northwardly
Definition
Adjective:
- Directed or moving toward the north: "northwardly" describes something that is oriented or proceeding in a northern direction.
- Situated in the north: It can also indicate a location that lies to the north.
Adverb:
- Toward the north: "northwardly" means in a direction that leads or points to the north.
Usage Examples
Adjective:
- The northwardly wind brought colder temperatures. (The wind moving toward the north carried colder air.)
- We took a northwardly route to reach the mountains. (We followed a path that led to the north.)
Adverb:
- The ship sailed northwardly for three days. (The vessel traveled in a northern direction.)
- The birds migrate northwardly in the spring. (The birds move toward the north during spring.)
Advanced Usage
- "northwardly direction": a path or orientation that points toward the north.
- The compass indicated a northwardly direction. (The compass showed the way north.)
- "northwardly movement": the action of shifting or progressing toward the north.
- The glacier's northwardly movement has slowed. (The ice mass is moving north at a reduced pace.)
Variants and Related Words
- Northward (adj/adv): a more common synonym meaning toward the north.
- They traveled northward. (They went in a northern direction.)
- Northwards (adv): an alternative form of "northwardly" used as an adverb.
- The river flows northwards. (The river flows toward the north.)
- Northern (adj): relating to or situated in the north.
- The northern region is colder. (The area in the north is colder.)
Synonyms
- Northbound: moving or leading toward the north.
- The northbound train arrives at noon. (The train heading north arrives at midday.)
- Polar: relating to the north pole or northern regions.
- Polar bears thrive in northwardly climates. (Polar bears live in northern climates.)
Related Idioms
- "Go northwardly": a phrase meaning to travel or move toward the north.
- The explorers decided to go northwardly in search of new land. (They traveled north to find new territory.)