north by west
Very LowTechnical (Maritime/Navigational)
Definition
Meaning
A compass point, one point (11.25°) west of due north.
A precise navigational direction used in maritime, aviation, and meteorological contexts, representing 348.75° on a 360-degree compass.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Part of a 32-point compass system used for precise direction. Not used in general speech. The 'by' indicates a quarter of the quadrant between north and north-northwest.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No meaningful differences in meaning or usage; the term is standardized in nautical contexts. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Technical precision, seamanship, classical navigation.
Frequency
Equally rare in both varieties, confined to specific technical domains.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The ship sailed [on/at a heading of] north by west.The wind shifted to north by west.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not used.
Academic
Rarely used, except in historical, geographical, or navigational studies.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Primary context. Used in maritime navigation, sailing, meteorology (wind direction), and cartography.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adverb
British English
- The vessel proceeded north by west.
- We sailed north by west for three hours.
American English
- The plane flew north by west.
- He pointed the antenna north by west.
adjective
British English
- The north-by-west heading was plotted on the chart.
- They took a north-by-west bearing.
American English
- They maintained a north-by-west course.
- The north-by-west wind brought cooler air.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The old map showed a compass with 'north by west' written on it.
- Is 'north by west' left or right of north?
- The captain ordered a change in course to north by west to avoid the shallows.
- To find the harbour, you must steer north by west from the lighthouse.
- The meteorologist noted a subtle shift in the wind, now blowing from a steady north by west.
- Accurate celestial navigation requires distinguishing between points like north-northwest and north by west.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
"North BY West" means you start at North and move BY a small amount TOWARDS West. Think: 'By' = 'towards'.
Conceptual Metaphor
PRECISE DIRECTION IS A POINT ON A DIAL; THE COMPASS IS A CIRCLE OF KNOWLEDGE.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct word-for-word translation (север по запад). There is no direct equivalent; use 'северо-западный румб' or the degree measurement '348.75°'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'north-west' instead (which is a completely different direction).
- Confusing 'by' with 'of' (e.g., 'north of west').
- Assuming it's a common phrase for a general northwestern direction.
Practice
Quiz
If you are facing due north and turn 11.25 degrees to your left, you are facing:
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are very different. Northwest is 315° (midway between north and west), while north by west is 348.75° (much closer to north).
Almost exclusively in traditional nautical navigation, sailing, or when using a 32-point compass. In modern contexts, degrees (e.g., 349°) are preferred.
The next point clockwise is 'north-northwest' (NNW). The sequence is North, North by West, North-Northwest, Northwest by North, etc.
In this system, 'by' means 'towards' or 'in the direction of'. 'North by West' means the direction is North, leaning one point (11.25°) towards the West.