Compass vs. Divider: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 5, 2023
A compass is a navigational instrument for finding direction, while a divider is a tool used in geometry to measure or divide distances.
Key Differences
A "compass" is typically a navigational instrument that includes a magnetized needle showing the direction of the magnetic north of a planet's magnetosphere. It is an essential tool for navigators to discern directions and is widely used in various outdoor activities such as hiking, boating, and exploration. The compass has been an indispensable instrument in human history, enabling exploration, discovery, and navigation over land and sea.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 23, 2023
In contrast, a "divider" is primarily a drafting instrument consisting of two straight and adjustable legs, hinged at one end. It is used to measure distances or to divide lines into equal parts in geometrical applications. Dividers are essential tools in geometry, drafting, and other fields that require precise measurements and divisions. They enable users to scribe circles or arcs and transfer measurements accurately, aiding in creating detailed and accurate drawings.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 23, 2023
A compass, especially the drawing compass, and a divider may appear similar in structure, both having two legs with a hinge at the top, but they serve different purposes. The drawing compass is used to draw circles or arcs in geometry and drafting, similar to a divider but with a distinct difference in one leg having a pencil or a pen.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 23, 2023
"Divider," while having its specific use in geometry and drafting, could also have a different meaning in other contexts. For example, it can refer to a partition or a barrier separating spaces or areas. The word "divider" can encompass various objects or structures that serve to divide, separate, or partition spaces or areas in different fields or daily life.
Sara Rehman
Sep 23, 2023
The word "compass" can also be broad and versatile. Beyond navigation and geometry, "compass" could refer to a range or scope of something, like the compass of a voice or a subject. Understanding the context in which "compass" and "divider" are used is crucial for determining their appropriate meanings and applications.
Sara Rehman
Sep 23, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A navigational instrument for finding direction.
A tool used to measure or divide distances.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 23, 2023
Usage
Used in navigation and geometry.
Primarily used in geometry and drafting.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 23, 2023
Structure
Typically has a magnetized needle or a pencil/pen leg.
Consists of two straight and adjustable legs.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 23, 2023
Alternative Meaning
Can refer to the range or scope of something.
Can refer to a partition or barrier separating spaces.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 23, 2023
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Compass and Divider Definitions
Compass
A navigational instrument showing direction.
The sailor used a compass to navigate the sea.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 23, 2023
Divider
A partition separating spaces.
A divider was placed between the kitchen and the living room.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 23, 2023
Compass
The range or scope of something.
The compass of the investigation expanded.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 23, 2023
Divider
A tool for dividing lines and measuring distances.
The architect used a divider to transfer measurements.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 23, 2023
Compass
A device used to determine geographic direction, usually consisting of a magnetic needle or needles horizontally mounted or suspended and free to pivot until aligned with the earth's magnetic field.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
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Divider
A screen or piece of furniture dividing a room.
The open-plan office had dividers for privacy.
Sara Rehman
Sep 23, 2023
Compass
Another device, such as a radio compass or a gyrocompass, used for determining geographic direction.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Divider
A person or thing that divides.
The controversial law acted as a divider among the citizens.
Sara Rehman
Sep 23, 2023
Compass
A V-shaped device for describing circles or circular arcs and for taking measurements, consisting of a pair of rigid, end-hinged legs, one of which is equipped with a pen, pencil, or other marker and the other with a sharp point providing a pivot about which the drawing leg is turned. Also called pair of compasses.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Compass
Awareness or understanding of one's purpose or objectives
"Lacking a coherent intellectual and moral commitment, [he] was forced to find his compass in personal experience" (Doris Kearns Goodwin).
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Compass
An enclosing line or boundary; a circumference
Outside the compass of the fence.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Divider
A device resembling a compass, used for dividing lines and transferring measurements.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Compass
A restricted space or area
Four huge crates within the compass of the elevator.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Compass
Range or scope, as of understanding, perception, or authority
The subject falls outside the compass of this study.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Divider
A piece of card placed in a ring binder to separate groups of documents.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Divider
An electronic device for separating a signal, frequency, etc., into two or more parts.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Divider
A device resembling a drawing compass and used to transfer measurements of length.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Compass
To understand; comprehend
"God ... is too great a profundity to be compassed by human cerebration" (Flann O'Brian).
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Divider
The median (US) or central reservation (UK) of a highway or other road where traffic in opposite directions are kept separated.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Compass
To accomplish or bring about
"He compassed his end only by the exercise of gentle violence" (Henry James).
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Divider
One who, or that which, divides; that which separates anything into parts.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Compass
To gain or achieve
"She had compassed the high felicity of seeing the two men beautifully take to each another" (Henry James).
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Divider
One who deals out to each his share.
Who made me a judge or a divider over you?
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Divider
One who, or that which, causes division.
Hate is of all things the mightiest divider.
Money, the great divider of the world.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Divider
An instrument for dividing lines, describing circles, etc., compasses. See Compasses.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Compass
A magnetic or electronic device used to determine the cardinal directions (usually magnetic or true north).
