COMPASS Meaning and
Definition
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A compass is a navigational instrument consisting of a magnetized pointer that aligns with the Earth's magnetic field, allowing the user to determine their direction in relation to the cardinal points. It is primarily used for orientation and navigation, providing reliable directional information.
The common design of a compass involves a circular case or housing containing a central magnetic needle that is free to rotate. The needle is usually marked with the four cardinal points: north, south, east, and west. The needle aligns itself with the Earth’s magnetic field and points towards the magnetic North Pole, aiding in finding one's bearings. Additionally, many compasses also include markings or scales to measure angles, distances, or coordinates.
Compasses have been an integral tool for centuries, employed by explorers, sailors, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts. They allow for accurate navigation, helping individuals to easily identify their heading and establish a course of travel. In addition to traditional magnetic compasses, modern technology has introduced electronic compasses or digital compasses, which utilize sensors to determine the direction.
Metaphorically, "compass" can also refer to a person's moral or ethical direction, reflecting their principles and guiding their actions. It symbolizes a sense of direction and purpose, ensuring individuals stay on the right path in life. In this sense, having a moral compass signifies the ability to make informed decisions in accordance with one's values.
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Grasp; reach; space; extent; the limit or boundary of anything-applied to anything that can be measured or limited; a circuit; a circumference; the magnetic needle or mariner's compass; a guide; a direction.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for COMPASS *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for COMPASS
Etymology of COMPASS
The word "compass" has a Latin origin. It comes from the Latin word "circuitus", which means "a going around" or "a circuit". This Latin term later evolved into the Old French word "compas", which referred to a circular instrument or a pair of compasses used for drawing circles. Finally, the word was adapted into Middle English as "compass" in the 14th century.
Idioms with the word COMPASS
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box the compass
The idiom "box the compass" refers to the act of reciting or naming all 32 points of a compass in their correct order. It is often used to describe someone's thorough or exhaustive knowledge of navigational directions.
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moral compass
The idiom "moral compass" refers to a person's internal guide or code of ethics that helps them distinguish right from wrong and guides their actions and decisions. It represents a person's core values and principles, influencing their behavior and providing a sense of moral direction.
Similar spelling words for COMPASS
- composing,
- campas,
- confess,
- compose,
- compares,
- composer,
- CAMPS,
- composed,
- compactly,
- compress,
- composure,
- coombes,
- compost,
- coombs,
- compact,
- convasser,
- composite,
- compassion,
- COMPOS.
Conjugate verb Compass
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have compassed
you
would have compassed
he/she/it
would have compassed
we
would have compassed
they
would have compassed
I
would have compass
you
would have compass
he/she/it
would have compass
we
would have compass
they
would have compass
CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE
I
would have been compassing
you
would have been compassing
he/she/it
would have been compassing
we
would have been compassing
they
would have been compassing
CONDITIONAL PRESENT
I
would compass
you
would compass
he/she/it
would compass
we
would compass
they
would compass
CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE
I
would be compassing
you
would be compassing
he/she/it
would be compassing
we
would be compassing
they
would be compassing
FUTURE
I
will compass
you
will compass
he/she/it
will compass
we
will compass
they
will compass
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be compassing
you
will be compassing
he/she/it
will be compassing
we
will be compassing
they
will be compassing
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have compassed
you
will have compassed
he/she/it
will have compassed
we
will have compassed
they
will have compassed
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been compassing
you
will have been compassing
he/she/it
will have been compassing
we
will have been compassing
they
will have been compassing
IMPERATIVE
you
compass
we
let´s compass
to compass
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was compassing
you
were compassing
he/she/it
was compassing
we
were compassing
they
were compassing
PAST PARTICIPLE
compassed
PAST PERFECT
I
had compassed
you
had compassed
he/she/it
had compassed
we
had compassed
they
had compassed
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been compassing
you
had been compassing
he/she/it
had been compassing
we
had been compassing
they
had been compassing
PRESENT
I
compass
you
compass
he/she/it
compasses
we
compass
they
compass
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am compassing
you
are compassing
he/she/it
is compassing
we
are compassing
they
are compassing
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
compassing
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have compassed
you
have compassed
he/she/it
has compassed
we
have compassed
they
have compassed
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been compassing
you
have been compassing
he/she/it
has been compassing
we
have been compassing
they
have been compassing
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
he/she/it
compass
SIMPLE PAST
I
compassed
you
compassed
he/she/it
compassed
we
compassed
they
compassed
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