COMPACTLY

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does compactly mean? 

• COMPACTLY (adverb)
  The adverb COMPACTLY has 3 senses:

1. in a compact manner or state

2. with concise and precise brevity; to the point

3. taking up no more space than necessary

  Familiarity information: COMPACTLY used as an adverb is uncommon.

 Dictionary entry details 

• COMPACTLY (adverb)

Sense 1

Meaning:

In a compact manner or state

Context example:

The children were packed compactly into the car

Pertainym:

compact (closely and firmly united or packed together)

Sense 2

Meaning:

With concise and precise brevity; to the point

Synonyms:

compactly; succinctly

Context example:

he wrote compactly but clearly

Pertainym:

compact (briefly giving the gist of something)

Sense 3

Meaning:

Taking up no more space than necessary

Context example:

liquid food compactly stored in a pressurized tank

Pertainym:

compact (closely and firmly united or packed together)

 Context examples 

The English Cocker Spaniel is an alert, compactly built, medium-sized dog with long ears.

(English Cocker Spaniel, NCI Thesaurus)

Buck stalked into the open, half crouching, body gathered compactly together, tail straight and stiff, feet falling with unwonted care.

(The Call of the Wild, by Jack London)

His whole body was gathered compactly together in the tremendous effort, the muscles writhing and knotting like live things under the silky fur.

(The Call of the Wild, by Jack London)