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Divider
A vertical structure that divides or separates (as a wall divides one room from another).
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Divider
A taxonomist who classifies organisms into many groups on the basis of relatively minor characteristics
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Divider
A vertical structure that divides or separates (as a wall divides one room from another)
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Compass
(obsolete) An enclosing limit; a boundary, a circumference.
Within the compass of an encircling wall
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Compass
Moderate bounds, limits of truth; moderation; due limits; used with within.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Compass
A passing round; circuit; circuitous course.
They fetched a compass of seven day's journey.
This day I breathed first; time is come round,And where I did begin, there shall I end;My life is run his compass.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Compass
An inclosing limit; boundary; circumference; as, within the compass of an encircling wall.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Compass
An inclosed space; an area; extent.
Their wisdom . . . lies in a very narrow compass.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Compass
Extent; reach; sweep; capacity; sphere; as, the compass of his eye; the compass of imagination.
The compass of his argument.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Compass
Moderate bounds, limits of truth; moderation; due limits; - used with within.
In two hundred years before (I speak within compass), no such commission had been executed.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Compass
The range of notes, or tones, within the capacity of a voice or instrument.
You would sound me from my lowest note to the top of my compass.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Compass
An instrument for determining directions upon the earth's surface by means of a magnetized bar or needle turning freely upon a pivot and pointing in a northerly and southerly direction.
He that first discovered the use of the compass did more for the supplying and increase of useful commodities than those who built workhouses.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Compass
A pair of compasses.
To fix one foot of their compass wherever they please.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Compass
A circle; a continent.
The tryne compas [the threefold world containing earth, sea, and heaven. Skeat.]
Its leaves are turned to the north as true as the magnet:This is the compass flower.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Compass
To go about or entirely round; to make the circuit of.
Ye shall compass the city seven times.
We the globe can compass soon.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Compass
To inclose on all sides; to surround; to encircle; to environ; to invest; to besiege; - used with about, round, around, and round about.
With terrors and with clamors compassed round.
Now all the blessingsOf a glad father compass thee about.
Thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Compass
To reach round; to circumvent; to get within one's power; to obtain; to accomplish.
If I can check my erring love, I will:If not, to compass her I'll use my skill.
How can you hope to compass your designs?
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Compass
To purpose; to intend; to imagine; to plot.
Compassing and imagining the death of the king are synonymous terms; compassing signifying the purpose or design of the mind or will, and not, as in common speech, the carrying such design to effect.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Compass
An area in which something acts or operates or has power or control:
The range of a supersonic jet
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
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Compass
Bring about; accomplish;
This writer attempts more than his talents can compass
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Compass
Get the meaning of something;
Do you comprehend the meaning of this letter?
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Compass
A device used for drawing circles or arcs.
The student used a compass to draw a perfect circle.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 23, 2023
Compass
An enclosing boundary or area.
They stayed within the compass of the schoolyard.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 23, 2023
Compass
A means of accomplishing something.
Kindness is a reliable compass in human interactions.
Harlon Moss
Sep 23, 2023
FAQs
Is a compass always used for navigation?
No, a compass can also be a drawing tool or refer to the range of something.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 23, 2023
Can a divider be used as furniture?
Yes, a divider can be a screen or piece of furniture dividing a room.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 23, 2023
Does a drawing compass have a similar structure to a divider?
Yes, both have two legs hinged at one end, but serve different purposes.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 23, 2023
Can a compass have a pencil or a pen?
Yes, a drawing compass has one leg with a pencil or a pen to draw circles or arcs.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 23, 2023
Is a divider always used in geometry or drafting?
No, it can also refer to partitions or barriers in various contexts.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 23, 2023
Can divider refer to a mathematical operation?
Yes, division is a mathematical operation, and "divider" can imply something that divides.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 23, 2023
Can a compass show the exact geographical North?
No, it shows magnetic North, which is different from true geographical North.
Harlon Moss
Sep 23, 2023
Can a divider have a meaning in roadway terminology?
Yes, it can refer to a barrier or partition in the middle of a road.
Janet White
Sep 23, 2023
Can the word divider refer to an individual?
Yes, it can metaphorically refer to someone causing division among people.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 23, 2023
Are compasses always small, handheld devices?
Most are portable, but there are also large, mounted compasses for ships.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 23, 2023
Can a divider separate rooms in a house?
Yes, dividers can be used to create distinct spaces within a room.
Harlon Moss
Sep 23, 2023
Do all compasses have a magnetized needle?
No, some, like gyrocompasses and GPS compasses, use other methods to find direction.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 23, 2023
Can a compass refer to a musical range?
Yes, it can refer to the range of musical notes a voice or instrument can produce.
Harlon Moss
Sep 23, 2023
Are all dividers adjustable?
Most are, but some fixed dividers are set to specific distances.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 23, 2023
Can a compass be used in architectural drawing?
Yes, architects use compasses to draw precise circles and arcs.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 23, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
