WEST Meaning and
Definition
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West is a cardinal direction that refers to the point in space where the sun sets. It is opposite to the east and is one of the four primary compass directions. The west is commonly depicted as being to the left on most maps and compasses, contrasting with the east on the right. It is an essential component of navigation and orientation, allowing individuals to establish their position and determine the direction of movement.
More broadly, the term "west" has social, cultural, and historical connotations. It can refer to the regions and countries situated on the western side of a particular landmass or continent, often associated with a Western or Occidental worldview. The concept of the West expands beyond geography to encompass ideologies, political systems, values, and customs shared by these regions.
In Western culture, the term "west" can also be associated with ideas of progress, enlightenment, modernity, and individualism, especially when juxtaposed against the "east." This contrast has historical roots in the Greco-Roman division of the world into the Eastern and Western Roman Empires, as well as the European colonization of the Americas, which perpetuated the idea of the West as a source of advancement and civilization. However, it is essential to recognize that such associations can be subjective and may vary depending on cultural perspectives and historical contexts.
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• The quarted of the heavens where the sun sets; one of the four chief points of the compass; a country or district lying in the direction of the setting sun with respect to another.
• Situated towards the part where the sun sets.
• To the western regions; more westward.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for WEST *
* 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 WEST
Etymology of WEST
The word "west" has its etymology rooted in Old English. It originated from the Old English word "west" or "wēst", which is akin to the Old High German word "west", Old Norse word "vestr", and the Gothic word "weho". These Germanic languages ultimately trace back to the Proto-Germanic word "*wēstēr" or "*wīstraz". Further back, this Proto-Germanic word stems from the Proto-Indo-European root "*wes-", meaning "evening" or "night". This root is also linked to the Greek word "hésperos" meaning "evening" and "Vesper", the Latin word for "evening". Thus, the word "west" ultimately refers to the direction where the sun sets, corresponding to the evening sky.
Idioms with the word WEST
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go west
The idiom "go west" refers to the act of moving, migrating, or traveling in the direction of the western part of a country or region. It generally carries the connotation of seeking new opportunities, adventure, or better prospects in life.
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East is East and West is West (and never the twain shall meet).
The idiom "East is East and West is West (and never the twain shall meet)" is a phrase used to imply the irreconcilable differences or contrasting nature between two things or cultures. It suggests that two different entities or ideologies are so fundamentally different that they can never be reconciled or united.
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out West
The idiom "out West" refers to the western region of a country, typically with a sense of adventure, exploration, and the unknown. It is often used to describe a remote, wild, or untamed area, often associated with cowboy culture, open landscapes, and a rugged way of life.
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the West
The idiom "the West" refers to the western countries and cultures, typically associated with Europe and North America. It represents a broad and diverse range of societies, ideologies, and values influenced by democracy, individualism, industrialization, and Western civilization. The term can also encompass concepts like modernity, progress, and economic prosperity.
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East, west, home's best
The idiom "East, west, home's best" means that one's own home is the most comfortable, pleasant, and desired place to be, regardless of the appeal or attractiveness of other places. It emphasizes the idea that no matter how much one may enjoy traveling or staying in different locations, there is no place like home.
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knock galley-west
To knock galley-west means to completely disrupt or confuse someone or something; to turn something upside down or inside out.
Similar spelling words for WEST
- iced,
- used-up,
- Ysotta,
- sou'-est,
- Esta,
- Osteo-,
- wayside,
- Ost,
- Wasite,
- Westy,
- Assot,
- asset,
- Asad,
- Wist(e),
- Oozed,
- Issued,
- Essayed,
- Yest,
- Yahwist,
- east,
- Ascidia,
- Isotta,
- acedia,
- wiest,
- Aecidia,
- eased,
- USDA,
- wuest,
- aside,
- Assayed,
- ill-used,
- Estee,
- eyesight,
- used,
- azide,
- yeast,
- Asti,
- Isota,
- oocyte,
- Wescott,
- weighty,
- oast,
- Ayisat,
- Yazid,
- Wuste,
- Isotte,
- weist,
- oust,
- Asta,
- asat,
- yeasty,
- Ysotte,
- azido,
- Asid,
- acid,
- Asadha,
- whist,
- weight,
- Wost,
- weast,
- Asaad,
- Is't,
- Wist,
- waist,
- Yazeed,
- waste,
- Wast,
- ossete,
- Yesty,
- Wust,
- Yezidi,
- Assad,
- Yezidee,
- est,
- azt,
- Yseut,
- Yezdi,
- Iseut,
- azote,
- Whizzed,
- Izetta,
- ezed,
- Astay,
- Wheezed,
- Izedi.
