Definition Definition

compass - Meaning and Examples

Meaning of 'compass' (Webster Dictionary)

1 . Compass [ n.]
- A passing round; circuit; circuitous course.
- An inclosing limit; boundary; circumference; as, within the compass of an encircling wall.
- An inclosed space; an area; extent.
- Extent; reach; sweep; capacity; sphere; as, the compass of his eye; the compass of imagination.
- Moderate bounds, limits of truth; moderation; due limits; -- used with within.
- The range of notes, or tones, within the capacity of a voice or instrument.
- An instrument for determining directions upon the earth's surface by means of a magnetized bar or needle turning freely upon a pivot and pointing in a northerly and southerly direction.
- A pair of compasses.
- A circle; a continent.
2 . Compass [ v. t.]
- To go about or entirely round; to make the circuit of.
- To inclose on all sides; to surround; to encircle; to environ; to invest; to besiege; -- used with about, round, around, and round about.
- To reach round; to circumvent; to get within one's power; to obtain; to accomplish.
- To curve; to bend into a circular form.
- To purpose; to intend; to imagine; to plot.

Meaning of 'compass' (Princeton's WordNet)

1 . compass [ n]
Meaning (1):
- an area in which something acts or operates or has power or control:
Example in sentence:
  • a piano has a greater range than the human voice;
  • in the political orbit of a world power;
  • outside the reach of the law;
  • the ambit of municipal legislation;
  • the range of a supersonic jet;
  • within the compass of this article;
  • within the scope of an investigation
Meaning (2):
- the limit of capability
Example in sentence:
  • within the compass of education
3 . compass [ v]
Meaning (3):
- get the meaning of something
Example in sentence:
  • Do you comprehend the meaning of this letter?
Meaning (4):
- bring about; accomplish
Example in sentence:
  • This writer attempts more than his talents can compass
Meaning (5):
- travel around, either by plane or ship
Example in sentence:
  • We compassed the earth

Nearby Words:

com- coma comanches comart comate comatose comatous comatula comatulid comb

See 'compass' also in:

Dictionary.com Google Translator Wikipedia.com Merriam Webster

Related Definitions

  • Compass
    Compass is a digital or analog display that indicates the direction a vehicle is facing.

Categories

Browse Dictionary