用你的语言查看此页面

English

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

हिन्दी

首页
学习
英语
词汇
pressing

B1 adjective #48 最常用 14分钟阅读

pressing

前48

At the A1 level, 'pressing' is a difficult word. You should think of it as a very strong way to say 'now.' If something is pressing, you cannot wait. You must do it today or right now. For example, if you have no food in your house, going to the shop is a 'pressing' job. It is like the word 'important,' but it also means 'fast.' Most A1 students use 'very important' instead, which is okay, but 'pressing' is more special. It is usually used for problems, not for fun things. You don't have a 'pressing' need for a toy, but you have a 'pressing' need for water if you are thirsty. Think of it as a big, heavy problem that is pushing you to move quickly.

At the A2 level, you can start using 'pressing' to talk about your schedule and simple problems. It is an adjective that means 'urgent.' If you have a 'pressing matter,' it means you have a piece of work or a problem that you must finish immediately. You might hear this in a doctor's office or at a school. For example, 'I have a pressing question' means 'I need an answer right now.' It is a more professional word than 'urgent.' When you use it, people will think your English is very good. Remember to use it with nouns like 'problem,' 'need,' or 'issue.' It helps you tell people that something is a priority and cannot be ignored.

As a B1 learner, you should understand 'pressing' as a key word for discussing priorities and social issues. It is frequently used in news reports and business meetings. When something is 'pressing,' it requires immediate attention because it is critical. It's often used in the phrase 'a pressing need for...' or 'the most pressing issue.' This word helps you rank importance. If you are writing an essay about the environment, you can say 'Pollution is a pressing concern.' This sounds much more sophisticated than 'Pollution is a big problem.' It implies that the clock is ticking and we must act soon. It is also useful for politely ending a conversation: 'I'm sorry, I have some pressing business to attend to.'

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using 'pressing' in various formal contexts. You should recognize its nuances compared to synonyms like 'urgent' or 'imperative.' 'Pressing' often carries a weight of situational necessity. It is commonly found in academic writing and professional journalism to describe crises or significant challenges. You should also be aware of its collocations, such as 'pressing invitation' (an insistent one) or 'pressing circumstances' (legal or situational urgency). Using 'pressing' allows you to convey a sense of gravity and professional urgency. It is an excellent word for business correspondence, especially when you need to flag a task for a colleague without sounding overly demanding or rude.

For C1 learners, 'pressing' is a versatile tool for precise communication. You should understand its metaphorical roots—the idea of a situation 'pressing' down on a person or a society. This word is often used to describe systemic issues that demand a policy response. In advanced writing, you can use it to create a hierarchy of concerns, often using the superlative 'the most pressing.' You should also be able to distinguish it from 'exigent' (more formal) and 'acute' (more severe/sharp). C1 students should also notice how 'pressing' can describe an insistent tone in communication, such as 'pressing demands' from a labor union. It is a word that conveys both the importance of the task and the temporal pressure surrounding it.

At the C2 level, you should have a complete mastery of 'pressing,' including its rarer uses and its role in rhetorical structures. You might use it to describe an insistent psychological state, like a 'pressing urge' or a 'pressing sense of duty.' You should also be familiar with its use in legal and historical texts, where 'pressing' can refer to the necessity that justifies a departure from normal rules. A C2 speaker uses 'pressing' to add weight and authority to their statements, often in complex sentence structures like 'There is no more pressing task than...' or 'Given the pressing nature of the crisis...' It is a word that signals a high level of literacy and an ability to navigate the subtle differences between urgency, necessity, and importance in high-level discourse.

开始练习例句笔记与提示

pressing 30秒了解

Pressing is an adjective that means extremely urgent and requiring immediate attention or action to prevent negative consequences.
It is most commonly paired with nouns like 'issue,' 'need,' 'problem,' 'matter,' and 'concern' in formal or professional contexts.
The word carries a sense of gravity and priority, making it more powerful than 'important' and more formal than 'urgent.'
It can also describe an insistent request or a very busy schedule, but its primary use is for critical situational needs.

The word pressing is an adjective that describes something of extreme importance that demands immediate attention. While it originates from the physical act of applying force or weight, its metaphorical use in modern English focuses almost entirely on the concept of time and priority. When an issue is described as pressing, it is not merely 'important'; it is 'urgent.' It sits at the very top of a to-do list because the consequences of ignoring it are immediate and potentially severe. This word is a staple in professional, academic, and journalistic contexts where priorities must be clearly communicated to an audience or a team.

