The word "northwesterly" is spelled with the prefix "north" and the suffix "erly" added to the root word "west." The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /ˌnɔːθˈwɛstərli/. The stress is on the second syllable, with the "th" sound representing the dental fricative /θ/. The vowel in the first syllable is a long "o" sound /ɔː/, while the sound in the second syllable is like the "e" in "west" /ɛ/. This word is commonly used to describe a direction or wind coming from the northwest.
Northwesterly is an adjective that describes something or someone situated in or moving towards the northwest direction. It can also refer to a wind blowing from the northwest. The term is derived from the combination of two words: "northwest" which refers to the direction between north and west, and "-erly," a suffix used to indicate a direction or relationship.
In terms of geographic orientation, northwesterly denotes a location or position that lies towards the west-northwest part of a central point, city, or region. It indicates the diagonal path or angular position moving between the north and the west. For example, if one is traveling from New York City to Chicago, the most direct northwesterly path would be taking a route that gradually moves northwestward.
Northwesterly can also describe wind patterns or weather conditions. A northwesterly wind originates from the northwest and blows towards the southeast. It is characterized by winds moving from the northwest quadrant or point on a compass. The intensity and direction of a wind can have significant implications on various activities like aviation, sailing, and meteorology.
Overall, the term "northwesterly" serves as a concise and precise descriptor for anything or anyone relating to the northwest direction or a wind coming from the northwest.
Toward the north-west; from the north-west.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "northwesterly" is derived from a combination of two separate words: "northwest" and "-ly".
1. "Northwest": The word "northwest" comes from Old English "norþwest", which was a combination of "norþ" meaning "north" and "west" meaning "west". It referred to the direction halfway between north and west, or the point on the compass exactly 45 degrees clockwise from north.
2. "-Ly": The suffix "-ly" in English is used to form adverbs from adjectives. In this case, it indicates the direction or manner in which something is happening. So, adding "-ly" to "northwest" creates the adverb "northwesterly", meaning "in a northwest direction" or "towards the northwest".