Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Northwards Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🧭
Add to dictionary

northwards

[ˈnɔːθwədz ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

direction

Towards the north or in a northern direction.

Synonyms

northerly, northernwards, northward.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
northwards

Use this when referring to a general direction towards the north. Commonly used in travel and navigation contexts.

  • The birds flew northwards for the summer
northward

Similar to 'northwards', this is used to describe direction towards the north. 'Northward' can sometimes sound a bit more formal.

  • They journeyed northward across the plains
northernwards

This is a less common variant of 'northwards' and is rarely used in everyday language. It would be used in more formal or poetic contexts.

  • The explorers moved northernwards through the icy tundra
northerly

This is often used to describe winds coming from the north or to describe something that is situated in or facing north.

  • A northerly wind brought a chill to the evening
  • They live in the most northerly part of the town

Examples of usage

  • They headed northwards towards the mountains.
  • The wind was blowing northwards.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Geography

  • The North Pole is the northernmost point on Earth, where all lines of longitude converge.
  • Countries like Canada and Russia extend very far northwards, with vast wildernesses and unique ecosystems.
  • In Scandinavia, northwards regions experience phenomena like the Midnight Sun and Polar Night, affecting local life.

History

  • Viking explorers traveled northwards across the North Atlantic, reaching areas like Greenland and Newfoundland.
  • The Underground Railroad led many enslaved people northwards to freedom in Canada before the Civil War.
  • During the American Revolutionary War, British forces moved northwards from Southern colonies to control key cities.

Culture

  • In many indigenous cultures, northwards directions are often associated with wisdom and the spirit of the elders.
  • Nordic mythologies represent northwards winds as fierce and powerful, often reflecting the harshness of the environment.
  • Songs and stories from northern cultures reflect the challenges and beauty of life in the colder, northern regions.

Literature

  • In literature, journeys northwards often symbolize quests for knowledge or self-discovery, as seen in various novels.
  • Famous novels set in northern locations often highlight themes of isolation and resilience against nature's challenges.
  • Classic works like 'The Call of the Wild' by Jack London portray northern landscapes as both perilous and majestic.

Navigation

  • Sailors traditionally used the North Star for navigation, determining their northward course at sea.
  • Compasses, invented by ancient Chinese navigators, made traveling northwards easier and more efficient.
  • In modern navigation, GPS systems help travelers find the fastest northwards routes without getting lost.

Origin of 'northwards'

The word 'northwards' originated from Middle English 'northward'. The suffix '-s' was added to form the adverb 'northwards'. It has been used in English since the 16th century to indicate movement or direction towards the north.

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

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,872, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.