C1verb2K

Compile

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)