compass
/ˈkʌmpəs/ (bre, ipa) · [kˈʌmpəs] /ˈkʌmpəs/ (ame, ipa) · [kˈʌmpəs] /ˈkəm-pəs also ˈkäm-/ (ame, mw)
compass — noun
- compasssingular
- compassesplural
1. A small instrument with a magnetic needle that always swings to point north, hel
A small instrument with a magnetic needle that always swings to point north, helping you find which direction to travel.
Linh checked her compass before heading deeper into the forest.
collocation: check a compass
The hiker pulled out a compass when the trail markers disappeared.
collocation: pull out a compass
Sailors have relied on the compass for centuries to cross open seas.
Kofi's compass showed north, but the dense fog made walking difficult.
Without a compass or a map, it is easy to get lost in the mountains.
2. A V-shaped tool with two arms connected at a hinge, for sketching circles and ta
A V-shaped tool with two arms connected at a hinge, for sketching circles and taking measurements from maps or blueprints.
Adina used a compass to draw a perfect circle in her geometry notebook.
collocation: draw with a compass
The architect spread the compass arms wide to measure the map distance.
Yuna carefully adjusted the compass before marking the circle on the paper.
Students in the drafting class learned to use a compass and a ruler.
- dividers
a similar tool, but used mainly for measuring rather than drawing circles
用法筆記
Also called 'a pair of compasses' in full. Not to be confused with sense 1 (the navigation device) — this is a drawing instrument.
3. The range or outer limits of what something includes, covers, or can achieve — o
The range or outer limits of what something includes, covers, or can achieve — often used about ability, authority, or subject matter.
The investigation fell well outside the compass of the local police department.
pattern: outside the compass of [something]
Questions about personal faith lie beyond the compass of scientific research.
The new policy widened the compass of services the clinic could offer.
Within the compass of a single paragraph, Asher captured the whole argument.
Mauricio believed the project was within the compass of his small team.
用法筆記
Almost always appears with a determiner in the pattern 'the compass of [something]'. Common in phrases 'within the compass of' and 'beyond the compass of'. Distinguish from sense 1 and sense 2 — this is a metaphorical extension, not a physical object.
常見錯誤
compass — verb
- compasspresent simple I / you / we / they
- compasses3rd person singular
- compassing-ing form
- compassedpast simple
1. To surround or include something completely within a particular space, idea, or
To surround or include something completely within a particular space, idea, or system.
The old stone wall compasses the entire garden, leaving no gap unguarded.
compass + direct object (area or space)
Lauren's vision for the company compassed every detail of the customer experience.
The national park compasses dense forests, clear lakes, and three mountain ranges.
The treaty compassed trade rules, border controls, and environmental protection standards.
文法句型
compass + noun phrase (area or concept)
用法筆記
Rare in modern English; 'encompass' is the everyday alternative. Found mainly in formal or literary writing.
常見錯誤
2. To succeed in bringing about or obtaining something, usually after sustained eff
To succeed in bringing about or obtaining something, usually after sustained effort.
After years of negotiation, the diplomat finally compassed a lasting peace agreement.
compass + noun phrase (goal achieved)
The researchers compassed their goal of mapping the entire genome sequence.
Few leaders have compassed such sweeping reforms in so short a time.
The young inventor compassed what larger companies had failed to do for decades.
- achieve
the most common equivalent; neutral register
- accomplish
similar to achieve, but often emphasises completing a task
- attain
slightly more formal; often used with abstract goals (attain enlightenment)
文法句型
compass + noun phrase (goal or result)
用法筆記
Rare and formal. 'Achieve' or 'accomplish' are the standard words for everyday use.
3. To fully grasp the meaning, nature, or significance of something complex.
To fully grasp the meaning, nature, or significance of something complex.
It took Salma weeks to compass the complexity of the legal document.
compass + abstract noun (complex idea)
The philosopher's ideas were so abstract that few students could compass them.
Eve struggled to compass why her friend had suddenly stopped calling.
Kenji read the ancient poem several times before he could compass its deeper meaning.
- comprehend
the closest modern equivalent; still somewhat formal
- grasp
suggests working to understand something difficult
- understand
the standard everyday word
文法句型
compass + noun phrase (idea or concept)
用法筆記
Rare and literary. 'Understand' or 'comprehend' are the usual words in modern English.
4. To journey all the way around a place, especially by ship or aircraft.
To journey all the way around a place, especially by ship or aircraft.
The explorer became the first person to compass the entire coastline by kayak.
compass + geographical noun (area travelled around)
Early sailors dreamed of compassing the globe, but few survived the attempt.
The research vessel compassed the island twice before anchoring in the bay.
The solo sailor spent three years compassing the southern ocean in a small boat.
- circumnavigate
the standard modern word for sailing or flying around something
- circle
more general; can refer to moving around anything, not just by ship or plane
文法句型
compass + noun phrase (geographical area)
用法筆記
Rare; 'circumnavigate' is the more common equivalent in modern English.