Agency Dictionary

Compass

nounPronunciation: /ˈkʌm.pəs/

In Portuguese: Bússola

Technology & AI

What does “Compass” mean?

A navigational instrument equipped with a magnetized needle indicating magnetic north and other cardinal directions. Metaphorically, it designates an ethical principle or core belief providing personal guidance.

Etymology

From Old French compas, "circle, measure, pair of compasses", from compasser, "to measure, to pace out", from Vulgar Latin *compassare, formed from Latin com- ("together") and passus ("step"). In Middle English the word named a circle, a boundary and the instrument for drawing circles. The name passed to the navigational instrument later, probably because of its round case and card. The figurative sense of an inner guide, as in "moral compass", comes from the instrument that shows direction.

Usage note

The drawing instrument is usually called "compasses" or "a pair of compasses" in British English; the navigational instrument is always singular.

Synonyms

guide
lodestar
bearings

Often confused with

compasses: Compasses draw circles and measure distances on a map; a compass shows direction. Both words come from the same Old French compas.

Word family

encompass

Concept

Corporate VisionA corporate vision is an aspirational declaration outlining the long-term future an enterprise aims to create and the ultimate state it desires to achieve over decades…

Source editions

Where this entry comes from in the Agency editorial.

Issue.8 - Copywriting for CrisisMarch 24, 2023Read the edition

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