The Core Concept: At its heart, 'pressing' suggests a weight or a force that is pushing against you, forcing you to move or act. Just as a physical weight 'presses' down on an object, a pressing problem 'presses' against your schedule or your peace of mind.

The most pressing challenge for the new government is the rising cost of living, which requires an immediate policy response to prevent widespread poverty.

In everyday conversation, you might hear someone say they have 'pressing business' to attend to. This is a polite but firm way of saying they must leave or focus on something else immediately. It carries more weight than saying 'I'm busy.' It implies that the task is unavoidable and time-sensitive. In global contexts, we often talk about 'pressing environmental concerns' or 'pressing human rights issues.' In these cases, the word serves to elevate the topic above the noise of daily news, signaling to the listener that this is a crisis that cannot wait for a more convenient time to be solved.

Professional Usage: In a business meeting, if a manager says, 'We have more pressing matters to discuss,' they are effectively shutting down the current topic to redirect the group's energy toward a crisis or a deadline that is looming.

While the office decor is important, the pressing need for a new server must take precedence this quarter.

The nuance of 'pressing' also involves a sense of collective responsibility. When a community faces a pressing need, it suggests that everyone is feeling the 'pressure' of that need. It is not just a personal preference; it is a systemic or situational requirement. For example, a drought creates a pressing need for water conservation. This isn't just a good idea; it's a survival necessity. By using 'pressing,' the speaker invokes a sense of gravity that 'important' simply doesn't reach. It bridges the gap between a simple fact and a call to action.

The doctor had several pressing cases in the emergency room that required her to stay past her shift.

Social Context: In social settings, 'pressing' can be used to excuse oneself from a conversation without being rude. 'I'm so sorry, I have a pressing engagement' sounds much more sophisticated than 'I have to go.'

There is a pressing lack of affordable housing in the city center, leading to increased homelessness.

The scientist argued that climate change is the most pressing issue of our generation.

Using 'pressing' correctly requires understanding its role as an attributive adjective (placed before a noun) and its common collocations. It is rarely used as a predicative adjective (after a verb like 'is') without a subject that implies a problem or a task. For instance, you would say 'The issue is pressing,' but it is much more common to say 'It is a pressing issue.' The word functions as a powerful intensifier for nouns that already imply a need for action, such as 'need,' 'concern,' 'problem,' 'issue,' 'matter,' or 'engagement.'

Common Noun Pairings: The most frequent pairings include: pressing need, pressing concern, pressing problem, pressing issue, and pressing matter. These combinations are almost idiomatic in formal English.

Due to the storm damage, there is a pressing need for emergency shelter in the coastal villages.

When you use 'pressing' in a sentence, you are setting a tone of seriousness. It is often used in the superlative form—'the most pressing'—to rank problems. This is particularly useful in persuasive writing or debates where you must justify why one topic deserves more resources than another. For example, 'Among all the challenges we face, the most pressing is the lack of clean water.' This structure immediately tells the reader that while other challenges exist, this one is the priority. It creates a hierarchy of importance that is easy for the audience to follow.

Sentence Structure: 'It is pressing that...': You can use 'pressing' in a dummy subject construction: 'It is pressing that we find a solution.' This emphasizes the urgency of the action following 'that.'

It is pressing that the board members meet before the end of the day to discuss the merger.

Another way to use 'pressing' is to describe an invitation or a request. A 'pressing invitation' is one that is very insistent, where the host really wants you to come and is perhaps not taking 'no' for an answer easily. Similarly, a 'pressing question' is one that is being asked repeatedly or urgently by the public or the media. In these cases, the 'pressure' comes from the person asking or the situation itself. It suggests that the answer is not just desired, but required for things to move forward.

The journalist asked a pressing question about the company's environmental impact during the press conference.

The 'Nothing More Pressing' Pattern: This rhetorical device is used to show that a specific task is the absolute priority. 'I have nothing more pressing than to ensure your safety.'

At this moment, I have no pressing duties, so I can help you with your project.

The committee identified several pressing reasons why the project should be cancelled immediately.

