true north

Not magnetic north

True north is the direction toward the geographic North Pole, as opposed to magnetic north, which compass needles point to.

The two differ by several degrees depending on location.

Figuratively, true north is a guiding principle or core value that keeps someone oriented: Her sense of justice was her true north.

The phrase suggests an unchanging reference point amid confusion.

navigation

compass

Device showing cardinal directions

bearingPosture or orientation
declinationAngular distance from equator
meridianPole-to-pole great circle

latitude · longitude · cartography · sextant · astrolabe · coordinates · Polaris · wayfinding · orienteering · heading

purpose

guiding principle

Rule that directs conduct

moral compassInner ethical guidance system
core valuesFundamental guiding beliefs
authenticityQuality of being genuine

integrity · calling · life purpose · vision · mission · direction · path · alignment · conviction · steadfastness

aspiration

goal

Desired end result

dreamSleeping mind's narrative
ambitionDesire for achievement
visionAbility to see

quest · pursuit · destination · summit · pinnacle · life goal · ideal · endgame · milestone · achievement

Categories

seafaringship, sailors, ships, sail, sailor
aspirationsdream, goals, dreams, purpose, mission
directionssouth, east, west, left, right
Map Termslatitude, longitude, equator, meridian, prime meridian
navigationcompass, compass rose, signs, charts, navbar
navigation termsnautical charts, GPS, road signs, maps, south

Opposites

navigational reference

true northmagnetic north

Compass-indicated pole direction

grid north · magnetic declination · magnetic variation

cardinal direction

true northsouth

Cardinal direction opposite north

metaphorical guidance

true northaimlessness

Lack of direction

waywardness · disorientation · misdirection · directionlessness · lost

Family

true, truth, truly, north, truthful, northern, truths, untruth, truthfulness

Familiarity: Top 100,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Positive · Everyday, not technical · Rated G