tvärriktningen

tvärriktningen is a Swedish term that literally translates to “the opposite direction” or “the reverse direction.” In everyday language it is used to indicate a direction that is diametrically opposite to a given reference point, such as the opposite side of a street, the reverse heading on a road, or the contrary orientation of an object. The word is composed of the prefix tvärr‑, derived from the verb tvära (“to oppose” or “to be contrary”), and the noun riktning (“direction”).

In navigation and cartography, tvärriktningen is employed to describe a bearing that differs by 180 degrees from the original course. For instance, a vessel sailing on a bearing of 045° has its tvärriktning at 225°. The concept is relevant for route planning, especially when a vessel or vehicle must retrace its path or when wind and current conditions favor a reverse heading.

The term also appears in urban planning and traffic engineering. When a street is designated as one-way, signs may indicate the tvärriktning to inform drivers of the prohibited opposite flow. In railway terminology, tvärriktningen can refer to the reverse track used for trains traveling in the opposite direction on a double‑track line.

In linguistic contexts, tvärriktningen can be used metaphorically to denote an opposing point of view or a contrary argument. The word is included in Swedish dictionaries and is recognized by the Swedish Language Council (Språkrådet) as a standard compound noun.

Overall, tvärriktningen conveys the idea of a direction that is directly opposite to a given reference, and it is applied across various fields such as navigation, transportation, and figurative language.