You will encounter the word 'pressing' most frequently in serious, high-stakes environments. It is a favorite of news anchors, politicians, and corporate executives. In a news broadcast, you might hear a reporter say, 'The most pressing issue on the minds of voters is the economy.' This usage helps the reporter summarize complex data into a single, urgent theme. In politics, leaders use the word to justify their legislative priorities, often framing their chosen policies as responses to 'pressing national needs.' It is a word that demands a certain level of respect and attention, making it ideal for public discourse.

In the News: Headlines often use 'pressing' to save space while conveying urgency. 'UN Warns of Pressing Food Shortages in East Africa' is a common type of headline that uses the word to signal a crisis.

The news report highlighted the pressing need for medical supplies in the war-torn region.

In the corporate world, 'pressing' is used to manage expectations and resources. During a quarterly review, a CEO might state, 'While our long-term goals remain the same, we must address the pressing concerns regarding our supply chain.' Here, 'pressing' acts as a signal to the shareholders and employees that the company is aware of a problem and is taking it seriously. It is also used in internal emails to flag tasks that need immediate action. An email with the subject line 'Pressing Matter: Client Feedback' is likely to be opened much faster than one titled 'Client Feedback.'

In Academic Writing: Scholars use 'pressing' to justify the relevance of their research. A paper might begin by stating, 'This study addresses the pressing question of how social media affects adolescent mental health.'

The professor emphasized that understanding the genome is one of the most pressing tasks in modern biology.

You might also hear this word in legal contexts. A judge might speak of 'pressing circumstances' that allowed the police to enter a property without a warrant. In this legal sense, the 'pressure' of the situation (such as a life being in danger) justifies an action that would otherwise be illegal. This highlights the word's connection to necessity. In literature, authors use 'pressing' to create a sense of tension or atmosphere. A character might feel a 'pressing sense of dread,' where the emotion feels like a physical weight on their chest, combining the physical and metaphorical meanings of the word.

The detective felt a pressing urge to solve the case before the suspect could leave the country.

Environmental Discourse: Climate activists frequently use 'pressing' to describe the timeline for action. 'The need for carbon reduction is pressing' implies that we are running out of time.

The activist spoke about the pressing threat of rising sea levels to island nations.

There was no pressing reason to leave early, but he felt uncomfortable at the party.

One of the most common mistakes learners make with 'pressing' is confusing the adjective with the verb form. While they share the same spelling, their functions are very different. As a verb, 'pressing' is the continuous form of 'to press' (e.g., 'He is pressing the button'). As an adjective, it describes a noun (e.g., 'a pressing problem'). Learners often try to use the adjective to describe physical pressure, saying something like 'The pressing heavy box,' which is incorrect. In that case, you should just use 'heavy' or 'the box is pressing down.' The adjective 'pressing' is almost exclusively reserved for abstract concepts like time, urgency, and importance.

Mistake: Overusing it for trivial things: Because 'pressing' implies high urgency, using it for minor issues can sound dramatic or sarcastic. Don't say 'I have a pressing need for a snack' unless you are joking.

Incorrect: I have a pressing desire to watch a movie tonight. (Better: I really want to watch a movie.)

Another mistake is the placement of the word. Since it is an adjective, it should usually come before the noun it modifies. Some learners try to use it like 'urgent' in phrases where it doesn't quite fit. For example, while you can say 'This is urgent,' saying 'This is pressing' is correct but often feels incomplete without a noun. It is much more natural to say 'This is a pressing matter.' Additionally, avoid using 'pressing' to describe people. You wouldn't say 'He is a pressing person' to mean he is urgent; that would actually sound like you are saying he physically pushes people or is very annoying/insistent (which is a different, less common usage).

Mistake: Confusing 'Pressing' with 'Pressure': Learners sometimes say 'I am pressing' when they mean 'I am under pressure.' 'I am pressing' would mean you are the one doing the pushing!

Incorrect: The situation is very pressured. (Correct: The situation is very pressing OR I feel pressured.)

Finally, be careful with the word 'pressed.' While 'pressing' means urgent, 'pressed for time' is a common idiom meaning you don't have enough time. These are related but used differently. You have a 'pressing engagement' (the event is urgent), but you are 'pressed for time' (you are in a hurry). Mixing these up—like saying 'I have a pressed engagement'—is a common error. Always remember: 'pressing' describes the thing that is urgent, while 'pressed' often describes the person who is feeling the urgency or lack of time.

