Pressing: meaning, definitions and examples

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pressing

 

[ˈprɛsɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

feeling

Pressing is used to describe a situation that requires immediate attention or action. It can also refer to something that is urgent or demanding.

Synonyms

critical, important, urgent.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pressing

Used when something needs immediate attention or action and cannot be delayed.

  • We have a pressing issue that needs to be resolved right now
urgent

Similar to pressing, it is used when something requires immediate attention, often implying a sense of emergency.

  • I received an urgent message from my boss
critical

Used for situations that are extremely important and can have severe consequences if not addressed. Often used in emergencies or important decisions.

  • Her condition is critical and she needs surgery immediately
important

Used when something has significance or a high value, but might not require immediate action.

  • Family is very important to me
  • It's important to meet the deadline

Examples of usage

  • The doctor told me that my health issue is pressing and needs to be addressed right away.
  • We have a pressing deadline to meet for this project.
Context #2 | Noun

clothing

Pressing is the act of ironing clothes to make them smooth and wrinkle-free.

Synonyms

ironing, smoothing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pressing

In the context of clothes, it refers to the act of removing wrinkles using an iron or pressing machine.

  • He works at the dry cleaners, pressing suits and dresses.
  • After washing, the clothes need pressing to look neat.
ironing

Commonly used in domestic settings when referring to making clothes smooth with an iron.

  • I spent the afternoon ironing my work shirts.
  • She enjoys ironing while watching TV.
smoothing

Used in a variety of contexts to describe making a surface flat, even, or free of wrinkles. It can be applied to both physical and abstract concepts.

  • She was smoothing out the wrinkles in the fabric.
  • The project involved smoothing relations between the two companies.

Examples of usage

  • She is really good at pressing her clothes and always looks very neat.
  • I need to do some pressing before the job interview tomorrow.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'premere', meaning 'to press down'.
  • It has developed meanings over centuries, originally linked to physical force before expanding into figurative uses.
  • Old French also influenced this word, contributing to its spelling and pronunciation.

Science

  • In physics, pressing something creates pressure, which can impact the material's state or shape.
  • The concept of pressure is crucial in areas like hydraulics, which uses fluid mechanics to create force.
  • When you apply pressure to a gas, it can change its volume dramatically, a principle used in various technologies.

Art

  • In printmaking, 'pressing' is a technique where ink is transferred from a plate to paper using a printing press.
  • Some artists use the pressing technique to create textures and patterns in their artwork.
  • Certain forms of photography also use pressing techniques to create unique effects.

Cultural References

  • The term is commonly used in media, where a 'pressing issue' refers to a topic that requires immediate attention.
  • In fashion, 'pressing' refers to the application of heat and pressure to remove wrinkles from clothing.
  • Pressing play on a device often signals the start of a story or experience, emphasizing the importance of an action.

Psychology

  • Pressing circumstances can lead to stress, highlighting how urgency influences mental well-being.
  • The pressing need for social connection is a strong motivator for human behavior, often driving relationships and community building.
  • In decision-making, individuals often feel immense pressure that can lead to hasty or suboptimal choices.

Translations

Translations of the word "pressing" in other languages:

🇵🇹 urgente

🇮🇳 जरूरी

🇩🇪 dringend

🇮🇩 mendesak

🇺🇦 нагальний

🇵🇱 pilny

🇯🇵 緊急の (きんきゅうの)

🇫🇷 urgent

🇪🇸 urgente

🇹🇷 acil

🇰🇷 긴급한

🇸🇦 ملح

🇨🇿 naléhavý

🇸🇰 naliehavý

🇨🇳 紧急的 (jǐnjí de)

🇸🇮 nujno

🇮🇸 áríðandi

🇰🇿 шұғыл

🇬🇪 სასწრაფო

🇦🇿 təcili

🇲🇽 urgente

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,420, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.