ENGLISH
REFERENCE

southward

adv. place
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈsaʊθwɝd// UK //sˈaʊθwəd// south·ward

adv. moving or facing toward the south. You use this to describe a direction of travel or the way something points.

adv. moving, facing, or directed toward the south. Typically modifies verbs of motion or orientation.


SIMPLE

The birds fly southward for the winter.

CONTEXTUAL

After crossing the border, the hikers continued southward until they reached the edge of the forest.

COMPLEX

The expedition shifted its focus southward, hoping to find more hospitable terrain before the onset of the heavy seasonal rains.

Synonyms
Origin

From south + -ward.

Usage

Typically placed after the verb or at the end of the clause.

Pitfall

He lives in the southward part of townHe lives in the southern part of townSouthward describes direction of movement or orientation; southern is the adjective used to describe a fixed location.

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