compile

Compile (verb) – Meaning, Examples & Etymology

IPA:

What does compile mean?

To collect, gather, and assemble information or data from various sources in order to create a single document, list, or other organized resource.
"The editor will compile articles and images to create the magazine layout."

Detailed Meaning of Compile

This process typically involves searching through a range of sources, such as books, articles, databases, or websites, and selecting relevant information to include in the final product. The information gathered may be used to create reports, summaries, databases, or other forms of documentation. The act of compiling may involve arranging the collected information in a specific order or format, verifying its accuracy and completeness, and checking for any errors or inconsistencies. Compiling information is an important task in many fields, including academic research, data analysis, and business management, and is often considered a crucial step in organizing and presenting complex information in a clear and concise manner.

Example Sentences for Compile

1. He will compile the research findings into a comprehensive report.
2. She needs to compile a list of potential candidates for the job.
3. The team will compile the data before presenting their findings.
4. They plan to compile a cookbook with recipes from various chefs.
5. He will compile a playlist of his favorite songs for the party.
6. She must compile all the financial documents for tax season.

Origin and Etymology of Compile

The verb 'compile' has its etymological origins in the Latin word 'compilare,' which is a compound of 'com-' and 'pilare.' 'Com-' in Latin denotes 'together,' and 'pilare' means 'to plunder' or 'to rob.' Originally, 'compilare' referred to the act of gathering or collecting information from various sources, often implying a somewhat haphazard or piecemeal approach. Over time, the meaning of 'compile' has evolved to emphasize the systematic gathering, organization, and assembly of information or data from different sources into a single document, list, or other organized resource. This transformation in meaning highlights the shift from a notion of gathering through plunder to a more deliberate and structured process, while still retaining the essence of bringing disparate elements together to create a unified whole.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding

Find the correct meaning of the verb compile:

disassemble

disperse

assemble

scatter

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Correct!

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More Usage Examples of Compile

1. The librarian will compile a reading list for the summer program.
2. They aim to compile a comprehensive history of the region.
3. We should compile a list of essential items for the trip.
4. The company will compile customer feedback to improve services.
5. The professor will compile the course materials for the semester.
6. She'll compile the notes from the meeting into a summary.
7. The journalist will compile interviews for the feature article.
8. They're working to compile a database of endangered species.
9. He'll compile the highlights of the conference in a presentation.
10. She plans to compile a portfolio showcasing her artwork.
11. The team will compile statistics to analyze market trends.
12. We should compile a list of goals for the upcoming year.
13. The editor will compile the best poems for the anthology.
14. They aim to compile a comprehensive guide to travel in the area.
15. The librarian will compile a list of recommended books for the summer reading program.
16. The researcher needs to compile data from various sources to complete the study.
17. The company will compile a report on sales trends for the past quarter.
18. The journalist will compile information from interviews and articles to write a news story.
19. The student will compile notes from lectures and readings to prepare for the exam.
20. The programmer needs to compile code from different modules to create a working software.
21. The archivist will compile historical documents and photographs for the museum exhibit.
22. The accountant will compile financial statements for the annual report.
23. The coach will compile statistics on the team's performance to identify areas for improvement.
24. The teacher will compile a list of resources for the students to use in their research.
25. The survey company will compile responses from the participants to analyze the results.