Word
southern
Phoneticssouth·ern, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈsəðɝn/
UK/sˈʌðən/
Definitions
01general direction
B1 · Intermediate
adj. located in or facing the south.
adj. situated in, facing, or moving toward the south.
“The southern coast of the island has the best beaches for swimming.”
“The southern slopes of the mountain range receive significantly more sunlight, creating a microclimate suitable for vineyards.”
Usage
Usually placed before the noun it describes.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02regional culture
B1 · Intermediate
adj. related to the people, culture, or weather of a southern region.
adj. pertaining to the inhabitants, culture, or geographical characteristics of a specific southern region, such as Southern Europe or the Southern US.
“I love the warm hospitality and delicious food of southern states.”
“The author's prose is deeply rooted in southern gothic traditions, exploring the complex history of the Mississippi Delta.”
Usage
Often capitalized when referring to a specific, recognized political or cultural region.
Teaching tip
Remind students that 'Southern' is capitalized when it is part of a proper name for a region, like 'Southern California'.
03wind direction
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. a wind that blows from the south.
adj. referring to a wind originating in the south and blowing toward the north.
“A warm southern wind brought higher temperatures to the city today.”
“The sudden shift to a southern wind cleared the morning fog, allowing the ships to finally leave the harbour.”
Teaching tip
In English, a 'southern wind' comes FROM the south, it does not go TO the south.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “southern” in context.
Adjective
01. distinctly southern
“The architecture of the town has a distinctly southern feel.”
adv + adj
Noun
02. southern tip
“The lighthouse stands on the southern tip of the island.”
adj + noun
03. southern accent
“He spoke with a slow, melodic southern accent.”
adj + noun
04. southern border
“The river forms the southern border of the national park.”
adj + noun
05. southern city
06. southern region
07. southern coast
08. southern end
09. southern parts
10. along the southern coast
“Several small fishing villages are scattered along the southern coast.”
11. from a southern perspective
“The documentary examines the conflict from a southern perspective.”
12. in the southern part of
“The capital city is located in the southern part of the country.”
Etymology
English surname, from the adjective southern. Often used as a northern English nickname for someone from the south of the country, or as a Scottish nickname for an Englishman.
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.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
- Very common
- Level
- B1 · IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/southern