Incorrect: I have a pressed issue to solve. (Correct: I have a pressing issue to solve.)

Grammar Check: Always check if 'pressing' is modifying a noun. If there is no noun, you might need a different word or a different sentence structure.

Correct: The need for reform is pressing. (Here, it acts as a predicative adjective describing 'need'.)

Incorrect: I am pressing to finish this. (Correct: I am in a hurry to finish this OR This is a pressing task.)

Understanding the synonyms for 'pressing' helps you choose the right level of intensity and formality for your writing. The most direct synonym is 'urgent,' but 'urgent' can feel a bit more panicked or immediate, whereas 'pressing' often implies a more serious, long-standing importance that has reached a critical point. Another close alternative is 'acute.' While 'acute' is often used in medical or mathematical contexts, in a general sense, an 'acute problem' is one that is very sharp and severe, similar to a 'pressing problem.' However, 'acute' focuses more on the severity, while 'pressing' focuses on the need for immediate action.

Pressing vs. Urgent: 'Urgent' is for things that need to happen NOW (like a phone call). 'Pressing' is for things that are very important and cannot be delayed much longer (like a social issue or a business decision).

The urgent message required an immediate reply, but the pressing issue of budget cuts took all morning to discuss.

For a more formal or academic tone, you might use 'exigent.' This is a high-level vocabulary word that means exactly the same as 'pressing'—demanding immediate attention. You will mostly see this in legal documents or very formal essays. On the other hand, 'imperative' is used when something is not just urgent, but absolutely necessary as a matter of duty or survival. 'It is imperative that you leave' is stronger than 'It is pressing that you leave.' 'Imperative' suggests a command, while 'pressing' suggests a situational necessity.

Pressing vs. Crucial: 'Crucial' means extremely important for the success of something. A 'crucial' step might not be 'pressing' (urgent) yet, but it is vital for the end result.

It is crucial to save for retirement, but paying your rent today is a more pressing concern.

If you want to describe something that is just beginning to be urgent, you might use 'emergent.' However, 'emergent' usually refers to something that is just coming into existence. 'Dire' is another alternative, used when the situation is extremely serious and likely to have a bad outcome. A 'dire need' is much more desperate than a 'pressing need.' By choosing between these words, you can precisely communicate the level of danger and the timeline for action. 'Pressing' remains the most versatile choice for professional and general use when you want to signal urgency without sounding overly dramatic.

The company faced dire financial consequences, making the need for a loan incredibly pressing.

Comparison Table: Pressing: Urgent + Serious. Urgent: Immediate + Fast. Crucial: Important + Vital. Dire: Desperate + Dangerous.

The most pressing task for the chef was to finish the main course before the guests arrived.

Is there anything pressing you need to tell me before I leave for the airport?

How Formal Is It?

正式

"The delegation addressed the pressing humanitarian concerns in the region."

中性

"We have several pressing matters to discuss in today's meeting."

非正式

"I've got some pressing stuff to do, so I can't come out tonight."

Child friendly

"The most pressing job for the squirrel is to find nuts for winter."

俚语

"Yo, I got some pressing business to handle, catch you later."

趣味小知识

The word 'press' is also the root for 'printing press.' In the early days of printing, the paper was literally 'pressed' against the ink and type, which is why we still call the news media 'the press' today!

发音指南

UK /ˈpres.ɪŋ/

US /ˈpres.ɪŋ/

The primary stress is on the first syllable: PRES-sing.

押韵词

guessing blessing dressing messing stressing confessing addressing assessing

常见错误

Pronouncing the 'g' at the end too strongly (it should be a soft nasal sound).
Using a long 'e' sound like 'preesing' (it should be short 'e').
Adding an extra syllable like 'press-i-ning'.
Confusing the 's' sound with a 'z' sound.
Failing to stress the first syllable.

难度评级

阅读 3/5

Common in news and books, easy to understand from context.

写作 4/5

Requires knowledge of specific collocations like 'pressing need'.

口语 4/5

Good for sounding professional, but don't over-use it.

听力 3/5

Easily recognized by its distinct 'ing' ending and context.

接下来学什么

前置知识

urgent important need problem matter

接下来学习

exigent imperative acute dire paramount

高级

exigency necessity compulsion imminence gravity

需要掌握的语法

Adjective Placement

A pressing issue (Attributive) vs. The issue is pressing (Predicative).

