compunction about (doing ) A A (すること )をちっとも悪いと思っていない

computation

com pu ta tion /kɑ̀mpjutéɪʃ (ə )n |kɔ̀m -/名詞 C U ｟かたく｠(数学的 )計算 (の結果 ); 算定額 ; コンピュータの [による ]計算 [演算 ], コンピュータの (情報 )処理 .

computational

c ò m pu t á tion al 形容詞｟主に書｠〖通例名詞の前で〗コンピュータを利用した, コンピュータの [にかかわる ].

compute

com pute /kəmpjúːt /動詞｟かたく｠他動詞〈数量額結果など〉を計算 [算定 ]する, 見積もる (→calculate 他動詞 1 ); 〈数量物など〉をコンピュータで計算 [測定 ]する .自動詞計算する .

computer

com put er /kəmpjúːtə r /〖com (共に )puter (計算するもの )〗名詞複～s /-z /C 1 コンピュータ , 電子電算機 ; 〖形容詞的に〗コンピュータの ▸ start up [power up ] one's computer パソコンを起動させる ▸ log into the computer system (職場学校などの )コンピュータシステムにログインする ▸ play games on the computer コンピュータでゲームをする ▸ install some software on one's computer コンピュータにソフトをインストールする ▸ connect one's computer to the Internet パソコンをインターネットに接続する ▸ draw pictures by [on a ] computer コンピュータで [コンピュータ上に ]絵を描く 2 計算する人, 算定者 .～́ cr ì me コンピュータ犯罪 .～̀ d á ting (コンピュータ診断による )見合い .～̀ g á me コンピュータゲーム, 携帯型ゲーム機 (!「テレビゲーム」はvideo game ) .～̀ gr á phics コンピュータグラフィックス〘コンピュータを使用して画像や図面を作成表示する技術; ｟略｠CG 〙.～́ j ò ck [j ò ckey ]｟くだけて｠コンピュータを使いこなす人 .～̀ l á nguage コンピュータ言語〘BASIC, COBOLなど〙.～̀ l í teracy コンピュータリテラシ〘コンピュータを使いこなす能力〙.～̀ m ó deling [｟英｠m ó delling ]コンピュータモデリング〘コンピュータによってあらゆる角度から状況状態実物などを仮想的に提示すること〙.～̀ pr ó gram コンピュータプログラム .～̀ pr ó grammer コンピュータプログラマー .～̀ sc í ence コンピュータサイエンス, 情報科学 .～̀ sec ú rity コンピュータセキュリティ〘外部からの侵入などに対する防衛策〙.～̀ v í rus コンピュータウイルス (!単にvirusともいう ) .

computer-aided

comp ú ter- à id ed /-ɪd /形容詞コンピュータを利用した, コンピュータ支援の .～̀ des í gn コンピュータ援用設計 (｟略｠CAD ).～̀ manuf á cture コンピュータ援用製造システム〘工場での生産活動をコンピュータを用いて行うこと; ｟略｠CAM 〙.

computer-assisted

comp ú ter-ass ì st ed /-ɪd /形容詞＝computer-aided .

computerate

com put er ate /kəmpjúːt (ə )rət /形容詞＝computer-literate .

computerese

com put er ese /kəmpjùːtəríːz, -ríːs /名詞 U コンピュータ技術者の専門用語 .

computer-illiterate

comp ù ter-ill í terate 形容詞〈人が〉コンピュータが使えない, コンピュータのことを知らない (↔computer-literate ).

computerize

com put er ize /kəmpjúːtəràɪz /動詞他動詞 1 〈システム作業工程など〉をコンピュータ化する, コンピュータで処理 [操作 ]する .2 〈情報データなど〉をコンピュータに蓄える, 電子化する .3 〈物〉にコンピュータを組み込む .自動詞コンピュータを導入する .com p ù t er i z á tion 名詞 U コンピュータ化 .

computerized

com p ú t er ized 形容詞〖通例名詞の前で〗1 コンピュータ化された〈システム作業工程など〉.2 コンピュータに蓄えられた, 電子化された〈情報文書など〉.～̀ à xial tom ó graphy →CAT .

computer-literate

comp ù ter-l í terate 形容詞〈人が〉コンピュータが使える, コンピュータの知識がある (↔computer-illiterate ).

computing

com put ing /kəmpjúːtɪŋ /名詞 U 1 コンピュータ (の )利用, コンピュータのプログラムを書くこと .2 (コンピュータによる )計算 .形容詞〖名詞の前で〗コンピュータの, コンピュータ関連の .