pressed

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/prɛst/
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Applied force or weight in the past, and also an adjective for something flattened by pressure or a person feeling irritated or stressed.

Examples

  • The pressed flowers looked beautiful in the frame.
  • After ironing, the pressed fabric felt smooth.
  • The worker pressed the lever to start the engine.
  • After the argument, Mark looked pressed.
  • The police pressed charges against the suspect.

Similar words

condensed
flustered
smoothed
compact
compressed
pushed
stressed
upset
squeezed
tightened

Meanings

Feeling upset or irritated

adjective
everyday
informal
Experiencing pressure or annoyance, often showing more concern than admitted.

Examples

  • After the argument, Mark looked pressed.
  • She seemed pressed when the manager called her out.
  • The team appeared pressed after the tight deadline.
  • You can tell he's pressed by the way he sighs.
  • Even though she smiled, she was clearly pressed.
  • The students were pressed by the upcoming exam.
  • He answered quickly, a sign he was pressed.

Similar words

Past tense of press

verb
physical
neutral
Applied force or weight to something, or forced something into a shape.

Examples

  • She pressed the cloth against the iron.
  • The worker pressed the lever to start the engine.
  • He pressed his fingers together to feel the pulse.
  • They pressed the grapes to extract juice.
  • The chef pressed the sandwich until it was golden.
  • I pressed the reset button after the crash.
  • The police pressed charges against the suspect.

Similar words

Flattened or smoothed by pressure

adjective
everyday
neutral
Made smooth or compact by being pressed, such as pressed flowers or pressed shirts.

Examples

  • The pressed flowers looked beautiful in the frame.
  • He wore a pressed shirt to the interview.
  • The pressed dough rose quickly.
  • She admired the pressed leaves in the book.
  • The pressed metal panel fit perfectly.
  • After ironing, the pressed fabric felt smooth.
  • The artist used pressed clay for the sculpture.

Similar words

Etymology

From Old French presser, from Latin pressare ‘to press down’.

FAQ

What does "pressed" mean as an adjective?

It describes someone who feels irritated, stressed, or under pressure.

How is "pressed" used as the past tense of "press"?

It indicates that force or weight was applied in the past.

Can "pressed" describe objects?

Yes, it means the object has been flattened or smoothed by pressure.

What is the correct form for third‑person singular of "press"?

The correct form is "presses", not "pressed".

Is "pressed" ever used in a legal context?

Not commonly; its main uses are physical, descriptive, and emotional.

What are some synonyms for "pressed" when meaning annoyed?

irritated, annoyed, agitated, tense, stressed, upset, on edge, flustered.

What are antonyms for "pressed" in the emotional sense?

calm, relaxed, composed, untroubled.

How do you form the past tense of "press"?

Add -ed to make "pressed".

What is the origin of the word "pressed"?

It comes from Old French presser, from Latin pressare meaning ‘to press down’.

Can "pressed" be used with the meaning of “pressed for time”?

Yes, it can describe a situation where someone feels rushed or under pressure.

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