Definition

1. Adverb:
   • In a direction toward the west: Moving or facing in the direction where the sun sets.

Usage

• The adverb "westwards" describes the direction of movement or orientation. It is synonymous with "westward" and is often used in geographical, travel, or descriptive contexts.

Examples

• Adverb:
  • The storm moved westwards across the plains.
  • They decided to migrate westwards in search of new opportunities.
  • The river flows westwards from the mountains to the sea.

Advanced Usage

• "to head westwards": to begin traveling or moving toward the west.
  • After the meeting, the convoy headed westwards.
• "to extend westwards": to stretch or reach out in a westerly direction.
  • The city's suburbs extend westwards for miles.

Variants and Related Words

• Westward (adverb): Identical in meaning and usage to "westwards".
  • They sailed westward.
• Westward (adjective): Describing something situated in or moving toward the west.
  • the westward expansion of the railway
• West (noun): The cardinal direction.
• Westerly (adjective/adverb): Related to or coming from the west.
  • a westerly wind; moving in a westerly direction

Synonyms

• Westward: Toward the west.
• To the west: In the direction of the west.

Related Phrases

• Westwards of: In a position further west than a specified point. (Note: This is a less common construction; "west of" is standard).
  • The town lies westwards of the capital. (More common: The town lies west of the capital.)

Adverb

1. toward the west
   • they traveled westward toward the setting sun