The spelling of "southeast by south" can be confusing because it is a combination of two directions. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is /ˈsaʊθiːst baɪ saʊθ/. This means that the first syllable is pronounced as "sow" (rhyming with "now"), the second syllable as "east", and the third syllable as "by" (rhyming with "my"). The fourth syllable is pronounced as "sow" (same as the first syllable), and the fifth syllable as "th" (like in "month"). Therefore, the correct spelling is important for clear communication and understanding.
The term "southeast by south" is a nautical compass direction used to denote a point on the compass situated between southeast and south-southeast. It represents a course or bearing that is approximately 146.25 degrees clockwise from true north.
When breaking down the term, "southeast" originally refers to a direction that is exactly halfway between south and east, or 135 degrees clockwise from north. Meanwhile, "south-southeast" refers to a bearing that is approximately 157.5 degrees clockwise from north. "Southeast by south" narrows the gap between these two points on the compass, indicating a direction that is closer to south-southeast but still falls within the southeastern region.
Used primarily in navigation, this specific compass direction provides sailors, aviators, and other navigators a more precise indication of their intended course. By being able to identify their heading as southeast by south, they can make necessary adjustments to their route or course to ensure they stay on track without drifting off course due to unpredictable wind or currents.
Overall, "southeast by south" represents one of the various degrees between southeast and south-southeast, helping to establish a more accurate direction for navigation purposes.