How Do You Spell COMPASS?

Pronunciation: [kˈʌmpəs] (IPA)

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.

COMPASS Meaning and Definition

  1. 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.

  2. 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

  • 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.
  • 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

Plural form of COMPASS is COMPASSES

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

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

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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