compass
Definitions
An instrument with a magnetic needle for finding direction.
指南针，罗盘。
A two-legged drawing instrument for making circles (often 'compasses').
圆规（常用复数 compasses）。
The range or scope of something.
范围，界限。
(Formal) to achieve or to encircle/surround.
（正式）达成；包围，环绕。
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedcom- (together) + passus (step) = 'to pace out all the way around.' Picture stepping around the full circle of something. A drawing compass paces out a circle with its two legs; the navigation compass spans every direction; and 'the compass of a subject' is everything it covers. The unifying image is stepping around a complete circle.
Root pass still carries 14 more wordsCommon Collocations
- 1.magnetic compass磁罗盘
- 2.compass needle罗盘指针
- 3.moral compass道德指南
- 4.pair of compasses一副圆规
Example Sentences
- 1.
Without a compass, the hikers quickly lost their way.
- 2.
Use a compass to draw a perfect circle on the page.
- 3.
The topic lies well beyond the compass of this short essay.