Compass

Pronunciation: /ˈkʌm.pəs/

Definitions of compass

noun an instrument for drawing circles and arcs

Example Sentences

A1 I always carry a compass when I go hiking.

A2 The compass needle always points north.

B1 Using a compass is essential for orienteering in the wilderness.

B2 The sailor relied on his compass to navigate the open sea.

C1 The compass rose on the map indicated the cardinal directions.

C2 The intricate compass design on the antique map was beautifully detailed.

Examples of compass in a Sentence

formal The hiker used a compass to navigate through the dense forest.

informal Make sure to bring a compass when we go hiking next weekend.

slang I have no idea where we are, my phone's compass is broken.

figurative His moral compass always guides him to make the right decisions.

Grammatical Forms of compass

• past tense: compassed
• plural: compasses
• comparative: more compass
• superlative: most compass
• present tense: compass
• future tense: will compass
• perfect tense: have compassed
• continuous tense: is compassing
• singular: compass
• positive degree: compass
• infinitive: to compass
• gerund: compassing
• participle: compassed

Origin and Evolution of compass

First Known Use: 1300 year

Language of Origin: Latin

Story behind the word: The word 'compass' originated from the Latin word 'circum' meaning around and 'passus' meaning step or pace, referring to a device that measures distance in steps or paces around a circle.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the meaning of 'compass' shifted from a device used for measuring distances to a tool for determining direction, specifically referring to the magnetic compass used for navigation.