Compass vs. Compassion — What's the Difference?

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.

Compassion motivates people to go out of their way to help the physical, mental, or emotional pains of another and themselves. Compassion is often regarded as having sensitivity, which is an emotional aspect to suffering.

An instrument containing a magnetized pointer which shows the direction of magnetic north and bearings from it

Sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others

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

Deep awareness of the suffering of another accompanied by the wish to relieve it.

The range or scope of something

Deep awareness of the suffering of another, coupled with the wish to relieve it.

Go round (something) in a circular course

(obsolete) To pity.

Contrive to accomplish (something)

Literally, suffering with another; a sensation of sorrow excited by the distress or misfortunes of another; pity; commiseration.

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.

To pity.

Another device, such as a radio compass or a gyrocompass, used for determining geographic direction.

A deep awareness of and sympathy for another's suffering

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.

The humane quality of understanding the suffering of others and wanting to do something about it

Awareness or understanding of one's purpose or objectives

An enclosing line or boundary; a circumference

A restricted space or area

Range or scope, as of understanding, perception, or authority

(Music) See range.

To make a circuit of; circle

To surround; encircle

To understand; comprehend

To accomplish or bring about

To gain or achieve

To scheme; plot

Forming a curve.

A magnetic or electronic device used to determine the cardinal directions (usually magnetic or true north).

A pair of compasses (a device used to draw an arc or circle).

(music) The range of notes of a musical instrument or voice.

(obsolete) A space within limits; an area.

(obsolete) An enclosing limit; a boundary, a circumference.

Moderate bounds, limits of truth; moderation; due limits; used with within.

(archaic) Scope.

(obsolete) Range, reach.

(obsolete) A passing round; circuit; circuitous course.

To surround; to encircle; to environ; to stretch round.

To go about or round entirely; to traverse.

(dated) To accomplish; to reach; to achieve; to obtain.

(dated) To plot; to scheme (against someone).

(obsolete) In a circuit; round about.

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.

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.

Navigational instrument for finding directions

An area in which something acts or operates or has power or control:

The limit of capability;

Drafting instrument used for drawing circles

Bring about; accomplish;

Travel around, either by plane or ship;

Get the meaning of something;