Superlative Formation

The most pressing (not pressinger).

Noun Phrases

A pressing need for [noun].

Dummy Subject 'It'

It is pressing that we act.

Negative Construction

No pressing reason / Nothing more pressing.

按水平分级的例句

I have a pressing job to do now.

Tengo un trabajo urgente que hacer ahora.

Pressing comes before the noun 'job'.

Is it a pressing problem?

¿Es un problema urgente?

Used in a simple question format.

We have a pressing need for water.

Tenemos una necesidad urgente de agua.

Common phrase: 'pressing need for'.

He has a pressing matter at home.

Él tiene un asunto urgente en casa.

'Matter' is a common noun used with pressing.

This is a very pressing issue.

Este es un tema muy urgente.

'Very' can be used to make it stronger.

I cannot wait; it is pressing.

No puedo esperar; es urgente.

Used as a predicative adjective here.

She has pressing work today.

Ella tiene trabajo urgente hoy.

Adjective modifying the noun 'work'.

They have no pressing plans.

Ellos no tienen planes urgentes.

Negative use: 'no pressing plans'.

The most pressing issue is the broken window.

El problema más urgente es la ventana rota.

Superlative form: 'the most pressing'.

I have a pressing engagement this afternoon.

Tengo un compromiso urgente esta tarde.

'Engagement' is a formal word for an appointment.

There is a pressing need for more chairs.

Hay una necesidad urgente de más sillas.

Structure: 'There is a pressing need for...'.

The doctor had many pressing cases.

El médico tenía muchos casos urgentes.

Plural noun 'cases' modified by 'pressing'.

Is there anything pressing you want to say?

¿Hay algo urgente que quieras decir?

Used after 'anything' in a question.

We must solve this pressing problem first.

Debemos resolver este problema urgente primero.

Adjective 'pressing' before the noun 'problem'.

The teacher had a pressing meeting.

El profesor tuvo una reunión urgente.

'Meeting' is a common professional noun for this word.

I don't have any pressing tasks right now.

No tengo ninguna tarea urgente ahora mismo.

Negative 'don't have any' with 'pressing tasks'.

Climate change is one of the most pressing concerns of our time.

El cambio climático es una de las preocupaciones más urgentes de nuestro tiempo.

Used in a plural superlative structure.

The manager mentioned several pressing matters during the briefing.

El gerente mencionó varios asuntos urgentes durante la sesión informativa.

'Several' indicates multiple urgent items.

There is a pressing demand for skilled workers in the tech industry.

Hay una demanda urgente de trabajadores calificados en la industria tecnológica.

'Pressing demand' is a common business collocation.

I'm afraid I have a pressing appointment and must leave immediately.

Me temo que tengo una cita urgente y debo irme de inmediato.

Polite way to excuse oneself.

The government faces pressing questions about the new tax law.

El gobierno enfrenta preguntas urgentes sobre la nueva ley de impuestos.

'Pressing questions' implies the public wants answers now.

Finding a cure for the disease is a pressing priority for the lab.

Encontrar una cura para la enfermedad es una prioridad urgente para el laboratorio.

'Pressing priority' is a strong, common pairing.

We need to address the most pressing issues before we can move on.

Necesitamos abordar los problemas más urgentes antes de que podamos seguir adelante.

Verb 'address' often takes 'pressing issues' as an object.

The charity highlighted the pressing need for clean water in the region.

La organización benéfica destacó la necesidad urgente de agua limpia en la región.

Used to emphasize a humanitarian crisis.

The committee identified the lack of funding as the most pressing obstacle.

El comité identificó la falta de financiación como el obstáculo más urgente.

Using 'pressing' to define a specific barrier.

Despite other interests, he felt a pressing obligation to help his family.

A pesar de otros intereses, sintió la obligación urgente de ayudar a su familia.

'Pressing obligation' refers to a strong sense of duty.

The company is dealing with a pressing shortage of raw materials.

La empresa se enfrenta a una escasez urgente de materias primas.

'Pressing shortage' emphasizes the impact on production.

It is pressing that we reach a consensus before the deadline tonight.

Es urgente que lleguemos a un consenso antes de la fecha límite de esta noche.

Subjunctive-like structure: 'It is pressing that [subject] [verb]'.

The journalist's pressing inquiries eventually led to a full investigation.

Las insistentes indagaciones del periodista finalmente llevaron a una investigación completa.

