Cool MateCompile
UK /["/kəmˈpaɪl/","/kəmˈpaɪlz/","/kəmˈpaɪld/","/kəmˈpaɪlɪŋ/"]/US /["/kəmˈpaɪl/","/kəmˈpaɪlz/","/kəmˈpaɪld/","/kəmˈpaɪlɪŋ/"]/
Definition
to produce a book, list, report, etc. by bringing together different items, articles, songs, etc.; to collect information in order to produce a book, list, etc.
In simple words: To gather and put together information or data.
Examples
- We are trying to compile a list of suitable people for the job.
- The album was compiled from live recordings from last year's tour.
- The figures were compiled from a survey of 2 000 schoolchildren.
Usage notes
Use 'compile' when you are creating a collection of data or resources. It is often used in academic or professional contexts, but less common in casual conversation.
Grammar pattern
compile + object
Memory hint
Think of 'compile' as 'combing piles' of information together.
Collocations
- compile data
- compile a report
- compile information
- compile statistics
- compile materials
Synonyms
- gather
- collect
- assemble
- accumulate
- aggregate
Antonyms
- discard
- dissolve
- disperse
Common mistakes
- Confused with 'compile' vs 'complile' (spelling error)
- Using 'compile' with an incorrect preposition (should be 'compile data' not 'compile with data')
- Misunderstanding 'compile' as only computer-related (it can refer to any type of gathering information)