# southeast

/ˌsaʊˈθist/ (US) · /sˈaʊθiːst/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/southeast
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. the direction

noun · CEFR A2

the direction that is exactly between south and east.

For teachers: the intercardinal compass point situated halfway between south and east, specifically at a bearing of 135 degrees.

- The birds flew toward the southeast to find warmer weather for the winter.
- The explorers adjusted their heading to the southeast, hoping to reach the coastal settlement before the seasonal rains began.

Usage: Often used with the definite article 'the'.

### 2. location or origin

adjective · CEFR A2

located in the southeast, or coming from that direction.

For teachers: situated in or oriented toward the southeast; also used to describe a wind originating from that direction.

- The southeast coast of the island has the most beautiful sandy beaches.
- A strong southeast wind battered the harbour, forcing the smaller fishing vessels to remain moored until the gale subsided.

Usage: Usually placed before the noun it describes.

### 3. moving toward

adverb · CEFR A2

toward the southeast direction.

For teachers: in a southeasterly direction; toward the southeast.

- We travelled southeast for three hours before we finally saw the ocean.
- The storm system is currently moving southeast at twenty miles per hour and is expected to reach the capital by midnight.

Usage: Typically follows the verb of motion.

## Examples

- The storm is moving toward the southeast.
- Many people move to the southeast of the country to enjoy the warmer coastal weather and lower cost of living.
- The economic disparity between the industrial north and the agricultural southeast has been a central theme in the nation's political discourse for decades.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.