Southwest: meaning, definitions and examples
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southwest
[ ˈsaʊθˌwɛst ]
directional term
Southwest refers to a cardinal direction, specifically the direction that is halfway between south and west. It is often used in navigation, geography, and travel contexts.
Synonyms
SSW, south-west.
Examples of usage
- The wind is blowing from the southwest today.
- We traveled southwest towards the coast.
- The town is located to the southwest of the city.
geographical region
The term southwest can also denote a specific geographic region in a country or a state, particularly in the United States, where it often refers to areas characterized by arid deserts and mountain ranges.
Synonyms
southwest area, southwestern region.
Examples of usage
- The Southwest is known for its unique culture and landscapes.
- Many tourists visit the Southwest for its national parks.
- Better learn to navigate the challenges of the Southwest.
Translations
Translations of the word "southwest" in other languages:
🇵🇹 sudoeste
🇮🇳 दक्षिण पश्चिम
🇩🇪 Südwest
🇮🇩 barat daya
🇺🇦 південно-західний
🇵🇱 południowo-zachodni
🇯🇵 南西
🇫🇷 sud-ouest
🇪🇸 suroeste
🇹🇷 güneybatı
🇰🇷 남서쪽
🇸🇦 جنوب غرب
🇨🇿 jihozápad
🇸🇰 juhozápad
🇨🇳 西南
🇸🇮 jugozahodna
🇮🇸 suðvestur
🇰🇿 оңтүстік-батыс
🇬🇪 სამხრეთ-დასავლეთი
🇦🇿 cənub-qərb
🇲🇽 suroeste
Etymology
The word 'southwest' originates from the Old English 'sūðwest', which is a combination of 'sūð', meaning 'south', and 'west', which comes from 'westan'. This directional term has been used since the early medieval period to indicate the location between the south and west cardinal points on a compass. The understanding of cardinal directions is fundamental in navigation and exploration, shaping how humans have traversed the earth. Over the centuries, 'southwest' has maintained its geographic relevance, often used in the context of maps and travel. The concept of regions such as the American Southwest has further entrenched the term in cultural conversations, linking it to the identity of specific landscapes and communities.