West: meaning, definitions and examples

๐ŸŒ„
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west

 

[ west ]

Noun / Verb
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Noun

direction

The direction towards the point of the horizon where the sun sets in the evening, opposite to the east.

Synonyms

occident, sunset side.

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Word Description / Examples
west

This entry is the same as the first 'west'. Itโ€™s widely applicable for general use referring to the western direction.

  • Traveling west will take you to the mountains.
  • The wind is blowing from the west.
occident

'Occident' is an old-fashioned term often used in literary or historical contexts to refer to Western countries or civilizations.

  • The culture of the Occident has a rich history.
  • Trade routes between the Orient and the Occident were crucial during the Middle Ages.
sunset side

'Sunset side' is an informal and poetic term used to convey the direction where the sun sets, often in a more descriptive and picturesque manner.

  • They built their house facing the sunset side to enjoy the evening view.
  • We walked towards the sunset side, admiring the changing sky.

Examples of usage

  • The sun sets in the west every evening.
  • They traveled west to reach their destination.
Context #2 | Noun

region

The western part of a country, region, or city.

Synonyms

occident, western part.

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Word Description / Examples
west

Use when referring to the cardinal direction or a general region. It can be used in casual or formal contexts.

  • The sun sets in the west.
  • We travelled west to reach the mountains.
western part

Specifically used to describe the western section of a particular area or region. Suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

  • The western part of the city is known for its beautiful parks.
  • In the western part of the country, agriculture is the main industry.
occident

Primarily used in formal or literary contexts to refer to Western countries, especially Europe and the Americas. It's less commonly used in everyday conversation.

  • The trade between the Orient and the Occident has shaped world history.
  • Occident studies focus on the cultures and histories of Western nations.

Examples of usage

  • She lives in the west of the city.
  • The west coast of the country is known for its beautiful beaches.
Context #3 | Noun

politics

The group of countries in Europe and North America that have a democratic system of government and a market economy.

Synonyms

Western democracies, Western world.

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Word Description / Examples
west

Used to refer to a region or location to the west of a specific point, often capitalized as a part of proper nouns.

  • The Wild West is a term used to describe the American frontier.
  • He traveled to the West to start a new life.
Western world

Describes countries primarily in Europe and the Americas known for their historical, cultural, and political ties; often used in discussions about global politics and culture.

  • The Western world has a long history of technological innovation.
  • Globalization has increased the influence of the Western world in developing countries.
Western democracies

Refers to democratic countries, typically in Europe and North America, known for their political systems and cultural practices.

  • Western democracies emphasize human rights and free elections.
  • Many Western democracies are members of international organizations like NATO.

Examples of usage

  • The USA is part of the West.
  • Western countries often work together on international issues.
Context #4 | Verb

film industry

To move or be moved in a westward direction.

Synonyms

head west, move westward.

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Word Description / Examples
west

Sometimes used to describe regions or countries found in the western part of the world, often in geopolitical or cultural contexts.

  • The economic policies of the West are different from those in the East.
  • He studied art history with a focus on West European styles.
move westward

A more formal expression describing the act of moving toward the west. It is often used in historical or academic contexts.

  • In the 19th century, many settlers moved westward to explore new territories.
  • The migration pattern was predominantly westward due to better economic opportunities.
head west

Often used when giving directions or describing someone's actions toward the west. It implies a more deliberate action of moving in that direction.

  • If you want to get to the beach, you should head west.
  • After the meeting, he decided to head west on the highway.

Examples of usage

  • The film crew decided to west the scene for better lighting.
  • The story is set in the west during the gold rush.

Translations

Translations of the word "west" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น oeste

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคชเคถเฅเคšเคฟเคฎ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Westen

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ barat

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะทะฐั…ั–ะด

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ zachรณd

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ่ฅฟ (ใซใ—)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท ouest

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ oeste

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท batฤฑ

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์„œ์ชฝ (seojjok)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุงู„ุบุฑุจ (al-gharb)

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ zรกpad

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ zรกpad

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ่ฅฟ (xฤซ)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ zahod

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ vestur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฑะฐั‚ั‹ั (batys)

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ“แƒแƒกแƒแƒ•แƒšแƒ”แƒ—แƒ˜ (dasavleti)

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ qษ™rb

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ oeste

Etymology

The word 'west' originated from the Old English word 'west', which is of Germanic origin and related to the Dutch 'west' and the German 'west'. The concept of west as a cardinal direction has been present in various cultures throughout history. In ancient times, west was often associated with the setting sun, the evening, and the end of the day. It has also been used to refer to the western part of a region or country. The idea of the West as a political and cultural entity developed more recently, particularly in the context of Western civilization and the Western world.

See also: western, westerner, Westernize.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,123, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.