Definition

1. Adverb:
   • In a northerly direction; toward the north: The word "northwards" describes movement or orientation directly toward the geographic north.

Usage

• "Northwards" is used to indicate the direction of movement, travel, or orientation. It is synonymous with "northward" and "to the north."
• It is typically used in more formal or literary contexts than simply saying "north."

Examples

• Adverb:
  • The migrating birds flew northwards for the summer.
  • We continued our journey northwards along the coast.
  • The front of the house faces northwards, so it gets little direct sun.

Advanced Usage

• "to head/push/trend northwards": Used to describe movement, expansion, or a general direction of change toward the north.
  • The storm system is moving northwards and will bring rain tomorrow.
  • Property prices are trending northwards in the northern suburbs.

Variants and Related Words

• Northward (adverb & adjective): Functionally identical to "northwards" as an adverb. As an adjective, it describes something facing or located in the north.
  • Adverb: They traveled northward.
  • Adjective: the northward slope of the hill
• Northwardly (adverb): A less common synonym meaning in a northerly direction.

Synonyms

• Northward: toward the north.
• To the north: in a northerly direction.
• Northerly (especially as an adverb): in a northward direction.

Antonyms

• Southwards/Southward: in a southerly direction; toward the south.

Adverb

1. in a northern direction
   • they earn more up north
   • Let's go north!