compass

• Instrument utilisé pour la navigation et l'orientation, qui indique la direction par rapport aux pôles magnétiques de la Terre, ou outil servant à tracer des cercles et des arcs.

A noun referring to an instrument used for navigation and orientation that shows direction relative to the Earth's magnetic poles, or a tool used for drawing circles and arcs.

1. Navigation instrumentA2formal

   An instrument containing a magnetized pointer that shows the direction of magnetic north, used for navigation.

   boussole

   • The hiker used a compass to find his way through the forest.
   • A compass is essential for sailing across the ocean.
   • She checked her compass to ensure they were heading east.

2. Drawing toolB1formal

   A V-shaped instrument with two arms, used for drawing circles or arcs.

   compas

   • The student used a compass to draw a perfect circle in geometry class.
   • He adjusted the compass to a radius of five centimeters.
   • The architect's compass was essential for creating precise blueprints.

3. Range or scopeB2formal

   The range or extent of something, such as knowledge, interests, or abilities.

   portée, étendue

   • The book covers the entire compass of human history.
   • Her musical compass extends from classical to jazz.
   • The project's compass was too broad for the team to manage effectively.

   Synonymesambitbreadthextentpurviewrangereachscopespanspheresweep

• Verbe vieilli signifiant entourer, encercler ou englober ; au sens figuré, il désigne aussi le fait de concevoir ou de réaliser un projet.

An archaic verb meaning to go around, surround, or encompass; also used figuratively to mean to contrive or bring about.

1. To surround or encircleC2formal

   To form a circle around something; to enclose or encompass.

   encercler, entourer

   • The army compassed the fortress on all sides.
   • High walls compassed the ancient city.
   • The garden was compassed by a hedge of roses.

   Synonymesencircleencloseencompassenvirongirdgirdleringsurround

2. To achieve or accomplishC2formal

   To succeed in doing or achieving something, often with effort.

   réaliser, accomplir

   • He compassed his goal after years of hard work.
   • She compassed the difficult task with great skill.
   • They compassed a peace agreement between the warring factions.

   Synonymesaccomplishachieveattaincontriveeffectexecutefulfillprocurereachrealize

   Antonymesabandonfailforgolosemissrelinquishsurrenderyield

3. To understand or graspC2formal

   To comprehend or fully understand a concept or idea.

   comprendre pleinement

   • The philosopher compassed the complexities of human nature.
   • Few people can compass the full implications of this theory.
   • She compassed the meaning of the ancient text.

   Synonymesabsorbapprehendcomprehenddiscernfathomfollowgraspperceiverealizeseetake inunderstand

   Antonymesconfusemisapprehendmisconceivemistakemisunderstand