northward

Northward is a directionally oriented term used as an adverb and as an adjective to indicate movement or orientation toward the north. It is commonly contrasted with other directional forms such as southward, eastward, and westward, and with northern when referring to a region or entity located to the north.

Northward is formed from the noun north plus the directional suffix -ward, dating to Old English northweard. The suffix -ward indicates movement toward or facing a direction and is productive for compass directions in English.

Usage: Northward describes motion or orientation toward the north. It can modify verbs (move northward), adjectives (northward migration), and nouns in compounds (northward expansion). It is more formal than 'north' and often preferred in scientific or navigational contexts; 'northerly' is often used for winds or for describing something from the north.

Contexts: In navigation, cartography, meteorology, and geology, northward indicates direction along a route, current, or wind toward the north. In astronomy, a northern direction can refer to toward the north celestial pole. In everyday language, 'northward' tends to be reserved for precise or technical writing, with 'north' or 'northbound' used in casual contexts.

Related terms include northerly, northbound, eastward, westward, southward, and north.