The spelling of "northwest by north" can be a bit confusing, but it follows a pattern. The first part, "northwest," is spelled /ˌnɔːθˈwɛst/ and refers to a direction between north and west. The second part, "by," indicates a more specific direction between the two cardinal points. Finally, "north" is spelled /nɔːθ/ and indicates a direction closer to north than west. Therefore, "northwest by north" refers to a direction that is slightly closer to north than northwest.
Northwest by north is a directional term that refers to a point on the compass situated between northwest and north. It represents a bearing that lies slightly towards the northwest when moving from a due north direction. It is typically used in navigation and orientation to provide a more precise description of a particular location.
To understand this term better, imagine facing due north on a compass. If you were to turn slightly to the left or towards the counterclockwise direction, without moving directly towards the northwest, you would be facing northwest by north. This means that your current orientation is slightly towards the northwest but still predominantly north. It lies equidistantly between northwest and north, with northwest being slightly closer.
This directional term is useful when giving detailed instructions, such as for a specific route or a particular object's location. It enables an individual to pinpoint a position with more accuracy compared to just stating northwest or north. By using "northwest by north," it helps to provide a clearer understanding of the intended direction, allowing for more precise navigation and orientation.