Cram
/kræm/
verbnounB1
Definition
As a verb, "cram" means to try to learn a large amount of information quickly, often before an exam. As a noun, it refers to the act of doing this intense, last-minute studying. It can also mean to force or push many things into a small place.
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⚡ See It in Action
To study a lot in a short time before a test
- •She crammed all night before the final exam.
- •Don’t just cram; try to study a little every day.
- •Many students cram to pass their tests but forget the material soon after.
To force many things into a small space
- •They crammed all their clothes into one small suitcase.
- •The room was crammed with people during the meeting.
- •He crammed the books into his backpack quickly.
🧲 Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "cram" like "study," but very fast and all at once, not slowly over time
- ✓Picture a student sitting with many books open, trying to learn everything the night before a test
- ✓It's the feeling of pressure and hurry when you know you have little time left to prepare
- ✓Sounds like "cram" → imagine trying to CRAM (push) a lot of clothes into a small suitcase until it’s full
- ✓Think of the last-minute rush before an important event, like packing your bag quickly before leaving
- ✓NOT like "learn" (which means to understand over time), "cram" is quick and often stressful
- ✓NOT like "organize" (put things neatly), "cram" is more about squeezing or pushing things in tightly
- ✓NOT like "prepare" (which can be calm and planned), "cram" is usually rushed and intense
🔄 Try Other Words
- •Stuff: to fill tightly (Use when talking about putting many things quickly into a small space)
- •Study hard: to prepare well for tests (Use when focusing on learning, but less about speed)
- •Fill: to put something into a space (Use when the focus is on making the space full, not necessarily quickly)
🔍 Unboxing
- •Word parts: No prefix or suffix; simple root word "cram"
- •Etymology: Origin uncertain, possibly from Scottish or English dialect meaning "to stuff or fill"
- •Historical development: Used since the late 1600s to mean stuffing or filling tightly; later used for intense study in the 20th century
- •Modern usage: Commonly used for last-minute studying and also for filling spaces quickly or tightly
💭 Reflect & Connect
•What are the advantages and disadvantages of cramming before a test compared to studying regularly?
•Can cramming be useful in other situations besides studying? When and how?
Fill in the blanks with the correct word:
1.Students often cram ___ the night before an important exam when they feel ___ time.
2.When you cram many clothes ___ a small bag, it can be hard to close.
3.Unlike regular study, cramming usually causes ___ pressure and ___ stress.
4.She crammed all the facts ___ her head quickly but forgot them soon after.
5.People say cramming ___ not the best way to learn because it lacks ___ practice.
6.During the trip, they crammed ___ too many souvenirs, making the suitcase very heavy.
7.Cramming is different from studying slowly because it focuses on ___ information in a ___ time.