boussole

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compass, magnetic compass, guide, guiding principle, reference point
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/bu.sɔl/
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A French word for a compass, with figurative uses for guidance and a technical heraldic use for a compass-shaped charge.
Practice using boussole in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • Son expérience a servi de boussole à toute l'équipe.
    Her experience served as a compass for the whole team.
  • Après l'échec, il avait perdu sa boussole intérieure.
    After the failure, he had lost his inner compass.
  • La justice sociale est la boussole de ce programme.
    Social justice is the guiding principle of this program.
  • Ce principe simple peut devenir une boussole dans les négociations.
    This simple principle can become a guide in negotiations.
  • La boussole du randonneur indiquait un nord légèrement décalé.
    The hiker's compass showed a slightly shifted north.

Similar words

principe directeur
phare
référence
boussole magnétique
guide
meuble héraldique
compas
repère

Meanings

Magnetic direction finder

noun
navigation
neutral
A handheld or mounted instrument whose magnetized needle points toward magnetic north, giving a bearing for travel, surveying, or navigation.

Examples

  • Avant d'entrer en forêt, elle vérifie sa boussole.
    Before entering the forest, she checks her compass.
  • L'aiguille de la boussole tremblait près du vieux portail métallique.
    The compass needle shook near the old metal gate.
  • Sans carte ni boussole, le groupe a vite perdu son chemin.
    Without a map or compass, the group quickly lost its way.
  • Le géomètre a relevé l'angle avec une boussole topographique.
    The surveyor measured the angle with a surveying compass.
  • La boussole du randonneur indiquait un nord légèrement décalé.
    The hiker's compass showed a slightly shifted north.
  • Une petite boussole était fixée au couvercle de la boîte.
    A small compass was fixed to the lid of the box.

Similar words

compas
boussole magnétique

Guide or reference point

noun
figurative
neutral
A person, value, idea, or rule that gives direction when choices are unclear.

Examples

  • Dans le doute, l'intérêt des patients reste notre boussole.
    When in doubt, patients' interests remain our guiding principle.
  • Son expérience a servi de boussole à toute l'équipe.
    Her experience served as a compass for the whole team.
  • La justice sociale est la boussole de ce programme.
    Social justice is the guiding principle of this program.
  • Après l'échec, il avait perdu sa boussole intérieure.
    After the failure, he had lost his inner compass.
  • Ce principe simple peut devenir une boussole dans les négociations.
    This simple principle can become a guide in negotiations.
  • Elle prend la prudence comme boussole avant d'investir.
    She takes caution as her guide before investing.

Similar words

guide
repère
référence
principe directeur
phare

Compass charge

noun
heraldry
technical
A heraldic charge that represents a compass, usually with its needle and direction shown in the blazon.

Examples

  • Le blason montre une boussole d'argent au centre.
    The coat of arms shows a silver compass charge in the center.
  • La boussole du troisième quartier pointe vers le sud.
    The compass charge in the third quarter points south.
  • Dans ce blasonnement, la boussole symbolise la navigation.
    In this blazon, the compass charge symbolizes navigation.
  • L'aiguille rouge de la boussole doit être mentionnée.
    The red needle of the compass charge must be mentioned.
  • Une boussole accompagne l'ancre sur les armoiries du port.
    A compass charge accompanies the anchor on the port's coat of arms.
  • Le dessin héraldique simplifie la boussole en deux traits.
    The heraldic drawing reduces the compass charge to two lines.

Similar words

meuble héraldique

Etymology

Borrowed in the sixteenth century from Italian bussola, meaning a small box and then a compass, from a form related to Latin buxis, the source of French boîte.

FAQ

What does boussole mean?

boussole most often means a compass, the instrument that points toward magnetic north.

Is boussole masculine or feminine?

boussole is feminine, so the usual singular form is la boussole.

Can boussole be figurative?

Yes. A boussole can be a guide, principle, or reference point that helps someone choose a direction.

Does boussole mean GPS?

No. A boussole is a compass. A GPS may help navigation, but it is not normally called boussole in French.

What is boussole morale?

boussole morale means a moral compass, a value or judgment that guides decisions.

What is the plural of boussole?

The plural is boussoles.

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