Compassed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐งญ
compassed
[kษmหpรฆs ]
Definition
past tense
Compassed is the past tense of the verb 'compass,' which means to surround or enclose something. This can refer to the physical act of encircling an area or figuratively to achieve understanding of a situation or concept. The word can also denote the idea of making a plan or forming a design. Compassing something may involve laying out a strategy or determining the boundaries of an objective.
Synonyms
bounded, circled, enclosed, surrounded.
Examples of usage
- The team compassed the projectโs goals.
- She compassed the area with her thoughts.
- They compassed the town during their exploration.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Literature
- In literature, to be 'compassed' often symbolizes being enclosed in oneโs own thoughts or emotions.
- Authors like Edgar Allan Poe and Nathaniel Hawthorne have used the word in ways that evoke feelings of entrapment or totality in their characters' experiences.
Geography
- In geographical contexts, 'compassed' can refer to an area that is fully explored or surrounded by terrains like mountains or rivers.
- Historically, explorers used compasses to navigate and understand the extents of new territories, which often led to their emotional journeys.
Psychology
- In a psychological sense, feeling 'compassed' by stress can indicate that a person feels both surrounded and overwhelmed by their problems.
- Therapeutically, recognizing feelings of being compassed can lead to strategies for finding new paths out of challenging situations.
Art
- Artists use the concept of 'compassed' in their work by creating enclosed spaces that invite viewer interaction and personal interpretation.
- The circle is a common motif in art, representing wholeness and the process of being enveloped, which can create a compelling emotional response.
Origin of 'compassed'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'compassed' comes from the Old French 'compasser,' which means to measure or to complete a circle.
- It shares roots with the Latin word 'compassare,' composed of 'com-' (together) and 'passare' (to step or move) โ suggesting the idea of surrounding or moving around something.
The word 'compass' originates from the Latin term 'compassare,' meaning 'to pace out, measure.' This term is derived from 'com-' meaning 'together' and 'passus' meaning 'step.' The transition from Latin to Old French saw the word evolve into 'compas,' which was later adopted into Middle English as 'compas' or 'compasse.' Initially, 'compass' referred to both the instrument used for navigation and the concept of measuring or enclosing space. Over time, the verb form emerged to denote the act of surrounding or encircling. The various adaptations of the word reflect its broad usage in both practical navigation and metaphorical contexts.