Definition

1. Noun:

   • A drafting instrument for drawing circles and arcs: A device consisting of two arms joined at a top, one with a point and the other with a pencil or pen, used to draw perfect circles or measure distances on maps.
   • A navigational instrument for finding direction: A device, typically containing a magnetized needle, that shows magnetic north, allowing one to determine direction.
   • Scope, range, or limits: The extent or area within which something exists, operates, or is understood.

2. Verb:

   • To comprehend or grasp mentally: To understand something fully.
   • To go around or encircle: To travel or move in a circular path around something.
   • To accomplish or achieve: To succeed in reaching or obtaining something, especially through effort.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The architect used a compass to draw the semicircular arch on the blueprint.
  • The hikers relied on a compass and a map to navigate through the dense forest.
  • Her knowledge of ancient history is vast, but it does not extend beyond the compass of European civilizations.

• Verb:

  • It is difficult to compass the full implications of such a profound philosophical theory.
  • The explorers compassed the entire island by boat in just three days.
  • After years of study, she finally compassed her goal of becoming a doctor.

Advanced Usage

• "Within/beyond the compass of": Inside or outside the scope, range, or understanding of something.

  • The technical details of quantum computing are beyond the compass of most laypeople.
  • The charity's work falls within the compass of community support and education.

• "To box the compass" (idiom, nautical): To name all 32 points of the magnetic compass in order. Figuratively, it means to consider or discuss something from every possible angle or to make a complete reversal of opinion.

  • The debate team was prepared to box the compass on the topic of economic policy.

Variants and Related Words

• Compasses (n, plural): Often refers specifically to the drawing instrument (e.g., a pair of compasses).
• Compassable (adj): Capable of being traversed or comprehended.
• Compassing (n/adj): The act of encircling or scheming (archaic).

Synonyms

• Noun (Instrument): Divider, protractor.
• Noun (Range): Scope, extent, ambit, purview, sphere.
• Verb (Understand): Comprehend, grasp, apprehend, fathom.
• Verb (Encircle): Circle, surround, encircle, circumnavigate.
• Verb (Accomplish): Achieve, attain, realize, effect.

Related Phrasal Verbs

(Note: "Compass" is not commonly used to form standard phrasal verbs. Its verbal uses are typically transitive and formal.)

Related Idioms

• "To fetch/cast/take a compass" (archaic): To take a roundabout or indirect route.
  • The messenger had to fetch a compass to avoid the enemy patrol.
• "Moral compass": A person's internal sense of right and wrong that guides their actions.
  • His strong moral compass prevented him from lying, even under pressure.

Noun

1. drafting instrument used for drawing circles
2. the limit of capability
   • within the compass of education
3. an area in which something acts or operates or has power or control: "the range of a supersonic jet"
   • a piano has a greater range than the human voice
   • the ambit of municipal legislation
   • within the compass of this article
   • within the scope of an investigation
   • outside the reach of the law
   • in the political orbit of a world power
4. navigational instrument for finding directions

Verb

1. get the meaning of something
   • Do you comprehend the meaning of this letter?
2. travel around, either by plane or ship
   • We compassed the earth
3. bring about; accomplish
   • This writer attempts more than his talents can compass