compass
gb/kˈʌmpəs/ us/kˈʌmpəs/
A2
English
~ 5000
iránytű, körző, kör, hatókör, keret
NOUN
A2
1
iránytű
B1
Usage pattern:
a [compass] points [direction]
The hiker checked his compass before setting off into the forest.
A túrázó ellenőrizte az iránytűjét, mielőtt elindult az erdőbe.
Sailors used a compass to navigate across the ocean.
A tengerészek iránytű segítségével tájékozódtak az óceánon.
Without a compass, it’s easy to get lost in the mountains.
She adjusted the compass until the needle pointed north.
Learner examples
I use a compass when I go hiking.
Túrázáskor iránytűt használok.
The compass shows me where north is.
Az iránytű megmutatja, merre van észak.
He looked at his compass to find the way.
My compass is broken.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'compass' with 'campus', which means school grounds.
Meaning
Device for finding direction
Collocations
magnetic compass
|use a compass
|compass needle
|compass reading
|compass bearing
Synonyms
navigation instrument (More formal or technical term for tools like a compass.)
Antonyms
GPS (Modern digital device for finding location and direction, as opposed to the traditional compass.)
Themes
navigation
|travel
|outdoors
|science
Definition
A small tool with a needle that points north and helps you know which way to go.
A device with a magnetic needle that aligns with Earth's magnetic field to indicate direction, usually showing north, south, east, and west.
NOUN
B1
2
körző
A2
Usage pattern:
draw a circle with a [compass]
The architect used a compass to draw perfect circles.
Az építész körzőt használt a tökéletes körök megrajzolásához.
In geometry class, we learned how to use a compass.
Geometriaórán megtanultuk, hogyan kell körzőt használni.
He measured the distance between two towns with a map and a compass.
Learner examples
I use a compass in math class.
Mate órán körzőt használok.
This compass helps me draw circles.
Ez a körző segít köröket rajzolni.
She draws a big circle with her compass.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this meaning with the navigation tool; context usually makes it clear.
Meaning
Tool for drawing circles
Collocations
drafting compass
|geometry compass
|set of compasses
Synonyms
divider (Similar tool but usually without a pencil, used just for measuring distances.)
Themes
education
|geometry
|engineering
|arts_entertainment
Definition
A tool with two legs used to draw circles or measure space on a map.
A V-shaped instrument with two legs, one ending in a point and the other holding a pencil, used for drawing circles or measuring distances on maps.
NOUN
C1
FORMAL
3
Usage pattern:
within the [compass] of [something]
The topic is beyond the compass of this discussion.
A téma meghaladja ennek a megbeszélésnek a kereteit.
Her interests fall within the compass of art and design.
Érdeklődési köre a művészet és a dizájn területére esik.
The law covers matters within the compass of public safety.
Learner examples
This idea is beyond the compass of my knowledge.
Ez az ötlet meghaladja az ismereteim körét.
The book is within the compass of science.
A könyv a tudomány körébe tartozik.
It is outside the compass of our work.
Common mistake:
Learners may overuse this sense in casual speech where 'range' or 'scope' would be more natural.
Meaning
Range or extent of something
Collocations
within the compass of
|beyond the compass of
Synonyms
scope (Common synonym for range or extent.)
Antonyms
limitation (Represents the restriction or boundary instead of the full range.)
Themes
abstract
|knowledge
|core_vocabulary
Definition
How much something covers or includes.
The full range or scope of something, such as knowledge, influence, or activity.
Grammar
Dictionary form
compass
IPA
GB/kˈʌmpəs/
US/kˈʌmpəs/
Syllables & stress
com - pass (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (com)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: compass
- Plural: compasses
Word family
Expressions
bearings (find/get/lose one's bearings)
1/bˈɛɹɪŋz fˈɪndɪd͡ʒɪtlˈoʊz wˈʌnz bˈɛɹɪŋz/
idiom
Know or lose sense of position/direction
To know or not know where you are or what to do in a situation.
Examples
- After moving to a new city, it took me weeks to find my bearings.
- When the lights went out, I lost my bearings completely.
moral compass
1/mˈɔɹəl kˈʌmpəs/
fixed phrase
Sense of right and wrong
A person's idea of what is right and wrong that guides how they act.
Examples
- Her strong moral compass kept her honest even in difficult times.
- He seems to have lost his moral compass after entering politics.