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Northern Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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northern

[ˈnɔːðən ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

region

relating to the north or situated in the north

Synonyms

north, northerly, polar.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
northern

Suitable for describing something that is part of or related to the northern part of a region or place.

  • Northern England has a cooler climate
  • They traveled to the northern coast
north

Used as a direction or location, referring to the region that lies in the northern part.

  • They drove north to reach the mountains
  • Birds migrate north during the summer
northerly

Describes a direction towards the north, or something that is located towards the north. Can also describe winds coming from the north.

  • They took a northerly route
  • The northerly winds brought cooler temperatures
polar

Refers to the regions around the North and South Poles, often extreme in climate and conditions.

  • Polar bears are native to the Arctic region
  • Polar explorers prepared for harsh weather

Examples of usage

  • I live in a small northern town.
  • The northern lights are spectacular.
  • They are planning a trip to the northern hemisphere.
Context #2 | Adjective

direction

lying toward, situated in, or coming from the north

Synonyms

northerly, northward, polar.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
northern

This word is used to describe something that is located in or related to the north part of a region, country, or the globe. It can refer to geographic locations, climate, culture, or other characteristics specific to the north.

  • Northern Europe has a colder climate compared to Southern Europe
  • The northern lights are a spectacular natural phenomenon
northward

This word is typically used to describe movement or direction going towards the north. It often indicates the path or course something takes.

  • The birds are flying northward for the summer
  • The explorers set their course northward
northerly

This word is often used in meteorology or navigation to describe the direction towards the north, or to describe winds that come from the north. It can also be used to describe locations that are more towards the north compared to another reference point.

  • We are expecting northerly winds this evening
  • The village is located in a more northerly direction from the city
polar

This word refers to the regions around the North and South Poles, specifically the Arctic and Antarctic areas. It is also used to describe extreme conditions or characteristics related to these regions.

  • Polar bears live in the Arctic region
  • The expedition faced harsh polar conditions

Examples of usage

  • The wind is coming from a northern direction.
  • They traveled in a northern route.
  • The compass points to the northern pole.
Context #3 | Noun

person

a native or inhabitant of the north

Synonyms

northern inhabitant, northern native, northerner.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
northern

Describes the location or direction towards the north part of an area, country, or world. It is used for defining geographic regions or climates.

  • She lives in the northern part of the city.
  • The northern wind is quite chilly today.
northerner

A more casual term used to describe someone from the northern part of an area or country. Can sometimes have cultural or social implications.

  • Northerners are known for their resilience during winter.
  • He's a proud northerner who loves his hometown.
northern inhabitant

Used to refer to a person who lives in the northern part of an area or country. Often focuses on the fact that the person resides in the region.

  • Northern inhabitants often experience harsh winters.
  • As a northern inhabitant, he is familiar with the snow.
northern native

Refers to a person who was born and raised in the northern part of an area or country. Emphasizes origin and birthright in the region.

  • She is a northern native, growing up in a small town up north.
  • As a northern native, he knows the region's traditions well.

Examples of usage

  • The northerns are known for their resilience in cold weather.
  • She is proud to be a northern.
  • The northerns have a unique culture.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Geography

  • The Northern Hemisphere is home to more than 90% of the world's population, highlighting urban density.
  • Countries in the northern part of the world, like Canada and Norway, are known for their stunning natural landscapes, including fjords and mountains.
  • The Arctic region, classified as northern, features unique wildlife such as polar bears and seals, adapted to icy environments.

Culture

  • Many indigenous people of the northern regions have rich traditions connected to the land and its resources, celebrated through art and storytelling.
  • Northern countries often have unique cultural festivals celebrating the winter solstice, such as Sweden's Luciadagen.
  • Folklore in northern areas often features stories of mythical creatures, from trolls to nature spirits.

Climate

  • The northern climate can be extreme, with cold winters and warm summers, affecting local lifestyles and clothing.
  • Regions near the North Pole experience phenomena like the Midnight Sun, where the sun doesn't set during summer months.
  • Northern areas are often linked to the aurora borealis, a spectacular light display caused by solar particles colliding with Earth's atmosphere.

History

  • Viking explorers were known for their journeys from northern Europe to North America and beyond, showcasing maritime skills.
  • Historical battles for territory often divided northern and southern factions, influencing political borders in various countries.
  • Northern states in America played a pivotal role during the Civil War, as many were opposed to slavery.

Origin of 'northern'

The word 'northern' originated from the Old English word 'norþerne', which came from the Proto-Germanic word 'nurþeron'. It has been used for centuries to describe anything relating to the north direction or region. In various cultures, the concept of the north has been associated with cold, mystery, and exploration. The Northern Hemisphere, for example, is known for its diverse climates and landscapes. Overall, 'northern' continues to be a commonly used term in geographical, cultural, and directional contexts.

See also: north, northerly, northerner, northernwards, northward, northwards.

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,867, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.