Definition

1. Adverb:
   • In the direction of the sea; toward the sea: "seawards" describes movement or orientation facing the open sea from the land.

Usage

• The primary function of "seawards" is as an adverb of direction. It modifies verbs to indicate movement toward the sea.
• It is synonymous with the adverb "seaward." The form "seawards" is more common in British English, while "seaward" is used in both American and British English.

Examples

• Adverb:
  • The river flows seawards. (The river moves in the direction of the sea.)
  • We walked seawards to watch the sunset. (We walked toward the sea to watch the sunset.)
  • He pointed seawards, indicating the approaching storm. (He pointed toward the sea, indicating the approaching storm.)

Advanced Usage

• "to look seawards": to gaze or direct one's vision toward the sea.
  • Standing on the cliff, she looked seawards for hours.
• "to face seawards": to be oriented or positioned with the front toward the sea.
  • The house faces seawards, offering a magnificent view.

Variants and Related Words

• Seaward (adverb & adjective): The more common variant, identical in meaning to "seawards" when used as an adverb. As an adjective, it describes something facing or situated toward the sea (e.g., ).
• Seawardly (adverb): A less common synonym meaning in a seaward direction.
• Landwards/Landward (adverb): The opposite direction, meaning toward the land.

Synonyms

• Toward the sea: A simple prepositional phrase with the same meaning.
• Oceanward(s): In the direction of the ocean (used for larger bodies of water).

Related Phrases

• (To head) out to sea: This phrase implies moving from the shore into the open water, which is a more specific action than the general direction indicated by "seawards."
  • The fishing boats headed out to sea at dawn.

Adverb

1. in the direction of the sea
   • the sailor looked seaward