Words / A1

KUMP-uh-s/ˈkʌmpəs/

A compass is a small instrument with a magnetic needle that always points north, used with a map to find your way. Countable: a compass, compasses. A map is a drawing of a place; a clock shows the time, not north. Mix-up: compass vs campus (school grounds) — extra p vs extra ss; and compass also means a drawing tool with two legs for circles — same spelling, different picture (later).

Meaning

A small instrument with a needle that always points north, used to find your way.

Examples

• “The compass needle points north.”
• “Hold the compass away from the metal keys.”
• “Without a compass we walked the wrong way.”

Good to know

a compass (needle points north). Contrast: map (drawing), clock (time). Mix-up: campus; drawing compass (two legs).

New