downwind
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /ˈdaʊnˌwɪnd/
KK: /ˈdaʊnˌwɪnd/
adjective
Definition
In the direction that the wind is blowing.
Example
The smoke from the fire drifted downwind, making it hard to breathe.
Conversation
Did you notice how the smell from the barbecue is coming from downwind?
Yeah, it's making me really hungry!
I guess we should sit downwind then, huh?
Definitely! We’ll get the best of the delicious smell.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
lee
sheltered
downstream
Antonyms
upwind
against
headwind
adverb
Definition
In the direction that the wind is blowing.
Example
The smoke from the fire drifted downwind, making it hard to breathe.
Conversation
Did you notice how strong the wind is today?
Yeah, I can really feel it, especially downwind from the trees.
It's nice when it cools you off, though.
Root Explanation
Downwind → It is formed from "down" (from Old English "dūn", meaning downward or lower) and "wind" (from Old English "wind", meaning air in motion). The word "downwind" describes the direction in which the wind is blowing, specifically towards a lower position relative to the wind's source.
Memory Tip
Think of the word 'down' meaning lower and 'wind' as the moving air. This helps you remember that 'downwind' refers to the direction that is lower relative to where the wind is coming from.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.