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Glite Dictionary
subcompact car

subcompact car

3.3
A very small car that is easy to park and uses little fuel
  • noun
  • /ˈsʌbˌkɒmpækt kɑr/
  • US
translation icon : auto subcompacto

Examples

  • The instruments weigh about 6 tons, and three are each about the size of a subcompact car.

    Academic text (1990)

  • The dealership offers a variety of subcompact cars that are perfect for city driving.

  • After test-driving several models, I decided to buy a new subcompact car for its fuel efficiency.

  • Many young professionals prefer subcompact cars because they are affordable and easy to park.

Synonyms

subcompact
vssubcompact car
  • US
3 4.3

A small car for city driving that uses little fuel

focuses on very small size and limited passenger and cargo space
supermini
vssubcompact car
  • UK
4.7

A very small car made for city driving and easy parking

stresses size relative to a compact and limited passenger and cargo space

How Big

full-size
21 2.5
midsize
  • US
1 3.4
compact car
  • US
4 2.8
subcompact car
  • US
3.3
minicar
1 3.5

Surface Forms

subcompact car singular
subcompact cars plural

Morphology

subcompact + car

The meaning is directly compositional: 'subcompact' (smaller than a compact) modifies 'car', so a subcompact car is simply a very small car. This adjective+noun compound follows regular English word-formation patterns and is predictable for learners who already know both constituent words.

Etymology

Subcompact car comes from the parts sub- meaning 'smaller than' and compact meaning 'a small car'. Imagine a car even smaller than a compact that easily fits into tight city streets. That's why subcompact car means a very small car with little space for people and bags.