English Reference

Word

eastern

Phoneticseast·ern, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈistɝn/

UK/ˈiːstən/

Definitions

01geographical direction

B1 · Intermediate

adj. located in or facing the east.

adj. situated in, facing, or moving toward the east.

“The eastern side of the island gets the most sun in the morning.”

“The explorers established their base camp on the eastern slope of the mountain to avoid the prevailing winds from the west.”

Synonyms

easterly

Antonyms

02regional or political

B1 · Intermediate

adj. related to a specific region known as 'the East', like Eastern Europe or East Asia.

adj. pertaining to a region designated as the East by geopolitical or cultural convention.

“Many eastern countries have seen rapid economic growth in recent years.”

“Diplomatic relations between western and eastern nations remained strained throughout the latter half of the twentieth century.”

Synonyms

Antonyms

03religious tradition

B2 · Upper Intermediate Religion Formal

adj. related to the Christian churches that started in the Eastern Roman Empire, like the Orthodox Church.

adj. relating to the Christian churches originating in the Byzantine Empire or other regions of the Near East.

“The city is famous for its beautiful eastern churches and ancient icons.”

“The scholar specialised in Eastern Orthodox liturgy, focusing specifically on the historical development of the Greek rites.”

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “eastern” in context.

Adjective

01. eastern coast

“We spent our summer holiday driving along the Eastern coast.”

adj + noun

02. eastern border

“The river forms the Eastern border of the country.”

adj + noun

03. eastern culture

“She is very interested in Eastern culture, especially traditional music and food.”

adj + noun

04. eastern europe

“Many people travel to Eastern Europe to visit historic cities like Prague and Budapest.”

adj + noun

05. eastern philosophy

“He practices meditation as part of his study of Eastern philosophy.”

adj + noun

Preposition

06. in eastern parts

“Heavy snow is expected in Eastern parts of the region tonight.”

prep + noun

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
Frequency
Common
Level
B1 · IntermediateOxford
Updated

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English Reference