Southwards Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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southwards
[ˈsaʊðwərdz ]
Definition
direction
In a direction towards the south.
Synonyms
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.
|
| southerly |
Refers to something situated toward or coming from the south. Commonly used in weather forecasts or geographic descriptions.
|
| southward |
Describes movement or direction toward the south, often interchangeable with 'southwards'. More commonly used in American English.
|
Examples of usage
- The birds flew southwards for the winter.
- We traveled southwards to reach the beach.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
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.
Origin of 'southwards'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The word 'southwards' is derived from the combination of 'south' and the suffix '-wards', which indicates a direction. It has been used in the English language for centuries to describe movement or orientation towards the south. The use of 'southwards' can be traced back to Old English and has remained a common adverb in modern English.