The spelling of the word "compass" can be a bit tricky due to its various pronunciations. In British English, it is commonly pronounced as /ˈkʌmpəs/ with the stress on the first syllable, whereas in American English, it can also be pronounced as /ˈkʌmpæs/ with the stress on the second syllable. The spelling of the word remains consistent, however, regardless of its pronunciation. A compass is a navigational tool used to determine direction, often used in outdoor activities like hiking and camping.
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.
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.
* 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.
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.