southwardly
Definition
Adverb:
- Towards the south: "southwardly" means in a direction that goes to the south.
- From the south: It can also mean coming or originating from the south side, especially when describing wind or movement.
Adjective:
- Directed toward the south: Used to describe something that faces, moves, or is situated in a southern direction.
Usage Examples
Adverb:
- The birds flew southwardly for the winter. (They travelled towards the south.)
- A strong wind blew southwardly across the plains. (The wind came from the north and moved toward the south, or it originated from the south and moved northward — context clarifies direction.)
Adjective:
- The southwardly route was longer but more scenic. (The route that goes toward the south.)
- A southwardly breeze cooled the afternoon. (A breeze coming from the south.)
Advanced Usage
"to move southwardly": to travel or progress in a southern direction.
- The storm tracked southwardly along the coast. (The storm moved toward the south.)
"southwardly wind": a wind blowing from the south.
- The southwardly wind brought warm air from the tropics. (The wind originated in the south.)
Variants and Related Words
- Southward (adv/adj): towards the south; more common than "southwardly."
- They continued southward for several days. (They travelled south.)
- Southern (adj): relating to the south.
- The southern region is known for its mild winters. (The area in the south.)
- Southbound (adj): moving or heading toward the south.
- The southbound train was delayed. (The train going south.)
Synonyms
- Southward: in a southern direction.
- To the south: towards the south.
- From the south: describing origin (e.g., wind).
Related Idioms
- "As the crow flies southwardly": in a direct line toward the south.
- The city is 100 miles away as the crow flies southwardly. (In a straight line south.)
- "Head southwardly": to begin a journey toward the south.
- We decided to head southwardly for warmer weather. (We travelled south.)