Southwesterly vs. Southwest — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 16, 2024
Southwesterly often describes wind direction coming from the southwest, whereas southwest is a compass point lying between south and west.
Difference Between Southwesterly and Southwest
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Southwesterly specifically refers to the direction from which a wind originates, indicating a flow from the southwest. In contrast, southwest serves as a fixed directional point on a compass, utilized for navigation and geographic orientation.
While southwesterly is used in meteorological contexts to describe wind patterns and their implications on weather, southwest is more broadly applied in various contexts including geography, navigation, and even in cultural references, indicating a general direction or location.
Southwesterly can modify nouns in weather reports or forecasts, emphasizing the origin of wind or weather systems. On the other hand, southwest can be used as a noun, adjective, or adverb, showing its versatility in language use.
In terms of linguistic application, southwesterly is more specialized and less frequently used outside of specific contexts such as sailing or meteorology, whereas southwest is a common term in everyday language, familiar to most people for indicating direction.
The usage of southwesterly often comes into play when discussing specific phenomena like southwesterly winds bringing moisture or warmth to an area, contrasting with southwest, which might be used more generally, such as in describing the location of a city or region.
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Adjective
Noun, Adjective, Adverb
Usage Context
Meteorology, Sailing
General Navigation, Geography, Cultural References
Definition
Describing wind coming from the southwest
A compass point between south and west
Specificity
Specific to wind direction
Broad usage in various contexts
Frequency in Language
Less common, specialized
Common, widely used
Compare with Definitions
Southwesterly
Pertaining to a direction or wind from the southwest.
The southwesterly breeze cooled the evening.
Southwest
A compass point between south and west.
They headed southwest towards the mountains.
Southwesterly
Influencing weather patterns from the southwest.
Southwesterly flow often brings moisture to the region.
Southwest
In the direction of the southwest.
We drove southwest for several hours.
Southwesterly
Moving towards the northeast (opposite of the originating direction).
Their journey continued in a southwesterly direction.
Southwest
Coming from the southwest.
Southwest winds are common in this area.
Southwesterly
Originating from the southwest.
Southwesterly winds are expected tomorrow.
Southwest
Relating to the southwestern part of a country or region.
Southwest cuisine is spicy and flavorful.
Southwesterly
As an adverb, indicating movement from the southwest.
The ship sailed southwesterly.
Southwest
Pertaining to or located in the southwest.
The southwest region is known for its deserts.
Southwesterly
Situated toward the southwest.
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.
Southwesterly
Coming or being from the southwest.
Southwest
An area or region lying in the southwest.
Southwesterly
Situated in, or pointing to, the southwest
Southwest
Southwest A region of the southwest United States generally including New Mexico, Arizona, Texas, California, and Nevada and sometimes Utah and Colorado.
Southwesterly
Coming from the southwest
Southwest
To, toward, of, facing, or in the southwest.
Southwesterly
From the southwest
Southwest
Originating in or coming from the southwest
A southwest wind.
Southwesterly
A strong wind or storm from the southwest.
Southwest
In, from, or toward the southwest.
Southwesterly
To ward or from the southwest; as, a southwesterly course; a southwesterly wind.
Southwest
The intercardinal compass point halfway between south and west; specifically at a bearing of 225°.
Southwesterly
Coming from the southwest;
The winds are southwesterly
Southwest
Of, in or pertaining to the southwest; southwestern.
Southwesterly
Situated in or oriented toward the southwest
Southwest
Situated toward or in the direction of the southwest; southwestward; southwesterly.
A southwest course.
Southwest
Coming from the southwest; southwesterly.
A southwest wind.
Southwest
Towards or in the direction of the southwest; southwestwards.
We are travelling southwest at the moment.
Southwest
The point of the compass equally from the south and the west; the southwest part or region.
Southwest
Pertaining to, or in the direction of, the southwest; proceeding toward the southwest; coming from the southwest; as, a southwest wind.
Southwest
The compass point midway between south and west; at 225 degrees
Southwest
The southwestern region of the United States
Southwest
Coming from the southwest;
The winds are southwesterly
Southwest
Situated in or oriented toward the southwest
Southwest
To, toward, or in the southwest
Common Curiosities
What is southwesterly wind?
Southwesterly wind refers to wind that originates from the southwest direction.
What does southwest mean on a compass?
On a compass, southwest is the point midway between the south and west directions.
Can "southwesterly" be used to describe anything other than wind?
Typically, southwesterly is used specifically to describe wind or movement originating from the southwest.
What are common characteristics of the southwest region of the U.S.?
The southwest region of the U.S. is known for its arid climate, desert landscapes, and unique cultural heritage.
Are southwesterly winds warm or cold?
Southwesterly winds can be either, depending on their origin; they often tend to be warmer in the Northern Hemisphere.
Is it common to use "southwesterly" in everyday language?
No, "southwesterly" is more technical and used mainly in contexts like weather or sailing.
Is "southwest" only a geographical term?
No, southwest can describe direction, location, or even cultural aspects of a region.
How do southwesterly winds affect weather?
Southwesterly winds can bring changes in weather, often warming or moistening the area they move towards.
How is the term "southwest" used in navigation?
In navigation, southwest is used to describe a directional bearing or course.
What does "southwesterly" indicate in a weather forecast?
In a weather forecast, "southwesterly" indicates that the wind will be coming from the southwest.
How do people commonly use the term "southwest" in everyday conversation?
People often use "southwest" to indicate direction or location in everyday conversation.
Can the direction southwest affect the climate of a region?
Yes, the direction from which winds come, including southwest, can significantly affect a region's climate.
Can "southwest" be used to indicate a specific area in a city?
Yes, "southwest" can be used to specify a particular area within a city or locality.
What is the difference between southwesterly and southwestern?
Southwesterly refers to a direction or origin of wind, whereas southwestern often describes things related to or located in the southwest part of a place.
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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
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.
