SOUTHWEST Meaning and
Definition
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Southwest is a term that typically refers to the geographical direction that lies between the south and the west. In terms of cardinal directions, southwest is located at a 225-degree angle from north, making it diagonal or oblique in relation to the cardinal compass points.
Beyond its directional context, "southwest" can also indicate a specific region or area on a global or national scale. For example, in the United States, the Southwest generally refers to a specific region encompassing states such as Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and portions of Nevada, Utah, and Colorado. This usage of the term is particularly popular in relation to cultural, geological, and historical attributes associated with this region.
In terms of topography, the southwest may often be characterized by arid or desert-like landscapes, as exemplified by the iconic Sonoran Desert in Arizona and the Chihuahuan Desert in New Mexico. Additionally, the Southwest region is known for its unique cultural heritage, influenced by Indigenous peoples such as the Navajo, Hopi, and Apache tribes, as well as Spanish, Mexican, and Anglo-American settlers.
Overall, "southwest" holds significance both as a directional term and as a cultural and geographic demarcation referring to specific regions that embody particular landscapes, ecosystems, historical narratives, and cultural identities.
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• The point equally distant from the south or west, or the point between them.
• Coming from the south-west.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for SOUTHWEST *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for SOUTHWEST
Etymology of SOUTHWEST
The word "southwest" can be broken down into two parts: "south" and "west".
The term "south" originated from the Old English word "sūþ", which is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "sunthaz". This ultimately traces back to the Proto-Indo-European root "*sunthos", meaning "to dry". The sense of "south" originates from the fact that the southern regions are sunnier and have warmer climates compared to the north.
The word "west" also comes from Old English, specifically "west" or "weste", which can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "*wes-tērón". The Proto-Indo-European root "*wes(t)-" signifies "evening" or "night". This root refers to the direction of the sun as it sets in the evening, which corresponds to the west.
Idioms with the word SOUTHWEST
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the Southwest
The idiom "the Southwest" typically refers to the region of the United States that encompasses states like Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and sometimes portions of California, Nevada, Utah, and Colorado. The term is often used to describe the cultural, geographical, and historical characteristics associated with this specific area.
Similar spelling words for SOUTHWEST
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