Word
southerly
Phoneticssouther·ly
US/ˈsəðɝɫi/
UK/sˈʌðəli/
Definition
n. coming from the south or blowing from the south. You use this to describe the direction of the wind or the position of something.
n. originating from or blowing toward the south. Often used to describe weather patterns or geographic directions.
Examples
“A strong southerly wind blew through the valley.”
“The hikers decided to stay in the shelter because a southerly gale was expected to hit the coast that evening.”
“The sudden shift in the southerly breeze signaled the arrival of the summer monsoon, bringing much-needed rain to the parched plains.”
Examples
simple
“A strong southerly wind blew through the valley.”
contextual
“The hikers decided to stay in the shelter because a southerly gale was expected to hit the coast that evening.”
complex
“The sudden shift in the southerly breeze signaled the arrival of the summer monsoon, bringing much-needed rain to the parched plains.”
Real-World Examples
“Later, the jet stream will take on a more southerly path, flowing faster and straighter towards our shores.” “Warmer air will push into the UK this weekend as winds turn more southerly.” Etymology
From souther + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/southerly