Langimage
English

northerly

|north/er/ly|

B2

🇺🇸

/ˈnɔːrðərli/

🇬🇧

/ˈnɔːðəli/

toward the north

Etymology
Etymology Information

'northerly' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'northerly,' where 'north' meant 'north' and '-ly' was a suffix indicating direction.

Historical Evolution

'northerly' changed from the Middle English word 'northerly' and eventually became the modern English word 'northerly'.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'toward the north,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a wind blowing from the north.

The northerly brought a chill to the air.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Adjective 1

situated in or directed towards the north.

The ship sailed in a northerly direction.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Adjective 2

(of wind) coming from the north.

A cold northerly wind was blowing.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/27 19:34