Eastern: meaning, definitions and examples

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eastern

[ˈiːstərn ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

geography

relating to the east, or situated in or towards the east

Synonyms

easterly, eastward, oriental.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
eastern	Used to describe something that is located in or oriented towards the east. Commonly used in geographical contexts, broader regions, and countries. The eastern part of the country is more industrialized. He grew up on the eastern coast.
oriental	Historically used to refer to things related to Asia, but now considered outdated and sometimes offensive. It is best to avoid using this term. They admired the oriental rugs at the market. He had a passion for oriental art.
easterly	Often used in meteorology to describe winds that blow from the east. Also can describe directions or locations oriented towards the east. Winds are predominantly easterly today. They took an easterly route through the mountains.
eastward	Describes movement in the direction of the east. Typically used in contexts involving travel or direction. The explorers continued their journey eastward. They decided to move eastward to find better opportunities.

Examples of usage

The eastern part of the country is known for its beautiful beaches.
She grew up in an eastern city with a rich cultural heritage.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

politics

relating to or characteristic of a region or group that is further east

Synonyms

easterly, eastward, oriental.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
eastern	Used to describe something located toward the east or coming from the east, or characteristic of the East. Commonly used in geography, politics, and cultural references. The eastern part of the country experiences heavy snowfall during the winter. Eastern philosophies, such as Buddhism and Taoism, have influenced many people worldwide.
oriental	An older term used to refer to people, cultures, or objects from East Asia. Generally considered outdated and potentially offensive, so it is recommended to use 'Asian' or specific country names instead. The museum featured an exhibit of oriental art and textiles, showcasing pieces from China and Japan.
easterly	Used to describe wind that is coming from the east or something aimed toward the east. Often used in meteorological contexts. There is an easterly wind blowing today, bringing cool air from the ocean. The ship set an easterly course heading toward Japan.
eastward	Used to describe movement or direction toward the east. Typically found in geographical and navigational contexts. The migrating birds flew eastward during the fall. The travelers continued their journey eastward, hoping to reach the coast by nightfall.

Examples of usage

The Eastern European countries have undergone significant political changes in recent years.
The Eastern Bloc refers to the socialist states of Eastern Europe during the Cold War.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Old English 'eastern', meaning 'of the East'.
In many languages, the word for 'east' is derived from a root that means 'to shine' or 'to dawn', highlighting the sunrise's significance.
Historically, the east was often associated with light, growth, and new beginnings due to the sunrise.

Cultural Significance

Numerous major religions, including Buddhism and Hinduism, have roots in eastern regions of the world.
Traditional eastern philosophies often emphasize harmony, balance, and the connection between nature and humanity.
Festivals like Lunar New Year celebrated in many eastern countries mark significant cultural transitions and are deeply rooted in history.

Geography

The eastern part of a country or continent often has distinct climates, landscapes, and ecosystems.
In the context of the United States, 'Eastern' refers to the area east of the Mississippi River, known for its dense population and history.
Eastern Asia is home to some of the world's largest and most populous countries, including China and Japan.

Arts and Literature

Many classic literary works, such as those from ancient China, offer philosophical insights that reflect eastern culture and thought.
Eastern art forms, including calligraphy and ink painting, emphasize fluid movement and harmony with nature.
Folklore and mythology from eastern cultures are rich with symbolism, often teaching moral lessons through stories.

Modern Usage

The term 'Eastern' is often used in geopolitical discussions to define a group of countries with shared cultural and historical ties.
Eastern cuisine, characterized by diverse flavors and techniques, has gained global popularity, influencing food trends worldwide.
Eastern fashion design often blends traditional aesthetics with modern styles, creating a unique fusion in the global fashion scene.

Translations

Translations of the word "eastern" in other languages:

🇵🇹 oriental

🇮🇳 पूर्वी

🇩🇪 östlich

🇮🇩 timur

🇺🇦 східний

🇵🇱 wschodni

🇯🇵 東洋

🇫🇷 oriental

🇪🇸 oriental

🇹🇷 doğu

🇰🇷 동쪽의

🇸🇦 شرقي

🇨🇿 východní

🇸🇰 východný

🇨🇳 东方

🇸🇮 vzhodni

🇮🇸 austur

🇰🇿 шығыстық

🇬🇪 აღმოსავლური

🇦🇿 şərq

🇲🇽 oriental

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,227, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.

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