Compass vs. Divider — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 28, 2023
A "Compass" is a navigational instrument showing direction or an instrument for drawing circles, while a "Divider" is a tool for measuring or transferring distances between points.
Difference Between Compass and Divider
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
In the realm of instruments and tools, "Compass" and "Divider" often get used interchangeably, but there are key distinctions. A "Compass" typically refers to a navigational device that indicates direction, particularly the cardinal directions: North, South, East, and West. Mariners and explorers have historically relied on compasses for navigation. Alternatively, in geometry and drafting, a "Compass" is used to draw circles and arcs.
Conversely, a "Divider" doesn't show direction. In drafting and geometry, a "Divider" is a tool with two pointed arms used to measure distances or to transfer measurements from one place to another. While both the "Compass" and the "Divider" may seem similar in structure, their primary purposes are distinct.
Interestingly, both "Compass" and "Divider" have an archaic connection. Ancient civilizations used variations of these tools for construction, navigation, and artwork. While a "Compass" might have been employed in navigation or in constructing accurate circles in designs, a "Divider" would have been instrumental in maintaining proportionality and symmetry.
It's essential to understand the functionalities of "Compass" and "Divider" to ensure their appropriate use. Whether you're charting a course, designing a blueprint, or working on a piece of art, knowing the difference can greatly affect the accuracy and outcome of your endeavor.
Comparison Chart
Primary Use
Showing direction or drawing circles.
Measuring or transferring distances.
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Structure
Typically has a point on one arm and a pencil or pen on the other for drawing.
Has two pointed arms.
Historical Use
Used in navigation and geometry.
Used in geometry, drafting, and artwork to maintain proportions.
Connection to
Navigation and geometry.
Geometry and design.
Not Used For
Transferring distances between points.
Indicating direction.
Compare with Definitions
Compass
A tool with a pointed arm and pencil for drawing circles.
She used a compass to draw the perfect circle in her art project.
Divider
A person or thing that creates division or discord.
The controversial policy acted as a divider among the community members.
Compass
Another device, such as a radio compass or a gyrocompass, used for determining geographic direction.
Divider
A central reservation on a highway.
The car swerved and hit the divider on the freeway.
Compass
A navigational instrument that indicates direction.
The sailor relied on his compass to navigate through the open sea.
Divider
An instrument for dividing lines or arcs.
Using a divider, the artist could create proportional segments in his drawing.
Compass
A range or scope of something.
The full compass of human emotion is explored in that novel.
Divider
One that divides, especially a screen or other partition.
Compass
A compass is a device that shows the cardinal directions used for navigation and geographic orientation. It commonly consists of a magnetized needle or other element, such as a compass card or compass rose, which can pivot to align itself with magnetic north.
Divider
Chiefly British A highway median strip.
Compass
An instrument containing a magnetized pointer which shows the direction of magnetic north and bearings from it
Walkers should be equipped with a map and compass
A magnetic compass
Crewe was ideally placed on the rail network, with connections running to all points of the compass
Divider
A device resembling a compass, used for dividing lines and transferring measurements.
Compass
An instrument for drawing circles and arcs and measuring distances between points, consisting of two arms linked by a movable joint, one arm ending in a point and the other usually carrying a pencil or pen
A regular heptagon cannot be constructed accurately with only ruler and compass
Divider
One who or that which divides or separates.
Compass
The range or scope of something
The event had political repercussions which are beyond the compass of this book
Goods and services which fall within the compass of the free market
Divider
A physical object for dividing up a space.
Compass
Go round (something) in a circular course
The ship wherein Magellan compassed the world
Divider
A piece of card placed in a ring binder to separate groups of documents.
Compass
Contrive to accomplish (something)
He compassed his end only by the exercise of violence
Divider
An electronic device for separating a signal, frequency, etc., into two or more parts.
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.
Divider
A device resembling a drawing compass and used to transfer measurements of length.
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.
Divider
The median (US) or central reservation (UK) of a highway or other road where traffic in opposite directions are kept separated.
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).
Divider
One who, or that which, divides; that which separates anything into parts.
Compass
An enclosing line or boundary; a circumference
Outside the compass of the fence.
Divider
One who deals out to each his share.
Who made me a judge or a divider over you?
Compass
A restricted space or area
Four huge crates within the compass of the elevator.
Divider
One who, or that which, causes division.
Hate is of all things the mightiest divider.
Money, the great divider of the world.
Compass
Range or scope, as of understanding, perception, or authority
The subject falls outside the compass of this study.
Divider
An instrument for dividing lines, describing circles, etc., compasses. See Compasses.
Compass
(Music) See range.
Divider
A vertical structure that divides or separates (as a wall divides one room from another).
