compass readings

Meanings

1. 1nounplural

   The numbers or directions shown by a compass, used to find out which way you are facing or going.

   Grammar: Used as a plural noun: take compass readings. A single one is 'a compass reading'.

   Patterns

   • take compass readings
   • check the compass readings
   • compass readings show something

   The hikers took compass readings every hour so they would not get lost.

   According to the compass readings, we are heading almost due north.

   Strong metal nearby can make compass readings unreliable.

2. 2nounpluraltechnical

   A set of recorded compass values used to check or correct the direction of a ship, aircraft, or surveying instrument.

   Grammar: Used in technical and nautical contexts, often with 'take' or 'record'.

   Patterns

   • record compass readings
   • compare compass readings
   • compass readings taken at sea

   The navigator recorded compass readings before and after each turn.

   Surveyors compare compass readings with GPS data to improve accuracy.

Common combinations

take compass readings

The pilot asked the crew to take compass readings during the flight.

accurate compass readings

Cloudy weather does not affect accurate compass readings, but metal does.

check the compass readings

Check the compass readings before you set off into the forest.

compass readings show

The compass readings show that the boat has drifted east.

Synonyms and how they differ

bearings

Bearings are the measured angles of direction; compass readings are the raw values a compass gives you.

headings

A heading is the direction you are actually traveling, which you may work out from compass readings.

Word family

compass noun

The instrument that shows direction and produces the readings.

reading noun

A single value shown on an instrument.

Commonly confused: compass readings or compass rose?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “compass readings”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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