Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Northward Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿงญ
Add to dictionary

northward

[หˆnษ”หrฮธwษ™rd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

direction

Towards the north; in a northerly direction.

Synonyms

northerly, northwards, towards the north.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
northward

This term is often used in more formal or written contexts to describe the direction towards the north. It can be used in navigation, travel, and geographical descriptions.

  • The birds are flying northward for the summer.
  • The river flows northward through the valley.
northerly

This word is commonly used in weather forecasts and geographical descriptions to indicate a general direction towards the north. It emphasizes the relative direction rather than a specific movement.

  • A northerly breeze is blowing today.
  • The ship sailed in a northerly direction.
northwards

Similar to 'northward,' this term is less formal and often used in daily conversation to describe movement or direction towards the north. It can appear in both spoken and written communication.

  • We are heading northwards to visit our friends.
  • The train travels northwards from the city.
towards the north

This phrase is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is often used to describe general movement or direction and is easily understood in everyday language.

  • The hikers walked towards the north.
  • The road stretches towards the north beyond the hills.

Examples of usage

  • We traveled northward for several hours before reaching our destination.
  • The cold wind blew northward, making the temperature drop even further.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Geography

  • In many cultures, maps commonly place the north at the top, making 'northward' the most natural way to express direction.
  • The North Pole, the northernmost point on Earth, marks a significant geographic reference point for navigation.

Navigation

  • Sailors and explorers historically used the concept of going northward to reach the Arctic, aiming for trade routes and new lands.
  • Many birds migrate northward in spring as they travel to breeding grounds, demonstrating the direction's significance in wildlife patterns.

Literature

  • In many adventure novels, characters often set off on journeys northward, symbolizing quests for knowledge or freedom.
  • Poets might use 'northward' imagery to evoke ideas of cold, solitude, or renewal, reflecting nature's beauty.

Cultural Significance

  • There are various sayings and idioms in different cultures that reference moving northward as a metaphor for rising in prosperity or status.
  • Historical migrations in human history often involved moving northward, influencing cultural exchanges and settlements.

Origin of 'northward'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'northward' comes from the Old English 'norรฐweard', combining 'norรฐ' (north) and 'weard' (ward, meaning towards).
  • In Middle English, the term evolved into forms like 'northward' before settling into its modern spelling.

The word 'northward' originated from the Middle English word 'northwarden', which is a combination of 'north' and the suffix '-ward' indicating direction. The use of 'northward' dates back to the 14th century and has been commonly used in English to describe movement or direction towards the north.

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

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,238 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.