Word
southwest
Phoneticssouth·west, stress on the second syllable
US/ˌsaʊθˈwɛst/
UK/saʊθwˈɛst/
In Japanese
southwest
Japanese from JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0. All sources.
Definitions
01compass direction
A2 · Elementary Uncountable noun
n. the direction that is exactly between south and west.
n. the intercardinal compass point halfway between south and west, specifically at a bearing of 225°.
“The wind was blowing from the southwest all afternoon.”
“The hikers adjusted their course toward the southwest to avoid the steep cliffs on the eastern side of the ridge.”
Usage
Often used with the definite article 'the'.
Antonyms
02a region
B1 · Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. a part of a country or area that is in the southwest direction.
n. a geographical area or region situated in the southwestern part of a country or territory.
“It is much hotter and drier in the southwest of the country.”
“Economic growth in the southwest has outpaced the national average due to the recent expansion of the technology sector.”
Usage
Usually capitalized when referring to a specific, recognized region (e.g., the Southwest).
03position or origin
A2 · Elementary
adj. located in the southwest or coming from that direction.
adj. situated toward, pertaining to, or originating from the southwest.
“We entered the city through the southwest gate.”
“The southwest monsoon brings heavy rainfall to the coastal regions during the summer months.”
Usage
Typically placed before the noun it modifies.
Synonyms
Antonyms
04towards the southwest
B1 · Intermediate
adv. towards the direction of the southwest.
adv. in a direction toward the southwest.
“The birds flew southwest as the weather began to turn cold.”
“After crossing the river, the road turns southwest and follows the coastline for several miles.”
Usage
Follows the verb of motion.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- 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.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL 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: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549EikenEikenTest in Practical English ProficiencyThe English proficiency test from the Eiken Foundation of Japan, widely taken by Japanese students. Grades run from 5 to 1, with Pre-1 and Pre-2 between them.Pre-2
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- A2 · Elementary
- Updated
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