How to pronounce compass
Say it like KUHM-pus. Compass has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KUHM).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce compass. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KUHM
- pus
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Compass pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KUHMSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- pusKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of compass
American and British speakers say compass in essentially the same way: /ˈkʌmpəs/ in the US and /ˈkʌmpəs/ in the UK.
British respelling: KUHM-pus.
What does compass mean?
- navigational instrument for finding directions
- 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 limit of capability“within the compass of education”
- bring about; accomplish“This writer attempts more than his talents can compass”
- travel around, either by plane or ship“We compassed the earth”
- get the meaning of something“Do you comprehend the meaning of this letter?”
Where does compass come from?
From Middle English compas (“a circle, circuit, limit, form, a mathematical instrument”), from Old French compas, from Medieval Latin compassus (“a circle, a circuit”), from Latin com- (“together”) + passus (“a pace, step, later a pass, way
Words that rhyme with compass
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of compass.
Questions about saying compass
How do you pronounce compass?
Say KUHM-pus. The American pronunciation is /ˈkʌmpəs/. In British English it is /ˈkʌmpəs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in compass?
Compass has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KUHM). Broken into parts: KUHM · pus.
Do Americans and Brits say compass the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈkʌmpəs/ and the British form is /ˈkʌmpəs/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.