east by south
Very LowTechnical/Archaic
Definition
Meaning
A compass point exactly 11.25 degrees (one point) south of due east; the precise direction between east and east-southeast.
Used exclusively in navigation, cartography, and precise directional contexts to specify a direction with extreme accuracy, particularly before modern digital systems. It represents one of the 32 principal compass points.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
This is a compound compass point, not a general directional phrase. It belongs to the traditional mariner's vocabulary of the 32-wind compass rose. It is functionally synonymous with 'EbS' in abbreviated notation. Understanding it requires knowledge that 'by' indicates a quarter of a quadrant (11.25° offset) from the cardinal or intercardinal point named first.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No substantive differences in meaning or usage. The term is equally archaic/technical in both varieties. Historical British maritime texts might have higher instances due to naval history.
Connotations
Connotes traditional navigation, sailing, seamanship, and precision. Can sound deliberately old-fashioned or poetic if used outside strict technical contexts.
Frequency
Extremely rare in contemporary speech or writing. Found primarily in historical texts, specialized sailing manuals, or as a deliberate stylistic choice.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[V] east by south[PREP] (at/to/on a bearing of) east by southThe [N] lies east by south.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used only in historical, geographical, or navigational studies discussing traditional systems.
Everyday
Extremely unlikely. Would cause confusion; most speakers would say "a bit south of east".
Technical
Primary domain. Used in traditional maritime navigation, cartography, certain surveying contexts, and historical re-enactment.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adverb
British English
- The ship sailed east by south for six hours.
- The island lies east by south of the headland.
American English
- Turn east by south after passing the buoy.
- We proceeded east by south along the coast.
adjective
British English
- The east-by-south bearing was recorded in the log.
- They took an east-by-south heading at dawn.
American English
- An east by south wind made sailing tricky.
- Plot an east by south course from the cape.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- On old maps, you might see directions like 'east by south'.
- The wind was blowing from east by south.
- The captain ordered a change in course to east by south to avoid the reef.
- Traditional compasses have 32 points, including east by south.
- To find the hidden cove, you must sail precisely east by south from the lighthouse for three nautical miles.
- The archaic notation 'east by south' signifies a bearing of 101.25 degrees, one point south of due east.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a clock face. 'East' is 3 o'clock. 'By south' means move the hand *towards* 4:30 (southeast) by just one 'minute' or step on the compass. So it's 3:05, not 3:30.
Conceptual Metaphor
DIRECTION IS A PRECISE POINT ON A CIRCLE. NAVIGATION IS A FINELY GRADUATED SYSTEM.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не переводите как "восток на юг" или "восток у юга". Это фиксированный термин для одного из 32 румбов.
- Может ошибочно восприниматься как указание двигаться на восток, а потом на юг, а не как единое направление.
- В русской морской терминологии соответствует "ост-тень-зюйд" (Ост-тень-зюйд).
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a general phrase (e.g., 'Go east, then by south you'll find it').
- Confusing it with 'east-southeast' (which is 22.5° south of east).
- Hyphenating incorrectly ('east-by-south'). Standard writing is without hyphens.
Practice
Quiz
How many degrees is 'east by south' from due north?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'East-southeast' (ESE) is 22.5° south of east (112.5° from north). 'East by south' (EbS) is only 11.25° south of east (101.25° from north), making it halfway between east and east-southeast.
It is rarely used in practical navigation today, replaced by numerical degrees (e.g., 101°). It appears in historical contexts, traditional sailing, certain formal documents, literature, or in the naming of things (e.g., 'East by South' as a pub or ship name).
In the 32-point compass system, 'by' indicates a quarter of a quadrant, i.e., an 11.25-degree shift from the named cardinal or intercardinal direction. 'East by south' means 'one point (11.25°) toward the south from due east'.
Yes, the standard maritime abbreviation is 'EbS'.