true north
The term "true north" is used both in geography to denote the direction toward the Earth's North Pole and metaphorically to signify one's guiding principles or core values.
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Definition
B2Geography
(technical)The direction towards the Earth's geographic North Pole.
Example
- Navigators use true north to chart their course accurately.
- Unlike magnetic north, true north does not change based on location.
B2Metaphor
(figurative)A person's guiding principles or core values that direct their actions and decisions.
Example
- Finding your true north helps you make decisions aligned with your values.
- In challenging times, it's important to stay true to your true north.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "true north":
north polepole stargone north aboutmagnetic compasspolar axis