South Definition, Examples, and Usage

Meaning 1：direction opposite north (south)

south 🔊

/saʊθ/

the direction to your right when you face the rising sun.

direction opposite north 🔊

➕

/dɪˈrɛkʃən ˈɑpəzɪt nɔrθ/

The point on the compass that is directly opposite north; the direction to the right when facing the rising sun.

📁 Category：Natural Geography 🔖 Level：beginner

📖 Root Explanation

From Old English 'sūþ', related to German 'Süden' and Dutch 'zuid'.

💡 Mnemonic

Think 'sun lower' – the sun is lower in the southern sky (northern hemisphere).

📖 Example

In winter, many birds fly south to find warmer weather. 🔊 In winter, many birds fly south to find warmer weather.

🔗 Collocations

south wind – wind blowing from the south

south side – the side facing south

to the south – in a southern direction

🔄 Synonyms

southward (n.) – the direction toward the south

southern direction (n.) – the direction pointing to the south

the South (n.) – the region or part of a country that is in the south

🚫 Antonyms

north (n.) – the direction opposite south

🌱 Derivatives

southern (adj.) – relating to or situated in the south

southerly (adj./adv.) – toward or from the south

southbound (adj./adv.) – traveling or heading toward the south

📖 Cultural Story

In Western maps, south is placed at the bottom. The word comes from Old English 'sūþ', linked to the concept of the sun's low path in the sky.