Here, 'pressing' means insistent or persistent.

There was a pressing atmosphere in the room as they waited for the results.

Había una atmósfera de presión en la habitación mientras esperaban los resultados.

Describes a psychological or social environment.

The mayor addressed the pressing concerns of the local business owners.

El alcalde abordó las preocupaciones urgentes de los dueños de negocios locales.

Formal use in political communication.

She had no pressing reason to stay, so she decided to travel abroad.

No tenía ninguna razón urgente para quedarse, así que decidió viajar al extranjero.

'No pressing reason' means nothing is forcing her to stay.

The inherent instability of the market remains a pressing challenge for investors.

La inestabilidad inherente del mercado sigue siendo un desafío urgente para los inversores.

Used to describe a persistent but urgent systemic issue.

Urban sprawl has created a pressing need for better public transportation infrastructure.

La expansión urbana ha creado una necesidad urgente de una mejor infraestructura de transporte público.

Connecting a cause (urban sprawl) to a pressing effect.

The author argues that the most pressing task of philosophy is to define ethics in the digital age.

El autor sostiene que la tarea más urgente de la filosofía es definir la ética en la era digital.

Academic use to define the scope of a field.

Faced with pressing financial difficulties, the museum was forced to sell some of its collection.

Ante las urgentes dificultades financieras, el museo se vio obligado a vender parte de su colección.

Participle phrase 'Faced with...' modifying the subject.

The treaty addresses the pressing problem of cross-border environmental pollution.

El tratado aborda el problema urgente de la contaminación ambiental transfronteriza.

Formal diplomatic context.

There is a pressing logic to his argument that we simply cannot ignore.

Hay una lógica imperiosa en su argumento que simplemente no podemos ignorar.

Metaphorical use meaning 'compelling' or 'forceful'.

The refugees' pressing requirements for food and medicine were met by international aid.

Los requisitos urgentes de alimentos y medicinas de los refugiados fueron satisfechos por la ayuda internacional.

'Pressing requirements' is a formal synonym for 'urgent needs'.

The CEO's pressing schedule left little room for informal meetings with staff.

La apretada agenda del CEO dejaba poco espacio para reuniones informales con el personal.

Describes a schedule that is full and demanding.

The existential threat of nuclear proliferation remains the most pressing concern for global security.

La amenaza existencial de la proliferación nuclear sigue siendo la preocupación más urgente para la seguridad global.

High-level geopolitical discourse.

He felt a pressing urge to vindicate his reputation after the scandal.

Sintió un impulso apremiante de reivindicar su reputación después del escándalo.

Describes an internal, psychological state.

The court ruled that pressing necessity justified the emergency measures taken by the state.

El tribunal dictaminó que la necesidad apremiante justificaba las medidas de emergencia tomadas por el estado.

Legal terminology: 'pressing necessity'.

In the absence of more pressing duties, she devoted her time to historical research.

A falta de deberes más urgentes, dedicó su tiempo a la investigación histórica.

Formal prepositional phrase: 'In the absence of...'.

The pressing nature of the crisis demanded a level of cooperation previously unseen.

La naturaleza urgente de la crisis exigía un nivel de cooperación nunca antes visto.

Abstract subject: 'The pressing nature of...'.

The poem captures the pressing sense of mortality that haunts the protagonist.

El poema captura la sensación apremiante de mortalidad que persigue al protagonista.

Literary analysis context.

Despite the pressing demands of his office, the president remained committed to his family.

A pesar de las exigentes demandas de su cargo, el presidente siguió comprometido con su familia.

Concessive clause using 'Despite'.

The pressing question of the soul's immortality has occupied thinkers for millennia.

La apremiante cuestión de la inmortalidad del alma ha ocupado a los pensadores durante milenios.

Philosophical/Historical context.

常见搭配

pressing issue

pressing need

pressing concern

pressing problem

pressing matter

pressing engagement

pressing question

pressing priority

pressing invitation

pressing demand

常用短语

a pressing need for

the most pressing

pressing business

pressing circumstances

pressing duty

no pressing reason

pressing deadline

pressing interest

pressing task

pressing shortage

容易混淆的词

pressing vs pressed

'Pressed' is usually for people (I am pressed for time), while 'pressing' is for things (This is a pressing issue).

pressing vs pressure

'Pressure' is a noun (the force), while 'pressing' is an adjective (describing the urgency).

pressing vs oppressive

'Oppressive' means cruel or overwhelming, while 'pressing' just means urgent.

