compass point crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the clue "compass point" in your latest puzzle, you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of possible answers, sorted by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you moving again.
Solutions for "compass point crossword" by Letter Count
1 Letters
N: Represents North, a primary cardinal direction often used in abbreviations.
S: Stands for South, another main cardinal direction, opposite North.
E: Denotes East, one of the four principal directions, typically on the right of a map.
W: Refers to West, the last of the four cardinal directions, opposite East.
2 Letters
NE: Abbreviation for Northeast, an intercardinal direction between North and East.
NW: Stands for Northwest, another common intercardinal direction, between North and West.
SE: Denotes Southeast, an important secondary compass point, between South and East.
SW: Refers to Southwest, often used in mapping and navigation, between South and West.
4 Letters
EAST: One of the four cardinal directions, 90 degrees from North, where the sun rises.
WEST: The cardinal direction opposite East, where the sun sets.
5 Letters
NORTH: The primary cardinal direction, usually at the top of a map, indicating true north.
SOUTH: The cardinal direction opposite North, pointing towards the South Pole.
POINT: A general term for any of the 32 divisions of the compass, or simply a direction.
RHUMB: A line of constant bearing on the Earth's surface, often used in nautical navigation.
7 Letters
BEARING: The horizontal direction of a line relative to a reference direction, often North, measured clockwise.
AZIMUTH: An angular measurement in a spherical coordinate system, often used for specifying direction from a point, usually measured clockwise from North.
More About "compass point crossword"
The term "compass point" refers to any of the specific directions on a compass, used for navigation and orientation. These include the four cardinal directions (North, South, East, West), the four intercardinal directions (Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, Southwest), and often more precise subdivisions, although these are less common in standard crosswords. Understanding these fundamental directions is crucial for both daily life and solving a wide array of puzzles.
Crossword clues involving compass points are very common and can appear in various forms. They might be direct definitions, abbreviations, or even part of more complex wordplay. Recognizing the various ways these directions can be clued is a key skill for any crossword enthusiast, as they provide reliable entries, especially when you're looking for short answers or specific letter counts.
Beyond simple directions, some clues might refer to more technical terms like "bearing" or "azimuth," which are specific measurements of direction. These are less frequent but important to know for more challenging puzzles. Familiarity with nautical terms like "rhumb" can also be beneficial, as crosswords often draw from a broad vocabulary range.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Letter Count First: For "compass point" clues, the letter count is often the most significant hint. Single-letter answers are common for cardinal directions (N, S, E, W), while two letters indicate intercardinal points (NE, SW, etc.).
- Consider Abbreviations: Many compass point answers are given as abbreviations. If the clue hints at a short form or if the puzzle setter is known for using abbreviations, think of N, S, E, W, NE, NW, SE, SW first.
- Think Beyond the Obvious: While cardinal directions are most common, remember that terms like "POINT," "BEARING," "AZIMUTH," or even "RHUMB" can also be valid answers depending on the clue's specific wording and the number of letters.
- Context is Key: Analyze the surrounding words in the clue. Does it imply a specific region (e.g., "Sun's setting direction" for WEST) or a type of navigation? This can help narrow down options.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the common compass points found in crosswords?
The most common compass points in crosswords are the cardinal directions (N, S, E, W) and the intercardinal directions (NE, NW, SE, SW). Full spellings like NORTH, SOUTH, EAST, WEST are also very frequent, as is the generic term 'POINT' itself.
How can I quickly identify compass point answers?
Look for clues related to direction, navigation, orientation, or abbreviations. Pay attention to the number of letters required; single letters (N, S, E, W) are common for short answers, while longer clues might require the full word or even more specific terms like BEARING or AZIMUTH.
Are there different types of compass point clues?
Yes, clues can range from direct definitions ('North' for N) to more cryptic ones ('Polar direction' for NORTH). They might also refer to a specific part of a region (e.g., 'Florida's direction' for SOUTH). Sometimes, clues might involve wordplay where a direction is hidden within a phrase.