Compass
To make a circuit of; circle
The sailboat compassed the island.
Divider
A taxonomist who classifies organisms into many groups on the basis of relatively minor characteristics
Compass
To surround; encircle
The trees compass the grave.
Divider
A person who separates something into parts or groups
Compass
To understand; comprehend
"God ... is too great a profundity to be compassed by human cerebration" (Flann O'Brian).
Divider
A vertical structure that divides or separates (as a wall divides one room from another)
Compass
To accomplish or bring about
"He compassed his end only by the exercise of gentle violence" (Henry James).
Divider
A tool with two pointed arms for measuring distances.
The architect used a divider to transfer measurements from the blueprint.
Compass
To gain or achieve
"She had compassed the high felicity of seeing the two men beautifully take to each another" (Henry James).
Divider
An object that separates space.
She put up a divider in the room to create a private workspace.
Compass
To scheme; plot
Compass the death of the king.
Compass
Forming a curve.
Compass
A magnetic or electronic device used to determine the cardinal directions (usually magnetic or true north).
Compass
A pair of compasses (a device used to draw an arc or circle).
Compass
(music) The range of notes of a musical instrument or voice.
Compass
(obsolete) A space within limits; an area.
Compass
(obsolete) An enclosing limit; a boundary, a circumference.
Within the compass of an encircling wall
Compass
Moderate bounds, limits of truth; moderation; due limits; used with within.
Compass
(archaic) Scope.
Compass
(obsolete) Range, reach.
Compass
(obsolete) A passing round; circuit; circuitous course.
Compass
To surround; to encircle; to environ; to stretch round.
Compass
To go about or round entirely; to traverse.
Compass
(dated) To accomplish; to reach; to achieve; to obtain.
Compass
(dated) To plot; to scheme (against someone).
Compass
(obsolete) In a circuit; round about.
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.
Compass
An inclosing limit; boundary; circumference; as, within the compass of an encircling wall.
Compass
An inclosed space; an area; extent.
Their wisdom . . . lies in a very narrow compass.
Compass
Extent; reach; sweep; capacity; sphere; as, the compass of his eye; the compass of imagination.
The compass of his argument.
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.
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.
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.
Compass
A pair of compasses.
To fix one foot of their compass wherever they please.
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.
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.
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.
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?
Compass
To curve; to bend into a circular form.
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.
Compass
Navigational instrument for finding directions
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
Compass
The limit of capability;
Within the compass of education
Compass
Drafting instrument used for drawing circles
Compass
Bring about; accomplish;
This writer attempts more than his talents can compass
Compass
Travel around, either by plane or ship;
We compassed the earth
Compass
Get the meaning of something;
Do you comprehend the meaning of this letter?
Compass
An enclosing boundary or perimeter.
The ancient fort had a compass that extended over five acres.
Compass
To comprehend or grasp.
It's hard to compass the vastness of the universe.
Common Curiosities
Can a Divider show direction like a Compass?
No, a "Divider" is used for measuring or transferring distances, not indicating direction.
Are Compasses and Dividers used in geometry?
Yes, a "Compass" is used in geometry to draw circles, while a "Divider" measures and transfers distances.
Were Compasses and Dividers used in ancient times?
Yes, ancient civilizations utilized variations of "Compasses" and "Dividers" for various tasks.
If I wanted to measure the distance between two points, which instrument should I use?
You should use a "Divider" to measure the distance between two points.
What is a Compass used for in navigation?
A "Compass" in navigation is used to determine direction, especially cardinal directions.
Can a Compass have more than one meaning?
Yes, "Compass" can refer to a navigational tool, a drawing instrument, or the scope of something.
Does a Compass always have a pencil or pen attached?
No, not always. While some "Compasses" have pencils for drawing, others, especially navigational ones, don't.
In highway terms, what is a Divider?
In highway terms, a "Divider" is a central reservation separating traffic lanes.
Which tool is used to draw perfect circles?
A "Compass" is used to draw perfect circles.
What is the purpose of the pointed arms on a Divider?
The pointed arms of a "Divider" help measure or transfer distances between points.
If I'm working on a blueprint and need to transfer a measurement, which tool is preferable?
For transferring measurements on a blueprint, a "Divider" is the preferable tool.
Can you use a Compass to measure distances like a Divider?
Typically, a "Compass" is not used for measuring distances like a "Divider."
Do Compasses and Dividers look similar?
They can look similar, especially in geometry kits, but their functions differ.
Is a Divider always used for measuring distances?
Primarily yes, but "Dividers" can also refer to objects that separate space.
What does the term "compass of emotions" mean?
It refers to the full range or scope of emotions, not related to the tool "Compass."
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
