1
use a compass to do sth
指南针用于辨别方向，常与动词 use 搭配。
She used a compass to find her way back to the camp.
她用指南针找到了回营地的路。
指南针；罗盘
先理解核心含义，再看它在真实句子里的用法。
指南针；罗盘
An instrument with a magnetic needle that shows direction, used for finding north.
She used a compass to find her way back to the camp.
她用指南针找到了回营地的路。
用于确定基本方位(通常为磁北或真北)的磁性或电子装置
A magnetic or electronic device used to determine the cardinal directions (usually magnetic or true north).
测定方向的导航仪器
navigational instrument for finding directions
圆规(用于画圆弧和量取长度的工具)
A pair of compasses (a device used to draw circular arcs and transfer length measurements).
作用范围；势力范围
an area in which something acts or operates or has power or control:
The hiker used a compass to find his way through the forest.
徒步者用指南针在森林中找路。
AI contextual example
This topic is within the compass of our discussion.
这个话题在我们讨论的范围内。
AI contextual example
Helping others is beyond the compass of her abilities.
帮助他人超出了她的能力范围。
AI contextual example
within the compass of this article
在这篇文章的范围内。
WordNet
指南针用于辨别方向，常与动词 use 搭配。
She used a compass to find her way back to the camp.
她用指南针找到了回营地的路。
表示圆规时常用复数形式 compasses，并以 a pair of 修饰。
He drew a circle with a pair of compasses.
他用圆规画了一个圆。
此处 compass 表示“范围、界限”，多用于正式或书面语。
This question is within the compass of our discussion.
这个问题在我们的讨论范围之内。
Not this
I bought compass yesterday.
Use this
I bought a compass yesterday.
compass 表示‘指南针’是可数名词，单数形式前必须有冠词 a/an 或 the；中文没有冠词，学习者容易漏掉。
Not this
I bought a compass to draw circles.
Use this
I bought a pair of compasses to draw circles.
表示‘圆规’时英文用 a pair of compasses 或 compasses，而 a compass 通常指‘指南针’；这是词义选择错误，不是单纯单复数问题。
Not this
This question is not in the compass of our discussion.
Use this
This question is not within the compass of our discussion.
compass 表示‘范围’时常与介词 within 搭配，构成 within the compass of，意为‘在…范围内’；用 in 不符合固定搭配。
Focus on the distinctions below. Other candidates are kept compact until a reliable usage note is available.
磁罗盘；指南针
The pilot checked the magnetic compass before takeoff.
飞行员起飞前检查了磁罗盘。
罗盘方位
We took a compass bearing to make sure we were heading north.
我们测了一个罗盘方位以确保我们在向北走。
罗盘指针；指南针的指针
The compass needle always points to magnetic north.
罗盘指针总是指向磁北极。
罗盘方位点
She can name all thirty-two compass points on a nautical chart.
她能说出海图上全部三十二个罗盘方位点。
一副圆规
He used a pair of compasses to draw a perfect circle.
他用一副圆规画了一个完美的圆。
在……范围之内
This question lies within the compass of our research.
这个问题在我们的研究范围之内。
道德指南针；是非观
She refused to lie, even when it was easy, because her moral compass would not allow it.
她拒绝撒谎，即使很容易，因为她的道德准则不允许她这样做。
超出……的范围；在……范围之外
This problem is beyond the compass of my expertise.
这个问题超出了我的专业范围。
按顺序列出罗盘方位；兜圈子
The captain taught the cadet to box the compass.
船长教那名学员按顺序说出罗盘的方位。
Use compass naturally, then get feedback on meaning, tone, grammar, and phrasing.
Revisit a common error or keep this word in your review list.
compass 拆成 com + pass，想象手握指南针，就能顺利通过(pass)每条岔路，永不迷向。
语域：neutral 常见场景：outdoor hiking、sailing and navigation、map-reading in class 本条目取“指南针/罗盘”这一常用义项。该用法通常为中性，日常口语和书面语都自然，多用于远足、航海、航空或课堂读图等需要辨别方向的场景。
指南针为可数名词；表示“范围”时常用单数形式。
Dictionary facts from ECDICT, WIKTIONARY, WORDNET.