Southwest vs. West — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 17, 2024
Southwest refers to the intermediate direction between south and west, while west is one of the four cardinal directions directly opposite to east.
Difference Between Southwest and West
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Southwest is a compass direction that lies halfway between south and west, specifically at 225 degrees on a compass. It combines elements of both southern and western directions and is often used in navigation and geography to indicate a more precise location or path. West, in contrast, is one of the four primary cardinal directions, situated directly opposite to east and at 270 degrees on a compass. It is used to describe a straightforward directional heading or region.
While southwest provides a more specific direction used in detailed navigation and regional descriptions, west offers a broader, more general orientation. Southwest is often used to fine-tune directions or to describe an area that combines southern and western attributes, whereas west is a fundamental point of reference in global geography.
In terms of cultural and regional implications, the American Southwest has a unique identity with influences from Native American, Mexican, and pioneer histories. On the other hand, the West broadly refers to countries or regions with cultural roots in Western Europe, particularly post-Cold War, encompassing diverse aspects from democracy to economic practices.
Southwest's specificity makes it useful for more precise location descriptions, navigation, and regional identification, while west’s generality provides a foundational direction and broader cultural context.
Comparison Chart
Direction
Intermediate direction between south and west
One of the four cardinal directions
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Compass Degree
225 degrees
270 degrees
Regional Implication
Refers to the Southwestern U.S.
Can refer to Western countries/civilization
Usage
Specific navigation, regional description
General orientation, broader regional/cultural reference
Cultural Significance
Unique identity in American Southwest
Encompasses Western cultural and political concepts
Compare with Definitions
Southwest
Intermediate direction between south and west.
The storm is moving southwest at 15 miles per hour.
West
Region or countries with roots in Western Europe.
Western culture includes traditions from Europe and North America.
Southwest
Area characterized by a blend of cultural influences.
Southwestern cuisine is famous for its spicy flavors.
West
West is one of the four cardinal directions or points of the compass. It is the opposite direction from east, and is the direction in which the sun sets.
Southwest
Direction used in navigation for precise location.
The road veers southwest after the bridge.
West
The cardinal point on the mariner's compass 270° clockwise from due north and directly opposite east.
Southwest
Region in the United States including states like Arizona and New Mexico.
The Southwest is known for its deserts and vibrant sunsets.
West
The direction opposite to the direction of the earth's axial rotation.
Southwest
Compass bearing of 225 degrees.
They traveled southwest to reach the next town.
West
An area or region lying in the west.
Southwest
Abbr. SW The direction or point on the mariner's compass halfway between due south and due west, or 135° west of due north.
West
The western part of the earth, especially Europe and the Western Hemisphere.
Southwest
An area or region lying in the southwest.
West
The western part of a region or country.
Southwest
Southwest A region of the southwest United States generally including New Mexico, Arizona, Texas, California, and Nevada and sometimes Utah and Colorado.
West
A historical region of the United States west of the Allegheny Mountains.
Southwest
To, toward, of, facing, or in the southwest.
West
The region of the United States west of the Mississippi River.
Southwest
Originating in or coming from the southwest
A southwest wind.
West
The United States, Canada, and the noncommunist countries of Europe, especially during the Cold War.
Southwest
In, from, or toward the southwest.
West
The nations of North America and Europe with developed capitalist economies, especially in contrast to less-developed nations.
Southwest
The intercardinal compass point halfway between south and west; specifically at a bearing of 225°.
West
The end of a church opposite the altar. Also called liturgical west.
Southwest
Of, in or pertaining to the southwest; southwestern.
West
To, toward, of, facing, or in the west.
Southwest
Situated toward or in the direction of the southwest; southwestward; southwesterly.
A southwest course.
West
Originating in or coming from the west
A gentle west wind.
Southwest
Coming from the southwest; southwesterly.
A southwest wind.
West
In, from, or toward the west.
Southwest
Towards or in the direction of the southwest; southwestwards.
We are travelling southwest at the moment.
West
One of the four principal compass points, specifically 270°, conventionally directed to the left on maps; the direction of the setting sun at an equinox.
We used to live in the west of the country.
Portugal lies to the west of Spain.
