Cram Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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cram
[kræm ]
Definitions
studying
To study intensively over a short period of time, especially for an examination; to try to learn a lot of information quickly.
Synonyms
study intensively, swot up.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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cram |
Commonly used in informal situations where someone is preparing for an exam or test at the last moment, often emphasizing the stress and rush involved.
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study intensively |
Used in more formal or neutral contexts, indicating that someone is putting a lot of effort and time into studying, without the connotation of rushing or last-minute preparation.
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swot up |
A British informal term often used in casual conversations, suggesting focused and detailed studying, usually for an upcoming test or exam.
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Examples of usage
- I need to cram for my biology exam tomorrow.
- She crammed all night for the history test.
food
A mixture of food that has been chopped up and pressed together to form a solid mass.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
cram |
This can also be used to describe forcing things into a space roughly or uncomfortably.
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mash |
This is used when someone is crushing something into a soft, pulpy state, often used for food.
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paste |
This is used when referring to a thick, soft, moist substance produced by grinding or crushing various materials, often used in a culinary or creative context.
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Examples of usage
- She made a delicious cram for the picnic.
- The cram was easy to pack for lunch.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Studying information in a short period can lead to stress and anxiety, as the brain struggles to retain everything.
- Research shows that cramming is less effective for long-term retention compared to spaced repetition.
- Last-minute studying can result in lower performance due to limited processing time for information.
Education
- Cramming is often used by students the night before exams, despite its drawbacks for memory retention.
- Innovative techniques, like mind mapping and flashcards, can help ace exams without cramming.
- Classroom strategies like regular reviews can reduce the need to cram by reinforcing learning over time.
Pop Culture
- The term 'cram' has appeared in various songs and movies, often portraying students' frantic study habits.
- In pop culture, cramming is humorously depicted as a rite of passage during finals week.
- Social media often showcases memes that highlight the struggles and successes of cramming for exams.
History
- Cramming has been a common practice since the advent of formal education, with students trying to absorb as much knowledge as possible.
- In the 19th century, the term started appearing in academic discussions about effective study methods.
- Historic study guides used for cramming emphasized memorization techniques over understanding material.
Origin of 'cram'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from Middle English 'crammen', meaning to press or stuff.
- It is closely related to the Old Norse word 'kram', which also means to press or squeeze.
- The term has evolved to mean intensely packing knowledge or items into a limited space.
The word 'cram' originated in the late 17th century and was derived from the Old English 'crammian', which means 'to stuff' or 'to cram'. Originally used in the context of overfeeding, the term later evolved to also refer to intense studying. In the culinary sense, 'cram' refers to food that has been pressed together.
Word Frequency Rank
Positioned at #24,704, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.
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- 24701 plenitude
- 24702 exonerate
- 24703 declension
- 24704 cram
- 24705 lintel
- 24706 porcupine
- 24707 remodelled
- ...