northwesterly
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /nɔːrθˈwɛstərli/
KK: /nɔrθˈwɛstərli/
adjective
Definition
Describing something that comes from or is located in the direction of the northwest.
Example
The wind was blowing in a northwesterly direction, bringing cooler temperatures.
Conversation
Did you notice the northwesterly winds today?
Yeah, they really picked up speed this afternoon!
I heard it might bring some rain later.
I hope it clears up before the weekend.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
northwest
westerly
upwind
Antonyms
southeasterly
southeaster
easterly
adverb
Definition
In the direction of the northwest.
Example
The wind is blowing northwesterly today, bringing cooler temperatures.
Conversation
Did you notice that the wind is blowing northwesterly today?
Yeah, it makes the weather feel a bit cooler than usual.
I love it when the breeze comes from the northwesterly direction.
Root Explanation
Northwesterly is formed from "north" (from Old English "norð", meaning the direction toward the North Pole) and "west" (from Old English "west", meaning the direction toward the setting sun) combined with the suffix "-erly" (meaning in the manner of). The word describes a direction that is toward the northwest, combining the two cardinal directions of north and west.
Memory Tip
Think of the direction 'north' and the direction 'west' coming together to describe a way of moving or facing — that's what 'northwesterly' means.
Visually Confused Words
southwesterly
norwester