Southwards: meaning, definitions and examples

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southwards

[ˈsaʊðwərdz ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adverb}

direction

In a direction towards the south.

Synonyms

southerly, southward.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
southwards	Used to describe movement or direction toward the south. Commonly used in British English. Often used in geographic or travel-related contexts. The birds migrate southwards in the winter. We traveled southwards to reach our destination.
southerly	Refers to something situated toward or coming from the south. Commonly used in weather forecasts or geographic descriptions. We experienced a strong southerly wind all day. The town is located on the southerly coast of the island.
southward	Describes movement or direction toward the south, often interchangeable with 'southwards'. More commonly used in American English. The ship sailed southward across the sea. They are heading southward to warmer regions.

Word

Description / Examples

southwards

Used to describe movement or direction toward the south. Commonly used in British English. Often used in geographic or travel-related contexts.

The birds migrate southwards in the winter.
We traveled southwards to reach our destination.

southerly

Refers to something situated toward or coming from the south. Commonly used in weather forecasts or geographic descriptions.

We experienced a strong southerly wind all day.
The town is located on the southerly coast of the island.

southward

Describes movement or direction toward the south, often interchangeable with 'southwards'. More commonly used in American English.

The ship sailed southward across the sea.
They are heading southward to warmer regions.

Examples of usage

The birds flew southwards for the winter.
We traveled southwards to reach the beach.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The prefix 'south' comes from Old English 'sūð', which is related to the Latin 'meridies', meaning mid-day or south.
The term 'wards' means 'in the direction of' and comes from the Old English 'weard', showing how directions were formed in the language.

Geography

Most maps have north at the top, making southwards the direction you move if you go downwards on the page.
In the Northern Hemisphere, moving southwards often means entering warmer climates.

Navigation

Sailors have historically relied on compass directions, with southwards indicating a bearing of 180 degrees.
Many navigational codes use 'south' to coordinate routes, especially for voyages across oceans.

Animal Migration

Some bird species migrate southwards during winter to escape the cold, showing instinctual behavior influenced by temperature changes.
In the animal kingdom, many species travel southwards for food sources and breeding grounds that are more hospitable during winter months.

Cultural References

In various cultures, moving southwards can symbolize a journey towards abundance, warmth, or prosperity.
Popular songs and literature often reference going southwards as a metaphor for searching for something lost or seeking adventure.

Translations

Translations of the word "southwards" in other languages:

🇵🇹 para o sul

🇮🇳 दक्षिण की ओर

🇩🇪 nach Süden

🇮🇩 ke selatan

🇺🇦 на південь

🇵🇱 na południe

🇯🇵 南方へ

🇫🇷 vers le sud

🇪🇸 hacia el sur

🇹🇷 güneye doğru

🇰🇷 남쪽으로

🇸🇦 نحو الجنوب

🇨🇿 na jih

🇸🇰 na juh

🇨🇳 向南

🇸🇮 proti jugu

🇮🇸 suður

🇰🇿 оңтүстікке қарай

🇬🇪 სამხრეთისკენ

🇦🇿 cənuba doğru

🇲🇽 hacia el sur