compass

Noun

1. A magnetic or electronic device used to determine the cardinal directions (usually magnetic or true north).
2. A pair of compasses (a device used to draw circular arcs and transfer length measurements).
3. The range of notes of a musical instrument or voice.
4. (obsolete) A space within limits; an area.
5. (obsolete) An enclosing limit; a boundary, a circumference.
6. Moderate bounds, limits of truth; moderation; due limits; used with within.
7. (formal) Synonym of scope.
8. (obsolete) Range, reach.
9. (obsolete) A passing round; circuit; circuitous course.
10. A curved circular form.

Verb

1. To surround; to encircle; to environ; to stretch round.
2. To go about or round entirely; to traverse.
3. (dated) To accomplish; to reach; to achieve; to obtain.
4. (dated) To plot; to scheme (against someone).

Adv

In a circuit; round about.

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈkʌmpəs/

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English: compas

Inherited from Middle English: compassen

In summary

From Middle English compas (“a circle, circuit, limit, form, a mathematical instrument”), from Old French compas, from Medieval Latin compassus (“a circle, a circuit”), from Latin com- (“together”) + passus (“a pace, step, later a pass, way, route”); see pass, pace.

Synonyms

range

grasp

comprehend

pair of compasses

scope

reach

circuit

circumference

savvy

apprehend

sphere

dig

understand

circle

⭕

extent

orbit

precinct

encircle

grok

realise

catch

magnetic compass

ambit

achieve

expanse

get the picture

district

see

👀

surround

region

domain

read

📖

round

territory

perimeter

attain

periphery

translate

demesne

interpret

manage

know

plan

contrive

girth

encompass

area

compasses

boundary

circumnavigate