Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Situated in or oriented toward the northeast: Describing a location, direction, or position that is in the northeast or faces the northeast.
   • Coming from the northeast: Describing something, especially wind or weather, that originates in the northeast and moves toward the southwest.

2. Adverb:

   • Toward the northeast: Describing movement in the direction of the northeast.
   • From the northeast: Describing movement originating from the northeast direction.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • We sailed along the northeasterly coast of the country. (Describing a location oriented toward the northeast.)
  • A strong northeasterly wind brought cooler air to the region. (Describing wind originating from the northeast.)

• Adverb:

  • The storm is moving northeasterly at 15 miles per hour. (Describing movement toward the northeast.)
  • The wind shifted and began to blow northeasterly. (Describing wind coming from the northeast.)

Advanced Usage

• Meteorological Context: Used precisely to describe wind direction according to meteorological convention, where the direction indicates the origin of the wind.

  • The forecast predicts persistent northeasterly winds for the next 48 hours.

• Navigational Context: Used in sailing, aviation, and mapping to indicate a precise bearing or course.

  • Set a northeasterly course to avoid the shallow waters.

Variants and Related Words

• Northeaster (noun): A storm or strong wind coming from the northeast.

  • The northeaster caused significant coastal erosion.

• Northeast (noun, adjective, adverb): The cardinal compass point; the general direction or region.

  • They live in the northeast. (Noun)
  • Take the northeast highway. (Adjective)

Synonyms

• Northeast: Pertaining to the northeast point or direction (can be less specific than 'northeasterly' regarding origin of wind).
• Northeastern: Located in or characteristic of the northeast region (primarily a locational adjective, not used for wind direction).

Related Phrases

• From the northeast: A phrase equivalent to the adverbial sense of 'coming from the northeast'.

  • Winds are expected from the northeast tomorrow.

• In a northeasterly direction: A phrase equivalent to the adverbial sense of 'toward the northeast'.

  • The river flows in a northeasterly direction.

Adjective

1. situated in or oriented toward the northeast
   • the northeasterly part of the island
2. coming from the northeast
   • northeasterly winds