Southwest Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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southwest

[หˆsaสŠฮธหŒwษ›st ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adverb

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.
Context #2 | Noun

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

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Origin of 'southwest'

The word 'southwest' originates from the Old English 'sลซรฐwest', which is a combination of 'sลซรฐ', 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.