What does southward mean?
“Southward” means toward the south. It is used to describe movement, orientation, or direction, as in a journey southward or a coastline that extends southward. Although “south” by itself can also mean in a southerly direction, “southward” explicitly expresses orientation toward the south and is especially common in formal writing and descriptions of geography. The adverb can also have broader figurative uses. For example, describing a community as moving southward may imply that its fortunes are declining, while movement of supplies southward simply identifies the direction in which they are traveling. The related adjective “southward” describes something directed toward or facing south, such as “the southward slope of the hill.” In British English, “southwards” is a frequently used adverbial variant, whereas “southward” is particularly common in American usage.
In the direction of the south.
"The ships sailed southward before the storm reached them."
It may also be used figuratively to indicate decline or movement toward a less favorable position.
Directed, facing, or oriented toward the south.
"The climbers followed the steep southward route along the ridge."
This adjective is less common than the adverb and is chiefly used in descriptions of direction or orientation.
Southward combines the cardinal direction “south” with the old English directional suffix “-ward,” meaning “in the direction of.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does southward come from?
“Southward” is formed from “south” and the Old English directional element “-weard,” meaning “toward.” “South” descends from Old English “sūþ,” which was inherited from the Germanic language family and was also used in names of regions lying to the south. The combination “southward” developed with the same directional sense found in forms such as “northward” and “upward.”
Related word forms
How southward is actually used
“Southward” is standard in both British and American English. “Southwards” is especially common in British usage. In figurative contexts, the word can suggest movement toward a lower position, decline, or disadvantage.
Easily confused with southward
“Southward” indicates direction or movement toward the south, whereas “southern” relates broadly to the south or its people, places, or characteristics.