# compass

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈkʌmpəs/ · frequency rank #10,517

## Definitions
1. A magnetic or electronic device used to determine the cardinal directions (usually magnetic or true north).
2. A pair of compasses (a device used to draw circular arcs and transfer length measurements).
3. The range of notes of a musical instrument or voice.
4. A space within limits; an area.
5. An enclosing limit; a boundary, a circumference.
6. Moderate bounds, limits of truth; moderation; due limits; used with within.
7. Synonym of scope.
8. Range, reach.
9. A passing round; circuit; circuitous course.
10. A curved circular form.

## Etymology
From Middle English compas (“a circle, circuit, limit, form, a mathematical instrument”), from Old French compas, from Medieval Latin compassus (“a circle, a circuit”), from Latin com- (“together”) + passus (“a pace, step, later a pass, way, route”); see pass, pace.

## Easily confused with
- **compose** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/compass-vs-compose)
- **compost** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/compass-vs-compost)
- **compels** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/compass-vs-compels)
- **compress** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/compass-vs-compress)
- **company** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/company-vs-compass)
- **compare** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/compare-vs-compass)
- **compact** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/compact-vs-compass)

## Common misspellings (9)
`ccompass`, `cmopass`, `comapss`, `commpass`, `compas`, `comppass`, `compsas`, `copmass`, `ocmpass`

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