# compass vs compress

> English confusable word pair

## The two words

### compass
*noun · IPA /ˈkʌmpəs/ · frequency rank #10,517*
A magnetic or electronic device used to determine the cardinal directions (usually magnetic or true north).

### compress
*verb · IPA /kəmˈpɹɛs/ · frequency rank #26,377*
To make smaller; to press or squeeze together, or to make something occupy a smaller space or volume.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/vs/compass-vs-compress