South: meaning, definitions and examples

🌍
Add to dictionary

south

 

[ saʊθ ]

Context #1

direction

The direction towards the point on the horizon 90 degrees clockwise from east, or the point on the horizon itself.

Synonyms

southerly, southern

Examples of usage

  • We traveled south for miles.
  • The sun sets in the south.
Context #2

region

The southern part of a country, region, or town.

Synonyms

southern part, southern region

Examples of usage

  • She grew up in the south of France.
  • The south of the country is known for its warm climate.
Context #3

historical

The Confederate states during the American Civil War, which seceded from the Union.

Synonyms

Confederacy, Southern states

Examples of usage

  • The South fought for states' rights during the Civil War.
Context #4

politics

Term used to refer collectively to developing countries, often located in the southern hemisphere.

Synonyms

developing countries, southern hemisphere nations

Examples of usage

  • The Global South faces economic challenges.
  • Many NGOs focus their efforts on the Global South.

Translations

Translations of the word "south" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sul

🇮🇳 दक्षिण (Dakshin)

🇩🇪 Süden

🇮🇩 selatan

🇺🇦 південь

🇵🇱 południe

🇯🇵 南 (Minami)

🇫🇷 sud

🇪🇸 sur

🇹🇷 güney

🇰🇷 남쪽 (Namjjok)

🇸🇦 جنوب (Janub)

🇨🇿 jih

🇸🇰 juh

🇨🇳 南 (Nán)

🇸🇮 jug

🇮🇸 suður

🇰🇿 оңтүстік (Oñtüstik)

🇬🇪 სამხრეთი (Samkhreti)

🇦🇿 cənub

🇲🇽 sur

Word origin

The word 'south' originated from the Old English word 'sūþ', which is related to the Old Frisian 'sūd', Old Saxon 'sūth', and Old High German 'sūd'. The direction 'south' has been significant in navigation, agriculture, and cultural symbolism throughout history. In the context of politics, 'South' has been used to describe regions with shared challenges and characteristics in the Global South.

See also: southerly, southern, southpaw, southward, southwards.