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Southerly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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southerly

[ˈsʌð.ər.li ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

weather

located in or moving toward the south

Synonyms

southern, southward.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
southerly

Typically used to describe the direction of movement, often in meteorological contexts.

  • The storm is moving southerly.
  • A southerly wind began to blow.
southern

Used to describe something located in the south, or something characteristic of the south.

  • She comes from a southern state.
  • We explored the southern regions of the country.
southward

Usually employed to describe movement or direction toward the south.

  • The birds migrated southward for the winter.
  • We continued our journey southward.

Examples of usage

  • The southerly winds brought warm weather to the region.
  • The southerly direction is indicated on the map by an arrow pointing downwards.
Context #2 | Adverb

direction

toward the south

Synonyms

southern, southward.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
southerly

Refers to direction towards the south. It is a variant of 'southerly' and used in similar contexts, often interchangeable.

  • We're expecting a southerly wind tonight.
  • The birds are migrating in a southerly path.
southward

Describes movement towards the south, often used in travel or migration contexts. It focuses more on the act of moving rather than the direction itself.

  • The troops proceeded southward after the battle.
  • We need to travel southward to find warmer weather.
southern

Used to describe something that belongs to or is located in the southern part of a region or country. Can relate to cultural, geographical, or positional context.

  • Southern cuisine is known for its rich flavors.
  • They live in the southern part of the city.

Examples of usage

  • The ship sailed southerly towards the equator.
  • The road leads southerly towards the coast.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Geography

  • In geography, southerly winds are often associated with warmer climates, especially in the Northern Hemisphere.
  • Many cultures consider southerly regions as places of abundance and fertility due to their warmer temperatures.
  • The Southern Hemisphere experiences different weather patterns compared to the Northern Hemisphere, with southerly winds impacting ocean currents.

Navigation

  • In navigation, understanding southerly directions is crucial for sailors and travelers to orient themselves accurately.
  • Compasses traditionally indicate north, making southerly navigation essential for determining routes toward warmer regions.
  • The term is often used in meteorology to describe specific wind patterns critical for weather forecasting.

Cultural Significance

  • In literature, southerly winds are often used poetically to symbolize warmth, comfort, and change.
  • Many folktales feature southerly breezes signifying arrival or departure, linking it to themes of journey and homecoming.
  • Culinary traditions in southern regions often reflect the climate, with southerly winds contributing to diverse agriculture.

Origin of 'southerly'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'southerly' originated from the Old English word 'suð', meaning 'south'.
  • It has been used since the 14th century to describe the direction or origin of wind and other phenomena.
  • The suffix '-ly' attached to 'souther' denotes a characteristic, usually relating to direction.

The word 'southerly' originated from the combination of the word 'south' with the suffix '-erly', which means 'in the direction of'. It has been used in English since the 15th century to describe things related to or coming from the south.

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

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,243, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.