English dictionary



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English noun: compass

1. compass (artifact) navigational instrument for finding directions


Broader (hypernym)navigational instrument


Narrower (hyponym)gyrocompass, magnetic compass

2. compass (attribute) an area in which something acts or operates or has power or control:


SamplesThe range of a supersonic jet.
A piano has a greater range than the human voice.
The ambit of municipal legislation.
Within the compass of this article.
Within the scope of an investigation.
Outside the reach of the law.
In the political orbit of a world power.


Synonymsambit, orbit, range, reach, scope


Broader (hypernym)extent


Narrower (hyponym)approximate range, ballpark, confines, contrast, expanse, gamut, horizon, internationalism, internationality, latitude, palette, pallet, purview, spectrum, sweep, view

3. compass (cognition) the limit of capability


SamplesWithin the compass of education.


Synonymsgrasp, range, reach


Broader (hypernym)capability, capableness, potentiality


Narrower (hyponym)ken, sight

4. compass (artifact) drafting instrument used for drawing circles


Broader (hypernym)drafting instrument


English verb: compass

1. compass (social) bring about; accomplish


SamplesThis writer attempts more than his talents can compass.


Pattern of useSomebody ----s something.
Something ----s something


Broader (hypernym)accomplish, achieve, attain, reach


Domain usagearchaicism, archaism

2. compass (motion) travel around, either by plane or ship


SamplesWe compassed the earth.


Synonymscircumnavigate


Pattern of useSomebody ----s something.
Something ----s something


Broader (hypernym)circle

3. compass (cognition) get the meaning of something


SamplesDo you comprehend the meaning of this letter?.


Synonymsapprehend, comprehend, dig, get the picture, grasp, grok, savvy


Pattern of useSomebody ----s something.
Somebody ----s that CLAUSE


Broader (hypernym)understand


Narrower (hyponym)catch on, cotton on, digest, figure, get it, get onto, get wise, intuit, latch on, tumble, twig









Based on WordNet 3.0 copyright © Princeton University.
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