How Do You Spell COMPASSLESS?

Pronunciation: [kˈʌmpəsləs] (IPA)

The word "compassless" is spelled with a double "s" despite the fact that it ends in "less." This is because the suffix "-less" is generally spelled with a single "s," such as in the word "hopeless." However, in some cases where the root word ends in "-ss," such as "compass," the suffix is spelled with a double "s" to avoid confusion with a homophone, like "compas." The IPA phonetic transcription for "compassless" would be /ˈkʌm.pəs.ləs/.

COMPASSLESS Meaning and Definition

1. Compassless is an adjective that is used to describe a person, situation, or thing that lacks direction, purpose, or guidance. It refers to the absence of a compass, which is traditionally used as a navigational tool to determine one's bearings and find their way.

   When applied to a person, compassless suggests that the individual may feel lost or disoriented, lacking a clear sense of where they are going in life or what their goals are. This may result in a lack of motivation, confusion, or an inability to make decisions. It can also imply a lack of moral or ethical principles, as if the person is without a guiding moral compass.

   In the context of a situation or problem, compassless implies a lack of clarity or a sense of being adrift. It suggests that there is no clear plan or strategy to follow, making it difficult to navigate or find a solution. This term can also indicate a lack of guidance or leadership, leaving those involved feeling directionless and uncertain.

   Overall, compassless is used to convey the idea of being without a compass as a metaphorical representation of being lost, lacking direction, or lacking guidance. It is often used to describe situations or individuals who are in need of guidance, purpose, or a clear path forward.

2. Without a guide; mariner's compass, so called because it goes through the whole circle of possible variations of direction between the points N. S. E. And W.; to compass an object, to go about it or to contrive it; to fetch a compass, to depart from the right line; to advance indirectly.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for COMPASSLESS

• xompassless
• vompassless
• fompassless
• dompassless
• cimpassless
• ckmpassless
• clmpassless
• cpmpassless
• c0mpassless
• c9mpassless
• conpassless
• cokpassless
• cojpassless
• comoassless
• comlassless
• com-assless
• com0assless
• compzssless
• compsssless
• compwssless

Etymology of COMPASSLESS

The term "compassless" is formed by combining the word "compass" with the suffix "-less".

The word "compass" has a Latin origin from "circumpassus" which means "to go around" or "to measure". In ancient times, a compass referred to a device used for navigation, consisting of a magnetized needle that hovers over a circular card with points marked on it, indicating the cardinal directions.

The suffix "-less" is derived from Old English and is added to words to indicate the absence or lack of something. In the case of "compassless", it denotes the absence of a compass, either in the literal or metaphorical sense.

Therefore, the etymology of "compassless" can be understood as the combination of "compass" meaning "navigation device" and "-less" meaning "without", resulting in the word indicating the absence of a compass.