north-westerly

A north-westerly wind blows the kites across the field.

Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Situated or directed towards the northwest: "north-westerly" describes a position, direction, or movement that is toward the northwest point of the compass.
   • Coming from the northwest: Used especially for wind, it indicates that the wind originates in the northwest and blows toward the southeast.

2. Adverb:

   • In or toward a northwest direction: "north-westerly" modifies a verb to indicate movement or orientation toward the northwest.
   • From a northwest direction: Primarily used for wind, it indicates that something (e.g., air or weather) comes from the northwest.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • The ship set a north-westerly course to reach the coast. (The ship was directed toward the northwest.)
  • A north-westerly wind brought cold air from the mountains. (The wind originated from the northwest.)

• Adverb:

  • The storm moved north-westerly across the region. (The storm traveled toward the northwest.)
  • The wind blew north-westerly all afternoon. (The wind came from the northwest direction.)

Advanced Usage

• "A north-westerly direction": a specific heading on a compass, between north and west, typically at 315 degrees.

  • The hikers followed a north-westerly direction to avoid the cliffs. (They traveled toward the northwest.)

• "North-westerly winds": meteorological term for winds that bring cool, dry air from polar regions, often associated with clear skies in some climates.

  • The north-westerly winds dried the soil after the rain. (Winds from the northwest caused evaporation.)

Variants and Related Words

• Northwest (n/adj/adv): the point of the compass midway between north and west; or a direction toward that point.

  • They traveled northwest to reach the city. (They moved toward the northwest.)

• North-western (adj): relating to or situated in the northwest part of a region.

  • The north-western states experience colder winters. (The states in the northwest part of the country.)

• North-wester (n): a wind or storm coming from the northwest.

  • A strong north-wester battered the coast. (A northwest wind caused damage.)

Synonyms

• Northwestward (adj/adv): toward or in the direction of the northwest.

  • They sailed northwestward along the shore. (They moved toward the northwest.)

• Northwest (adj/adv): directly toward or from the northwest (often interchangeable with "north-westerly" in casual use).

  • The plane took a northwest heading. (The plane went toward the northwest.)

Related Idioms

• To the north-westerly (rare): used in nautical or aviation contexts to indicate a bearing.
  • Adjust the compass to the north-westerly. (Set the compass to the northwest direction.)

Phrasal Verbs

• No common phrasal verbs: "north-westerly" is primarily an adjective or adverb and does not combine with verbs to form phrasal verbs.