Compass vs. Compasses — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on November 7, 2023
"Compass" often refers to a navigational instrument or the range of something, while "Compasses" is usually the plural of compass or an instrument for drawing circles.
Difference Between Compass and Compasses
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Compass" usually denotes a single device used for navigation or a metaphorical range of understanding, scope, or purpose. On the other hand, "Compasses" commonly refers to the plural form of compass, indicating multiple navigational tools or the drawing instrument with two legs, one with a point and the other with a pencil, for drawing circles and arcs. While a compass can guide a sailor through the sea, compasses are often seen clutched in an architect's hand, poised to draw precise circles and arcs.
"Compass" as a noun embodies the idea of direction and orientation, helping individuals to find their way. In another sense, "compass" can symbolize the scope or extent of something, like the range of one's knowledge. Conversely, "Compasses" usually comes up in the context of technical drawing or geometry, as it refers to a tool for scribing and maintaining the radius of a circle. While a single compass might lie in a hiker's pocket, a pair of compasses is often nestled in a student's geometry box.
A compass, in its singular form, can also metaphorically suggest the limits within which something varies or extends, such as the moral compass indicating the range of one's ethical beliefs. "Compasses," in its literal sense, can represent multiple instances of this instrument, but it rarely carries a metaphorical meaning. A teacher might refer to a compass when discussing moral guidance, but would call for compasses when it's time for a geometry lesson.
In literature, "compass" might be used to describe the breadth or inclusiveness of a concept or the confines of a particular situation. "Compasses" does not share this literary usage; it remains firmly rooted in its physical representation as multiple instruments for measurement or drawing. A novelist might describe a character's love as having a wide compass, but would not use "compasses" in the same context.
Lastly, "compass" can serve as a verb, meaning to achieve or accomplish something, often with considerable skill or cunning. "Compasses" does not have a verb form and is restricted to its role as a noun. An entrepreneur might compass a new market strategy, but a designer would use compasses to draft a new product's blueprint.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A device for finding direction.
Plural of compass or drawing tool.
Usage as Noun
Singular form.
Plural form or specific drawing tool.
Usage as Verb
Can be used as a verb ("to compass").
No verb form.
Metaphorical Meanings
May indicate scope or range.
Rarely used metaphorically.
Usage in Literature
Used to show range or extent.
Not used to show range or extent.
Associated Professions/Activities
Navigators, hikers, sailors.
Architects, draftsmen, geometry students.
Symbolism
Can symbolize guidance or boundaries.
Typically lacks symbolic meaning.
Compare with Definitions
Compass
Instrument panel feature
His airplane's compass ensured a safe journey.
Compasses
Geometry kit items
Her geometry kit included two compasses of different sizes.
Compass
Achieving something (verb)
He will compass his goal by any means necessary.
Compasses
Drafting instrument
The student used compasses to draw the circle.
Compass
A compass is a device that shows the cardinal directions used for navigation and geographic orientation. It commonly consists of a magnetized needle or other element, such as a compass card or compass rose, which can pivot to align itself with magnetic north.
Compasses
Plural devices
The classroom has several compasses for the geography lesson.
Compass
An instrument containing a magnetized pointer which shows the direction of magnetic north and bearings from it
Walkers should be equipped with a map and compass
A magnetic compass
Crewe was ideally placed on the rail network, with connections running to all points of the compass
Compasses
Navigation tools
The explorers carried spare compasses in case of loss.
Compass
An instrument for drawing circles and arcs and measuring distances between points, consisting of two arms linked by a movable joint, one arm ending in a point and the other usually carrying a pencil or pen
A regular heptagon cannot be constructed accurately with only ruler and compass
Compasses
Precision instruments
The engineer carefully used compasses for the design.
Compass
The range or scope of something
The event had political repercussions which are beyond the compass of this book
Goods and services which fall within the compass of the free market
Compasses
A device used to determine geographic direction, usually consisting of a magnetic needle or needles horizontally mounted or suspended and free to pivot until aligned with the earth's magnetic field.
Compass
Go round (something) in a circular course
The ship wherein Magellan compassed the world
Compasses
Another device, such as a radio compass or a gyrocompass, used for determining geographic direction.