Southwest
The point of the compass equally from the south and the west; the southwest part or region.
West
The western region or area; the inhabitants thereof.
Southwest
Pertaining to, or in the direction of, the southwest; proceeding toward the southwest; coming from the southwest; as, a southwest wind.
West
(ecclesiastical) In a church: the direction of the gallery, opposite to the altar, and opposite to the direction faced by the priest when celebrating ad orientem.
Southwest
The compass point midway between south and west; at 225 degrees
West
Situated or lying in or toward the west; westward.
Southwest
The southwestern region of the United States
West
(meteorology) Of wind: from the west.
Southwest
Coming from the southwest;
The winds are southwesterly
West
Of or pertaining to the west; western.
Southwest
Situated in or oriented toward the southwest
West
From the West; occidental.
Southwest
To, toward, or in the southwest
West
(ecclesiastial) Designating, or situated in, the liturgical west, that part of a church which is opposite to, and farthest from, the part containing the chancel.
West
Towards the west; westwards.
West
To move to the west; (of the sun) to set.
West
The point in the heavens where the sun is seen to set at the equinox; or, the corresponding point on the earth; that one of the four cardinal points of the compass which is in a direction at right angles to that of north and south, and on the left hand of a person facing north; the point directly opposite to east.
And fresh from the west is the free wind's breath.
West
A country, or region of country, which, with regard to some other country or region, is situated in the direction toward the west.
West
The Westen hemisphere, or the New World so called, it having been discovered by sailing westward from Europe; the Occident.
West
Lying toward the west; situated at the west, or in a western direction from the point of observation or reckoning; proceeding toward the west, or coming from the west; as, a west course is one toward the west; an east and west line; a west wind blows from the west.
This shall be your west border.
West
Designating, or situated in, that part of a church which is opposite to, and farthest from, the east, or the part containing the chancel and choir.
West
Westward.
West
To pass to the west; to set, as the sun.
West
To turn or move toward the west; to veer from the north or south toward the west.
West
The countries of (originally) Europe and (now including) North and South America
West
The cardinal compass point that is a 270 degrees
West
The region of the United States lying to the west of the Mississippi River
West
British writer (born in Ireland) (1892-1983)
West
United States film actress (1892-1980)
West
English painter (born in America) who became the second president of the Royal Academy (1738-1820)
West
Situated in or facing or moving toward the west
West
To, toward, or in the west;
We moved west to Arizona
West
One of the four cardinal directions.
The sun sets in the west.
West
Compass bearing of 270 degrees.
They drove west along the coast.
West
Direction used for general orientation.
The highway runs from east to west.
West
Term often used to describe political and cultural ideologies.
Western democracies emphasize individual freedoms.
Common Curiosities
What does west refer to in a cultural context?
In a cultural context, "West" often refers to Western countries or Western civilization, including North America and Europe.
What is west?
West is one of the four cardinal directions, located at 270 degrees on a compass.
How does southwest differ from west?
Southwest is a more specific direction combining elements of south and west, while west is a cardinal direction.
Is southwest used in navigation?
Yes, southwest is used in navigation to provide more precise directional guidance.
What is southwest?
Southwest is the intermediate direction between south and west, at 225 degrees on a compass.
What is the compass degree for southwest?
The compass degree for southwest is 225 degrees.
Does west have historical significance?
Yes, west often refers to the Western world’s history, including European expansion and influence.
What regions are included in the American Southwest?
The American Southwest typically includes Arizona, New Mexico, parts of Texas, and parts of California.
How is southwest used in weather reporting?
Southwest is used to describe the movement of weather systems in that direction.
Can southwest refer to a cultural region?
Yes, the American Southwest is known for its unique blend of cultural influences.
What does west mean in geographical terms?
Geographically, west indicates a direction or region opposite to east.
What cultural aspects define the West?
Western culture includes aspects like democracy, capitalism, and cultural practices rooted in Europe and North America.
What is the compass degree for west?
The compass degree for west is 270 degrees.
What is an example of a west travel route?
Traveling from New York to Los Angeles would be a route heading west.
What is an example of a southwest travel route?
Traveling from Dallas to Phoenix would be a route heading southwest.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
