Northwestward Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
northwestward
[nษrฮธหwษstwษd ]
Definition
directional movement
Northwestward refers to a direction that is between north and west. It indicates movement or orientation toward the northwest part of a given area.
Synonyms
NW, northwest, northwestwards.
Examples of usage
- The storm is moving northwestward.
- We traveled northwestward through the mountains.
- Birds migrate northwestward during the fall.
- The wind blew northwestward, carrying the leaves with it.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Origin of 'northwestward'
The term 'northwestward' is a combination of 'northwest' and the directional suffix '-ward'. The word 'north' is derived from the Old English term 'norรฐ', akin to the Old High German 'nord', which means 'the direction towards the North Pole'. 'West' comes from the Old English 'west', which can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic '*westrฤ ', referring to the direction where the sun sets. The '-ward' suffix comes from Old English '-weard', which means 'towards' or 'in the direction of'. Combining these elements gives us 'northwestward', indicating movement or orientation that is directed toward the northwest. The term has been utilized in navigation, geography, and meteorological contexts.