Compass
Contrive to accomplish (something)
He compassed his end only by the exercise of violence
Compasses
A V-shaped device for describing circles or circular arcs and for taking measurements, consisting of a pair of rigid, end-hinged legs, one of which is equipped with a pen, pencil, or other marker and the other with a sharp point providing a pivot about which the drawing leg is turned. Also called pair of compasses.
Compass
A device used to determine geographic direction, usually consisting of a magnetic needle or needles horizontally mounted or suspended and free to pivot until aligned with the earth's magnetic field.
Compasses
Awareness or understanding of one's purpose or objectives
"Lacking a coherent intellectual and moral commitment, [he] was forced to find his compass in personal experience" (Doris Kearns Goodwin).
Compass
Another device, such as a radio compass or a gyrocompass, used for determining geographic direction.
Compasses
An enclosing line or boundary; a circumference
Outside the compass of the fence.
Compass
A V-shaped device for describing circles or circular arcs and for taking measurements, consisting of a pair of rigid, end-hinged legs, one of which is equipped with a pen, pencil, or other marker and the other with a sharp point providing a pivot about which the drawing leg is turned. Also called pair of compasses.
Compasses
A restricted space or area
Four huge crates within the compass of the elevator.
Compass
Awareness or understanding of one's purpose or objectives
"Lacking a coherent intellectual and moral commitment, [he] was forced to find his compass in personal experience" (Doris Kearns Goodwin).
Compasses
Range or scope, as of understanding, perception, or authority
The subject falls outside the compass of this study.
Compass
An enclosing line or boundary; a circumference
Outside the compass of the fence.
Compasses
(Music) See range.
Compass
A restricted space or area
Four huge crates within the compass of the elevator.
Compasses
To make a circuit of; circle
The sailboat compassed the island.
Compass
Range or scope, as of understanding, perception, or authority
The subject falls outside the compass of this study.
Compasses
To surround; encircle
The trees compass the grave.
Compass
(Music) See range.
Compasses
To understand; comprehend
"God ... is too great a profundity to be compassed by human cerebration" (Flann O'Brian).
Compass
To make a circuit of; circle
The sailboat compassed the island.
Compasses
To accomplish or bring about
"He compassed his end only by the exercise of gentle violence" (Henry James).
Compass
To surround; encircle
The trees compass the grave.
Compasses
To gain or achieve
"She had compassed the high felicity of seeing the two men beautifully take to each another" (Henry James).
Compass
To understand; comprehend
"God ... is too great a profundity to be compassed by human cerebration" (Flann O'Brian).
Compasses
To scheme; plot
Compass the death of the king.
Compass
To accomplish or bring about
"He compassed his end only by the exercise of gentle violence" (Henry James).
Compasses
Forming a curve.
Compass
To gain or achieve
"She had compassed the high felicity of seeing the two men beautifully take to each another" (Henry James).
Compasses
An instrument for describing circles, measuring figures, etc., consisting of two, or (rarely) more, pointed branches, or legs, usually joined at the top by a rivet on which they move.
Compass
To scheme; plot
Compass the death of the king.
Compass
Forming a curve.
Compass
A magnetic or electronic device used to determine the cardinal directions (usually magnetic or true north).
Compass
A pair of compasses (a device used to draw an arc or circle).
Compass
(music) The range of notes of a musical instrument or voice.
Compass
(obsolete) A space within limits; an area.
Compass
(obsolete) An enclosing limit; a boundary, a circumference.
Within the compass of an encircling wall
Compass
Moderate bounds, limits of truth; moderation; due limits; used with within.
Compass
(archaic) Scope.
Compass
(obsolete) Range, reach.
Compass
(obsolete) A passing round; circuit; circuitous course.
Compass
To surround; to encircle; to environ; to stretch round.
Compass
To go about or round entirely; to traverse.
Compass
(dated) To accomplish; to reach; to achieve; to obtain.
Compass
(dated) To plot; to scheme (against someone).
Compass
(obsolete) In a circuit; round about.
Compass
A passing round; circuit; circuitous course.
They fetched a compass of seven day's journey.
