1. (

• compass

) navigational instrument for finding directions ;

2. (

• scope ,
• range ,
• reach ,
• orbit ,
• compass ,
• ambit

) an area in which something acts or operates or has power or control: "the range of a supersonic jet"; "a piano has a greater range than the human voice"; "the ambit of municipal legislation"; "within the compass of this article"; "within the scope of an investigation"; "outside the reach of the law"; "in the political orbit of a world power" ;

3. (

• compass ,
• range ,
• reach ,
• grasp ,

) the limit of capability; "within the compass of education" ;

4. (

• compass ,

) drafting instrument used for drawing circles ;

1. (

• compass

) bring about; accomplish; "This writer attempts more than his talents can compass" ;

2. (

• circumnavigate ,
• compass

) travel around, either by plane or ship; "We compassed the earth" ;

3. (

• grok ,
• get_the_picture ,
• comprehend ,
• savvy ,
• dig ,
• grasp ,
• compass ,
• apprehend

) get the meaning of something; "Do you comprehend the meaning of this letter?" ;