习语与表达

"pressed for time"

To be in a hurry; to not have enough time to do something leisurely.

I'd love to chat, but I'm a bit pressed for time.

informal

"press the point"

To continue to argue or emphasize a specific idea very strongly.

I didn't want to press the point, but he needed to know the truth.

neutral

"press someone for an answer"

To insist that someone gives you an answer immediately.

The reporters pressed the senator for an answer about the scandal.

neutral

"press into service"

To use something for a purpose it wasn't originally intended for because of an urgent need.

The old school buses were pressed into service as emergency ambulances.

neutral

"press your luck"

To take a risk because you have been successful so far, even though it might lead to failure.

You've won three times; don't press your luck by betting again.

informal

"press the flesh"

To shake hands with many people, usually used for politicians meeting the public.

The candidate spent the afternoon pressing the flesh at the local fair.

informal

"go to press"

To start the process of printing a newspaper or book.

The story was changed just before the newspaper went to press.

neutral

"press ahead"

To continue doing something in a determined way, despite difficulties.

The company decided to press ahead with the plan despite the protests.

neutral

"press home an advantage"

To use a successful situation to get even more success.

The team pressed home their advantage and scored a second goal.

neutral

"hard pressed"

Finding it very difficult to do something or to have enough of something.

The hospital is hard pressed to find enough beds for all the patients.

neutral

容易混淆

pressing vs urgent

Both mean 'needs to happen now'.

'Urgent' is more general and can be used for small things. 'Pressing' is more formal and usually used for serious matters.

An urgent text vs. a pressing social issue.

pressing vs important

Both describe high value.

'Important' doesn't always mean 'now.' 'Pressing' always means 'now.'

It is important to eat healthy, but it is pressing to find water if you are in a desert.

pressing vs exigent

They are synonyms.

'Exigent' is much more formal and rare, used mostly in legal or high-level academic writing.

Exigent circumstances vs. pressing needs.

pressing vs acute

Both describe severe problems.

'Acute' focuses on the sharpness or severity of the problem. 'Pressing' focuses on the timeline for fixing it.

An acute pain vs. a pressing problem.

pressing vs imperative

Both imply necessity.

'Imperative' is often a command or a moral duty. 'Pressing' is a situational requirement.

It is imperative that you obey vs. it is pressing that we find a solution.

句型

I have a pressing [noun].

I have a pressing problem.

There is a pressing need for [noun].

There is a pressing need for help.

The most pressing [noun] is [noun].

The most pressing issue is money.

It is pressing that [subject] [verb].

It is pressing that we leave.

Faced with pressing [noun], [clause].

Faced with pressing debts, he sold his car.

[Noun] remains a pressing challenge.

Poverty remains a pressing challenge.

In the absence of more pressing [noun]...

In the absence of more pressing duties...

The pressing nature of [noun] demands [noun].

The pressing nature of the crisis demands action.

词族

名词

动词

形容词

如何使用

frequency

Common in professional and journalistic English; less common in casual slang.

常见错误

Using 'pressing' to describe a person's character. → He is an insistent person.
'Pressing' describes situations or tasks, not people's personalities.
Saying 'I am pressing' when you mean you are busy. → I am pressed for time.
'I am pressing' means you are doing the pushing; 'pressed' means you feel the pressure.
Using 'pressing' for physical weight. → The heavy box is pushing down.
As an adjective, 'pressing' is almost always metaphorical (urgent), not physical.
Saying 'more pressinger'. → More pressing.
'Pressing' is a long adjective and uses 'more' for comparison.
Using 'pressing' for positive desires. → I really want to go to the beach.
'Pressing' implies a serious problem or need, not a fun wish.

小贴士

Pair with 'Need'

If you are writing about a crisis, use 'a pressing need for...' to sound authoritative and clear.

Business Emails

Use 'Pressing Matter' in an email subject line to get a faster response without sounding rude.

Check the Noun

Make sure 'pressing' is modifying a noun like 'issue' or 'problem' for the most natural sound.

Synonym Choice

Use 'pressing' instead of 'urgent' in essays to improve your vocabulary score.

Polite Excuses

Use 'pressing business' to excuse yourself from a conversation you want to end.

