southeasterly
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: //ˌsaʊθˈiːstərli//
KK: /ˈsaʊθˈiːstərli/
adjective
Definition
Describing something that comes from or is located in the direction of the southeast.
Example
The wind was blowing in a southeasterly direction, bringing warm air from the coast.
Conversation
Did you notice the wind is coming from a southeasterly direction today?
Yeah, I felt it when I was out for a walk earlier.
It makes the weather feel a bit warmer, doesn't it?
Definitely! I love those southeasterly breezes in the spring.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
southeast
downwind
eastern
Antonyms
northwest
western
northerly
adverb
Definition
In a direction that is toward the southeast.
Example
The wind is blowing southeasterly today, bringing warm air from the ocean.
Conversation
Did you notice the wind is blowing southeasterly today?
Yeah, I feel it! It’s kind of refreshing.
I wonder if that means it’s going to rain later.
Root Explanation
**Southeasterly** → It is formed from "south" (from Old English *sūþ*, meaning the direction toward the point of the horizon where the sun rises) and "east" (from Old English *ēast*, meaning the direction of the sunrise) combined with the suffix "-erly" (meaning in the manner of). The word "southeasterly" describes a direction that is toward the southeast, combining the meanings of both cardinal directions.
Memory Tip
Imagine the direction where the sun rises in the south-east, and remember that 'southeasterly' means moving or facing in that direction.
Visually Confused Words
northeasterly
stoutheartedly