compass

/ˈkʌmpəs/

/ˈkʌmpəs/

Other forms: compassed; compasses; compassing

Long before we had GPS (Global Positioning System) devices, people used a magnetic instrument called a compass for navigation. Some people still use a compass to navigate — usually when their GPS isn’t working.

Compass can also refer to another type of instrument, one that’s used for drawing circles; this should be familiar to you if you have ever studied geometry. In addition, compass can mean "range" or "scope." If you decide to hike the Appalachian Trail, using a compass (the navigational kind) should hopefully fall within your compass of ability. If not, we hope you own a reliable GPS.

Definitions of compass

1. noun

   navigational instrument for finding directions
   types:

   gyrocompass

   a compass that does not depend on magnetism but uses a gyroscope instead

   magnetic compass

   compass based on an indicator (as a magnetic needle) that points to the magnetic north

   compass card, mariner's compass

   compass in the form of a card that rotates so that 0 degrees or North points to magnetic north

   type of:

   navigational instrument

   an instrument used for navigating
2. noun

   drafting instrument used for drawing circles
   type of:

   drafting instrument

   an instrument used by a draftsman in making drawings
3. noun

   an area in which something acts or operates or has power or control: "the range of a supersonic jet"
   “within the compass of this article”

   synonyms: ambit, orbit, range, reach, scope

   types:

   approximate range, ballpark

   near to the scope or range of something

   confines, pale

   a bounded scope

   contrast

   the range of optical density and tone on a photographic negative or print (or the extent to which adjacent areas on a television screen differ in brightness)

   internationalism, internationality

   quality of being international in scope

   latitude

   scope for freedom of e.g. action or thought; freedom from restriction

   horizon, purview, view

   the range of interest or activity that can be anticipated

   expanse, sweep

   a wide scope

   gamut

   a complete extent or range: "a face that expressed a gamut of emotions"

   spectrum

   a broad range of related objects, values, qualities, ideas, or activities

   palette, pallet

   the range of colour characteristic of a particular artist or painting or school of art

   type of:

   extent

   the distance or area or volume over which something extends
4. noun

   the limit of capability
   “within the compass of education”

   synonyms: grasp, range, reach

   types:

   ken, sight

   the range of vision

   type of:

   capability, capableness, potentiality

   an aptitude that may be developed
5. verb

   travel around, either by plane or ship
   “We compassed the earth”

   synonyms: circumnavigate

   type of:

   circle

   travel around something
6. verb

   bring about; accomplish
   “This writer attempts more than his talents can compass”

   type of:

   accomplish, achieve, attain, reach

   gain with effort
7. verb

   get the meaning of something
   synonyms: apprehend, comprehend, dig, get the picture, grasp, grok, savvy

   types:

   figure

   understand

   catch on, cotton on, get it, get onto, get wise, latch on, tumble, twig

   understand, usually after some initial difficulty

   intuit

   know or grasp by intuition or feeling

   digest, process

   arrange and integrate in the mind

   type of:

   understand

   know and comprehend the nature or meaning of