Northeast vs. Northwest — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 18, 2024
Northeast refers to the direction between north and east, while northwest refers to the direction between north and west.
Difference Between Northeast and Northwest
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Northeast is the compass direction situated between north and east, at a 45-degree angle from both. It is often associated with regions like the Northeastern United States, including states such as New York, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania, known for their historical significance and dense urban centers. Northwest, on the other hand, lies between north and west, also at a 45-degree angle from each. It typically refers to areas like the Northwestern United States, including states like Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, known for their natural beauty, including mountains, forests, and coastlines.
The climate in the Northeast tends to be more varied with hot summers and cold, snowy winters, influenced by its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. In contrast, the Northwest generally has a milder, wetter climate, especially near the coast, due to the Pacific Ocean's influence.
Culturally, the Northeast is known for its historic landmarks, prestigious universities, and diverse population. The Northwest is celebrated for its outdoor activities, tech industry, and environmental consciousness.
Comparison Chart
Compass Direction
Between north and east
Between north and west
Major Regions
Northeastern U.S., parts of Europe
Northwestern U.S., parts of Canada
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Climate
Varied, with hot summers and cold winters
Milder, wetter, especially near the coast
Key States
New York, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania
Washington, Oregon, Idaho
Cultural Highlights
Historic landmarks, universities, diverse population
Natural beauty, outdoor activities, tech industry
Compare with Definitions
Northeast
Used to describe winds or currents coming from the northeast.
A strong northeast wind brought cooler temperatures.
Northwest
The direction between north and west.
The storm is moving northwest.
Northeast
A region often referring to the northeastern part of a country.
They traveled to the Northeast for a winter vacation.
Northwest
Relating to the northwestern part of a specific area.
The northwest section of the city is being redeveloped.
Northeast
Abbr. NE The direction or point on the mariner's compass halfway between due north and due east, or 45° east of due north.
Northwest
A region often referring to the northwestern part of a country.
The Northwest is known for its beautiful landscapes.
Northeast
An area or region lying in the northeast.
Northwest
Situated or oriented toward the northwest.
The property includes a northwest-facing patio.
Northeast
Northeast A region of the northeast United States, generally including the New England states, New York, and sometimes Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Northwest
Abbr. NW The direction or point on the mariner's compass halfway between due north and due west, or 45° west of due north.
Northeast
To, toward, of, facing, or in the northeast.
Northwest
An area or region lying in the northwest.
Northeast
Originating in or coming from the northeast
A northeast wind.
Northwest
A region of the northwest United States, generally including Washington, Oregon, and Idaho.
Northeast
In, from, or toward the northeast.
Northwest
Any of various historical regions of the United States, originally coextensive with the Northwest Territory but later often defined as including the lands between the upper Mississippi and the Missouri River.
Northeast
The intercardinal compass point halfway between north and east; specifically at a bearing of 45°.
Northwest
To, toward, of, facing, or in the northwest.
Northeast
Of, in or pertaining to the northeast; northeastern.
Northwest
Originating in or coming from the northwest
A northwest wind.
Northeast
Situated toward or in the direction of the northeast; northeastward; northeasterly.
A northeast course.
Northwest
In, from, or toward the northwest.
Northeast
Coming from the northeast; northeasterly.
A northeast wind.
Northwest
The intercardinal compass point halfway between west and north; specifically at a bearing of 315°.
Northeast
Towards or in the direction of the northeast; northeastwards.
We are travelling northeast at the moment.
Northwest
Of, in or pertaining to the northwest; northwestern.
Northeast
The point between the north and east, at an equal distance from each; the northeast part or region.
Northwest
Situated toward or in the direction of the northwest; northwestward; northwesterly.
A northwest course.
Northeast
Of or pertaining to the northeast; proceeding toward the northeast, or coming from that point; as, a northeast course; a northeast wind.
Northwest
Coming from the northwest; northwesterly.
A northwest wind.
Northeast
Toward the northeast.
Northwest
Towards or in the direction of the northwest; northwestwards.
We are travelling northwest at the moment.
Northeast
The compass point midway between north and east; at 45 degrees
Northwest
The point in the horizon between the north and west, and equally distant from each; the northwest part or region.
Northeast
The northeastern region of the United States
Northwest
The northwestern part of the contiguous forty-eight states of the United States, especially the states of Washington and Oregon.
Northeast
Situated in or oriented toward the northeast;
The northeasterly part of the island
Northwest
Pertaining to, or in the direction of, the point between the north and west; being in the northwest; toward the northwest, or coming from the northwest; as, the northwest coast.
Northeast
Coming from the northeast;
Northeasterly winds
Northwest
Coming from the northwest; as, a northwest wind.
Northeast
To, toward, or in the northeast
Northwest
Toward the northwest.
Northeast
The direction between north and east.
The wind is blowing from the northeast.
Northwest
The northwestern region of the United States
Northeast
Situated or oriented toward the northeast.
The house has a northeast-facing garden.
Northwest
The compass point midway between north and west; at 315 degrees
Northeast
Relating to the northeastern part of a specific area.
The northeast corner of the park is the most scenic.
Northwest
Situated in or oriented toward the northwest
Northwest
Coming from the northwest;
Northwesterly winds
Northwest
To, toward, or in the northwest
Northwest
Used to describe winds or currents coming from the northwest.
A northwest wind brought cooler air to the region.
Common Curiosities
What direction is northwest?
Northwest is the direction between north and west.
What is the climate like in the Northeast?
The Northeast has varied climate with hot summers and cold, snowy winters.
What is the climate like in the Northwest?
The Northwest generally has a milder, wetter climate, especially near the coast.
What are some key states in the Northeast U.S.?
Key states include New York, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania.
How is the Northeast influenced by the ocean?
The Atlantic Ocean influences the Northeast's climate, contributing to its weather variability.
Is the Northeast more urban or rural?
The Northeast has dense urban centers alongside rural areas.
What environmental features define the Northwest?
The Northwest is known for its mountains, forests, and coastline.
What are some key states in the Northwest U.S.?
Key states include Washington, Oregon, and Idaho.
Is the Northwest more urban or rural?
The Northwest has major urban centers but is also known for its expansive natural landscapes.
What direction is northeast?
Northeast is the direction between north and east.
How is the Northwest influenced by the ocean?
The Pacific Ocean influences the Northwest's climate, resulting in milder, wetter conditions.
What historic significance does the Northeast have?
The Northeast is rich in American history, with many colonial-era landmarks and events.
What are some cultural highlights of the Northeast?
The Northeast is known for its historic landmarks, prestigious universities, and diverse population.
What industries are prominent in the Northeast?
Prominent industries include finance, education, and healthcare.
What are some cultural highlights of the Northwest?
The Northwest is celebrated for its natural beauty, outdoor activities, and tech industry.
What industries are prominent in the Northwest?
Prominent industries include technology, agriculture, and outdoor recreation.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
