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Easterly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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easterly

east-er-ly

🇺🇸 /ˈistɝɫi/ · 🇬🇧 /ˈiːstəli/

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

weather

coming from the east

Synonyms

eastern, eastward.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
easterly

Used to describe something in or towards the east. Often used in weather and geographical contexts. Can also describe motions or directions.

  • The ship sailed in an easterly direction.
  • We experienced strong easterly winds during our hike.
eastern

Refers to something located in, from, or characteristic of the east. Often used in descriptions of regions, cultures, or parts of a country.

  • The eastern part of the country is known for its beautiful landscapes.
  • Eastern traditions are celebrated during the festival.
eastward

Denotes a movement or direction towards the east. It is commonly used in navigation, travel, or spatial orientation.

  • They began their journey eastward, hoping to reach the coast by nightfall.
  • The birds flew eastward as the season changed.

Examples of usage

  • The easterly wind brought a chill to the air.
  • The forecast predicted easterly showers for the weekend.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Quick facts about “easterly”

Easterly is a 3-syllable adjective (east-er-ly). It is pronounced /ˈistɝɫi/ in American English and /ˈiːstəli/ in British English. On finesentence.com it has 1 meaning, 2 synonyms, and translations into 21 languages. It ranks #10,421 among the most common English words.

Did you know?

“easterly” in geography

  • Many weather patterns, such as the trade winds, have easterly components, influencing climate and sailing routes.
  • Certain regions, particularly near the coast, frequently experience easterly winds that help regulate temperatures.

“easterly” in astronomy

  • In astronomy, easterly refers to the position of celestial objects as they rise in the eastern sky, marking their visibility at dawn.
  • The rotation of the Earth from west to east is why the sun and stars appear to move across the sky from east to west.

“easterly” in cultural significance

  • In navigation and exploration, sailors often relied on easterly winds to travel to new lands, impacting trade routes and colonization.
  • Sundials and other ancient timekeeping devices often align with the rising sun in the east, affirming the importance of direction in cultural practices.

“easterly” in environmental science

  • Easterly winds in certain regions can lead to dry conditions, affecting local ecosystems and agricultural practices.
  • In meteorology, the easterly waves are crucial for understanding tropical weather patterns, including the formation of storms.

Origin of 'easterly'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'ēast', which means east, linked to the direction where the sun rises.
  • In many cultures, the east symbolizes new beginnings and hope, often associated with dawn and rebirth.

The word 'easterly' originated from the Old English word 'ēastorlīċe', which means 'from the east'. It has been used in English since the 14th century to describe something coming from the east direction, particularly in relation to weather patterns. The term 'easterly' is commonly used in meteorology to indicate winds or weather conditions originating from the east.

See also: east, Easter, eastern, eastward, eastwards.

Rhymes

Easterly rhymes with northeasterly.

See all rhymes →

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,421, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.