Compass: Definition, Usage & Key Examples (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：navigational tool (compass)

compass 🔊

/ˈkʌmpəs/

A tool that uses a magnetic needle to show you which direction is north.

A classic brass compass on a map, showing the directional rose and needle pointing north.

navigational tool 🔊

➕

/ˈnæv.ɪˌɡeɪ.ʃən.əl tuːl/

A physical device with a magnetized needle that aligns with Earth's magnetic field to indicate the direction of magnetic north.

📁 Category：Objects & Materials 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'com-' (together) + 'passus' (step, pace), meaning 'to step together' or 'to measure'.

💡 Mnemonic

A **compass** helps you **pass** through the woods together (**com-**) with a sense of direction and within its circular range.

📖 Example

When we got lost in the forest, luckily I had a compass in my backpack to help us find our way back to the trail. 🔊 When we got lost in the forest, luckily I had a navigational tool in my backpack to help us find our way back to the trail.

🔗 Collocations

magnetic compass – The standard type of compass that uses a magnetized needle.

compass rose – The circular diagram on a map or compass showing directions.

set a compass – To adjust or calibrate a compass for use.

🔄 Synonyms

direction finder (n.) – A device for determining direction.

🌱 Derivatives

compasses (n.) – A drawing instrument used for drawing circles and arcs.

📖 Cultural Story

The word 'compass' originally meant 'a circle' or 'a circuit' (from its Latin root). The navigational tool, invented in ancient China, gets its name because its circular case encloses the magnetic needle. The figurative sense of 'range' developed in the 14th century.

Meaning 2：scope or extent (compass)

compass 🔊

/ˈkʌmpəs/

The full range or limit of something, like what you can do or what's possible.

scope or extent 🔊

➕

/skoʊp ɔr ɪkˈstɛnt/

The full range, limits, or boundaries of what is possible, achievable, or within one's capability or authority.

📁 Category：Social Economy 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

Designing a whole website by myself is beyond the compass of my current skills; I'm only good at writing content. 🔊 Designing a whole website by myself is beyond the scope of my current skills; I'm only good at writing content.

🔗 Collocations

within the compass of – Inside the limits or range of something.

broad compass – A wide range or extensive scope.

🔄 Synonyms

scope (n.) – The extent of the area or subject matter that something deals with or to which it is relevant.

range (n.) – The area of variation between upper and lower limits on a particular scale.

ambit (n.) – The scope, extent, or bounds of something.

🚫 Antonyms

limitation (n.) – A restriction or constraint that sets a boundary.