Thesis Statements

Start your thesis by identifying the 'most pressing challenge' in your field of study.

Stress the Start

Remember to put the emphasis on the first syllable: PRES-sing.

News Clues

When you see 'pressing' in a headline, look for the 'who, what, and when' of the crisis.

Iron Mnemonic

Think of a hot iron pressing a shirt—it's an immediate, focused action.

Avoid Triviality

Don't use 'pressing' for small things like 'a pressing need for a nap' in formal writing.

记住它

记忆技巧

Think of a 'pressing' iron. Just as an iron uses heat and weight to fix a shirt *right now*, a 'pressing' problem needs a solution *right now*.

视觉联想

Imagine a giant clock falling toward you. You have to move or act before it 'presses' you down. The urgency is the key.

Word Web

Urgent Important Now Problem Need Time Priority Crisis

挑战

Try to use 'pressing' in three different ways today: once for a work task, once for a social excuse, and once to describe a news story.

词源

The word 'pressing' comes from the Old French verb 'presser,' which itself is derived from the Latin 'pressare,' a frequentative form of 'premere,' meaning 'to squeeze, push, or crush.' The transition from a physical act to a temporal one occurred as the metaphor of being 'pushed' by time or circumstances became common in English during the late 14th century.

原始含义： To physically squeeze or apply weight to something.

Indo-European (Latinate/Romance via French)

文化背景

Be careful not to use 'pressing' for trivial personal desires, as it can sound insensitive in the face of actual 'pressing' global crises.

In the UK and US, 'pressing' is common in high-level journalism (BBC, NYT) to summarize national priorities.

The 'pressing of the flesh' is a famous American idiom for politicians meeting voters. Academic papers often use 'The most pressing question...' as a standard opening. In literature, 'pressing' often describes a character's internal anxiety or guilt.

在生活中练习

真实语境

Business Meetings

pressing agenda items
pressing client needs
pressing deadlines
pressing budget issues

Environmental News

pressing climate crisis
pressing need for action
pressing ecological threats
pressing resource shortages

Social Excuses

pressing engagement
pressing family matter
pressing appointment
pressing business

Academic Research

pressing research question
pressing theoretical problem
pressing need for data
pressing societal challenge

Medical/Emergency

pressing medical case
pressing surgical need
pressing health concern
pressing emergency

对话开场白

"What do you think is the most pressing issue facing our city right now?"

"Do you have any pressing tasks that you need to finish before the weekend?"

"In your opinion, what is the most pressing challenge for young people today?"

"If you had no pressing responsibilities for a week, what would you do?"

"How do you usually handle multiple pressing deadlines at the same time?"

日记主题

Reflect on a time when you had a pressing problem. How did you solve it and how did you feel?

List three pressing concerns you have for the future. Why are they urgent to you?

Describe your most pressing goal for this year. What steps are you taking to achieve it?

Write about a 'pressing engagement' you once had to attend. Was it as urgent as it seemed?

How does the word 'pressing' change your feeling about a task compared to the word 'important'?

常见问题

10 个问题

Generally, no. You wouldn't say 'He is a pressing person' to mean he is urgent. You might say 'He is insistent' or 'He is in a hurry.' Using 'pressing' for a person usually sounds like they are physically pushing people.

Yes, 'pressing' is considered slightly more formal and is more common in professional writing, news, and academic contexts than 'urgent,' which is used everywhere.

The most common nouns are 'issue,' 'need,' and 'problem.' Phrases like 'a pressing need' or 'the most pressing issue' are extremely frequent in English.

It is rare. You wouldn't usually say 'I have a pressing desire for ice cream' unless you are being funny. It is almost always used for problems or serious requirements.

'Pressing' describes the thing that is urgent (a pressing task). 'Pressed' describes the person who is feeling the lack of time (I am pressed for time).

Yes, 'very pressing' is a common way to add even more emphasis to the urgency of a situation.

It can be both. As a verb, it's the -ing form of 'press' (He is pressing the button). As an adjective, it means urgent (a pressing issue). Context tells you which is which.

You can say, 'I'm so sorry, but I have a pressing engagement I need to attend to.' This sounds very polite and professional.

Almost always. The core of the word's meaning as an adjective is that something cannot wait; it must be done now or very soon.

A 'trivial matter,' an 'unimportant issue,' or an 'optional task' would be considered opposites.