Definition of Press (meaning 1 of 2 — verb)
Quick Meaning of Press
To push down on something with your hand or apply steady force to it.
Detailed Definition of Press
To push something firmly with steady force or weight.
How to Pronounce Press
Stress pattern: O (1-syllable word).
Tip: Rhymes with 'mess' and 'bless'. Stress on the single syllable /pres/.
Watch out: Some learners say 'press' incorrectly as 'prɛs'.
Other Meanings of Press
“Press” has 2 distinct meanings in English. You’re viewing meaning #1; here are the other 1:
#2 Press as a noun
News organizations and journalists who write stories and report information.
freedom of the press
Origin and Etymology of Press
From Old French pressier, from Latin pressare (to push, squeeze).
How to Use Press in a Sentence
Each example shows “press” in the meaning “To push down on something with your hand…”, with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“Press the button to start the machine.”
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“She pressed her hand against the cold glass window.”
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“You must press down firmly to activate the switch.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Press
Common Synonyms for Press
Smart Synonyms for Press — When to Use Each
- push
- general force applied with hand
- squeeze
- apply force from both sides
- compress
- reduce size by pressing
- apply
- put force or pressure onto something
Antonyms of Press
Common Collocations with Press
These phrases pair with “press” in everyday English:
- press the button
- press charges
- press forward
- press release
Common Mistakes When Using Press
Even fluent speakers slip up with “press”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: She is press the button.
- ✓ Correct: She presses the button.
- Why: Missing -es for third person singular present tense
- ✗ Wrong: He pressed down the button yesterday very strong.
- ✓ Correct: He pressed down the button hard yesterday.
- Why: Use adverb 'hard' not adjective 'strong' to modify verb
- ✗ Wrong: I have press the doorbell three times.
- ✓ Correct: I have pressed the doorbell three times.
- Why: Past participle requires 'pressed' not base form 'press'
Words Confused With Press
- Press vs Push: press involves steady force; push is quick motion Compare →
Other Forms of Press
Frequently Asked Questions About Press
What is the meaning of "Press"?
To push down on something with your hand or apply steady force to it.
How do you pronounce "Press"?
The IPA is /pres/. Rhymes with 'mess' and 'bless'. Stress on the single syllable /pres/.
What part of speech is "Press"?
"Press" is a verb at A2 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Press"?
Common synonyms include push, squeeze, compress.
How do you use "Press" in a sentence?
For example: "Press the button to start the machine."