This day I breathed first; time is come round,And where I did begin, there shall I end;My life is run his compass.
Compass
An inclosing limit; boundary; circumference; as, within the compass of an encircling wall.
Compass
An inclosed space; an area; extent.
Their wisdom . . . lies in a very narrow compass.
Compass
Extent; reach; sweep; capacity; sphere; as, the compass of his eye; the compass of imagination.
The compass of his argument.
Compass
Moderate bounds, limits of truth; moderation; due limits; - used with within.
In two hundred years before (I speak within compass), no such commission had been executed.
Compass
The range of notes, or tones, within the capacity of a voice or instrument.
You would sound me from my lowest note to the top of my compass.
Compass
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.
He that first discovered the use of the compass did more for the supplying and increase of useful commodities than those who built workhouses.
Compass
A pair of compasses.
To fix one foot of their compass wherever they please.
Compass
A circle; a continent.
The tryne compas [the threefold world containing earth, sea, and heaven. Skeat.]
Its leaves are turned to the north as true as the magnet:This is the compass flower.
Compass
To go about or entirely round; to make the circuit of.
Ye shall compass the city seven times.
We the globe can compass soon.
Compass
To inclose on all sides; to surround; to encircle; to environ; to invest; to besiege; - used with about, round, around, and round about.
With terrors and with clamors compassed round.
Now all the blessingsOf a glad father compass thee about.
Thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round.
Compass
To reach round; to circumvent; to get within one's power; to obtain; to accomplish.
If I can check my erring love, I will:If not, to compass her I'll use my skill.
How can you hope to compass your designs?
Compass
To curve; to bend into a circular form.
Compass
To purpose; to intend; to imagine; to plot.
Compassing and imagining the death of the king are synonymous terms; compassing signifying the purpose or design of the mind or will, and not, as in common speech, the carrying such design to effect.
Compass
Navigational instrument for finding directions
Compass
An area in which something acts or operates or has power or control:
The range of a supersonic jet
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
Compass
The limit of capability;
Within the compass of education
Compass
Drafting instrument used for drawing circles
Compass
Bring about; accomplish;
This writer attempts more than his talents can compass
Compass
Travel around, either by plane or ship;
We compassed the earth
Compass
Get the meaning of something;
Do you comprehend the meaning of this letter?
Compass
Navigation tool
The compass is essential for maritime navigation.
Compass
Range of area
The mountain's compass is vast and unexplored.
Compass
Metaphorical scope
The compass of her thesis was too broad to manage.
Common Curiosities
Can the word compass be used as a verb?
Yes, "to compass" means to achieve or encompass something.
Are compasses used for navigation?
Yes, multiple compasses might be used for navigation, but typically a single compass suffices.
What is a compass used for?
A compass is used for navigation, to find direction, or metaphorically to indicate scope.
Do compasses have a metaphorical meaning?
No, compasses are generally not used metaphorically.
How many legs do compasses have?
Compasses as a drawing tool have two legs, one with a point and one with a pencil or pen.
Do 'compass' and 'compasses' share all the same meanings?
No, they differ in use, with 'compasses' rarely having metaphorical meanings.
Can compasses be used as a verb?
No, compasses cannot be used as a verb.
How do you use compasses in geometry?
Compasses are used to draw precise circles and measure distances on maps.
What does the 'compass' of something mean?
It refers to the range, extent, or scope of something.
Can 'compasses' indicate a direction like 'compass'?
Individually, each instrument in 'compasses' can indicate direction, but the term is typically not used this way.
Is there a difference in pronunciation between compass and compasses?
Yes, "compass" ends with a soft "s" sound, while "compasses" ends with a "z" sound.
Can I use 'compass' when referring to multiple instruments?
No, the correct term for multiple instruments is 'compasses'.
What professions primarily use 'compasses'?
Architects, draftsmen, and students often use 'compasses' for drawing and measuring.
Is 'compass' ever used in plural form?
Only when referring to multiple navigational instruments, not for the drawing tool.
Is a 'compass' part of standard navigation equipment?
Yes, a compass is a fundamental part of navigation equipment in various fields.
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Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
