boussole
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Translating...
compass, magnetic compass, guiding principle, metaphorical guide, reference point
/bu.sɔl/
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A device that shows direction, whether as a magnetic instrument for navigation or as a metaphorical guide indicating a course of action.
Examples
Je consulte ma boussole avant de partir en randonnée.
I check my compass before setting out on a hike.
L’aiguille de la boussole pointe toujours vers le nord.
The compass needle always points north.
Une boussole moderne intègre un affichage numérique.
A modern compass includes a digital display.
Sa foi était la boussole qui le maintenait sur le bon chemin.
His faith was the compass that kept him on the right track.
Utilise ton cœur comme boussole pour choisir ta voie.
Use your heart as a compass to choose your path.
Similar words
norme
goniomètre
boussole morale
point de référence
navigateur
outil de direction
aiguille magnétique
orientation
boussole magnétique
critère
Meanings
Usage
Use boussole for the magnetic navigation instrument that shows direction on Earth.
Examples
Je consulte ma boussole avant de partir en randonnée.
I check my compass before setting out on a hike.
L’aiguille de la boussole pointe toujours vers le nord.
The compass needle always points north.
Grâce à la boussole, nous avons retrouvé notre chemin dans le désert.
Thanks to the compass, we found our way in the desert.
Le marin a ajusté la boussole pour corriger la dérive magnétique.
The sailor adjusted the compass to correct magnetic drift.
Une boussole moderne intègre un affichage numérique.
A modern compass includes a digital display.
Lors d’une tempête, la boussole était notre seul repère.
During a storm, the compass was our only reference point.
Common mistakes
Typical errors involve gender, plural, and confusing the instrument with unrelated tools.
| Incorrect | Correct |
| Le boussole est cassé.
| La boussole est cassée.
|
| J'ai acheté deux boussole.
| J'ai acheté deux boussoles.
|
| Nous utilisons la boussole pour naviguer sur internet.
| Nous utilisons la boussole pour naviguer en mer.
|
| Le GPS a remplacé la boussole, mais la boussole reste utile.
| Le GPS a remplacé la boussole, mais elle reste utile.
|
Similar words
compas
instrument de navigation
aiguille magnétique
outil de direction
carte magnétique
goniomètre
navigateur
boussole magnétique
Usage
Use boussole for a figurative guide that points the way in decisions or actions.
Examples
Dans cette crise, le directeur est la boussole de l’entreprise.
In this crisis, the manager is the guiding principle of the company.
Ses conseils ont servi de boussole pour nos décisions.
His advice served as a metaphorical guide for our decisions.
La philosophie du groupe agit comme une boussole morale.
The group's philosophy acts as a moral compass.
Utilise ton cœur comme boussole pour choisir ta voie.
Use your heart as a compass to choose your path.
Le tableau de bord est la boussole du projet.
The dashboard is the guiding tool of the project.
Sa foi était la boussole qui le maintenait sur le bon chemin.
His faith was the compass that kept him on the right track.
Common mistakes
Errors often mix the literal instrument with the metaphorical sense or misuse gender.
| Incorrect | Correct |
| Cette règle est la boussole de la classe.
| Cette règle est le guide de la classe.
|
| Il a perdu sa boussole et ne sait plus quoi faire.
| Il a perdu son repère et ne sait plus quoi faire.
|
| La boussole de la politique est la popularité.
| Le guide de la politique est la popularité.
|
| Le boussole de la décision
| La boussole de la décision
|
Similar words
guide
repère
orientation
point de référence
critère
norme
principe directeur
boussole morale
Usage
Use boussole for the magnetic instrument that shows direction, and for a figurative guide that points the way in decisions.
Common mistakes
The article is often wrong, using le boussole instead of the correct la boussole.
FAQ
What does boussole mean in French?
boussole can refer to a magnetic compass or a figurative guide that indicates direction.
How do you translate boussole into English?
The usual translation is compass, and for the figurative sense guiding principle or metaphorical guide.
What is the correct article for boussole?
Since boussole is feminine, the correct article is la (singular) or les (plural).
What is the plural form of boussole?
Can boussole be used to refer to a GPS device?
No, boussole specifically denotes a magnetic compass, not a satellite navigation system.
How is boussole used figuratively?
It describes something that serves as a guide or reference point for decisions, like a moral compass.
What are some synonyms for the magnetic sense of boussole?
Synonyms include compas, instrument de navigation, aiguille magnétique, and others.
What are antonyms of boussole?
Opposites include GPS and orientation.
Is boussole used in technology contexts?
Yes, it appears in navigation tools and as a metaphor in software for guiding user choices.
Does boussole have any related terms?
Related terms are nord, sud, magnétisme, navigation, and direction.
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