Northwind vs. Northerly — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 19, 2024
Northwind refers to a wind coming from the north, while Northerly can describe a direction towards the north or a wind originating from the north.
Difference Between Northwind and Northerly
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Key Differences
Northwind specifically denotes a wind that originates from the north. This term is often used in weather reports and discussions about climate, where it describes the origin of the wind rather than its destination. Northerly, on the other hand, is a more versatile term. It can refer to anything related to the north, including direction or wind. When used to describe wind, it means the same as Northwind—a wind coming from the north.
While Northwind is limited to describing wind from the north, Northerly encompasses a broader range of meanings, including both directional and meteorological contexts. For example, a Northerly wind refers to a wind from the north, but a Northerly direction means moving or facing towards the north.
In everyday language, Northerly is more commonly used due to its flexibility in describing both wind and direction, whereas Northwind is more specific and primarily used in meteorological contexts.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Wind coming from the north
Related to the north; wind from the north or direction towards the north
Common Usage
Meteorological contexts
Navigation, meteorology, geography
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Flexibility
Specific to wind
Can describe direction or wind
Directional Use
No
Yes
Example Contexts
Weather reports, climate discussions
Weather reports, navigation, geographic descriptions
Compare with Definitions
Northwind
A wind that blows from the north.
The northwind brought a chill to the region.
Northerly
A wind coming from the north.
A northerly wind is expected tonight.
Northwind
Common term in meteorology.
Expect strong northwinds this evening.
Northerly
Relating to the north.
They traveled in a northerly direction.
Northwind
Associated with specific weather patterns.
A northwind can often bring dry weather.
Northerly
More versatile than northwind.
Northerly currents influenced the weather.
Northwind
Indicates cold weather in some regions.
The northwind signifies the start of winter.
Northerly
Describes both direction and wind origin.
The ship faced a strong northerly.
Northwind
Used in climate-related discussions.
Northwinds are typical during this season.
Northerly
Used in navigation and meteorology.
Adjust your sails to the northerly breeze.
Northwind
Alternative form of north wind
Northerly
Northerly (17 October 1996 – 9 May 2012) was an Australian racehorse who is considered arguably Australia's best middle distance Thoroughbred horse of the early 2000s. Northerly, trained by Western Australian harness racing legend Fred Kersley, won nine Group One (G1) races, including the Australian Cup twice, and the Cox Plate, regarded as the Weight for Age championship of Australasia, also on two occasions.
Northerly
Situated toward the north.
Northerly
Coming or being from the north
Northerly winds.
Northerly
A storm or wind coming from the north.
Northerly
A wind blowing from the north.
Northerly
Facing the north; directed towards the north.
A northerly voyage
Northerly
Located in a northern region.
Northerly
Coming from the north.
A northerly wind
Northerly
In an northward direction or position; (towards the) north.
Northerly
From the north.
Northerly
Of or pertaining to the north; toward the north, or from the north; northern.
Northerly
Toward the north.
Northerly
Situated in or oriented toward the north;
The northern suburbs
Going in a northerly direction
Northerly
Coming from the north; used especially of wind;
The north wind doth blow
A northern snowstorm
The winds are northerly
Northerly
In a northern direction;
They earn more up north
Let's go north!
Common Curiosities
Can northerly be used in navigation?
Yes, northerly is commonly used in navigation to describe direction towards the north.
What is a northwind?
A northwind is a wind that blows from the north.
Is a northerly wind the same as a northwind?
Yes, both terms refer to a wind that comes from the north.
What does northerly mean?
Northerly can refer to anything related to the north, including a direction towards the north or a wind coming from the north.
Can northerly describe non-wind phenomena?
Yes, northerly can describe anything related to the north, including direction and position.
Are northwind and northerly the same?
Northwind specifically refers to wind from the north, while northerly can describe both the wind from the north and a direction towards the north.
How is northerly used in everyday language?
Northerly is used to describe directions, such as "northerly route," or weather conditions like "northerly wind."
Why is northerly more common than northwind?
Northerly is more common due to its broader applicability in describing both direction and wind.
Which term is more versatile, northwind or northerly?
Northerly is more versatile as it can refer to both direction and wind.
Can both terms be used interchangeably?
They can be used interchangeably when referring to wind from the north, but only northerly can describe direction towards the north.
Is northwind used outside meteorology?
Northwind is primarily used in meteorological contexts.
How does a northwind affect the weather?
A northwind can bring cooler temperatures and influence weather patterns, depending on the region.
What kind of weather does a northerly wind bring?
A northerly wind often brings cooler temperatures and can affect local weather conditions.
Is northerly common in geographic descriptions?
Yes, northerly is frequently used to describe locations or directions relative to the north.
Can northwind be used to describe a direction?
No, northwind specifically refers to wind from the north, not a direction.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
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.
