south by west: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical, formal, nautical
Quick answer
What does “south by west” mean?
A compass point that is 22.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A compass point that is 22.5 degrees west of due south, corresponding to 191.25 degrees on the compass rose.
Rarely used figuratively; primarily denotes precise directional orientation in navigation, surveying, or meteorology.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in terminology; both dialects use the same phrase in technical contexts.
Connotations
Associated with precision, traditional navigation, and formal settings.
Frequency
Equally rare in both dialects, primarily confined to specialized fields like sailing or cartography.
Grammar
How to Use “south by west” in a Sentence
on a heading of south by westat south by westtowards south by westVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “south by west” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The captain ordered to south by west after passing the lighthouse.
- We must south by west to align with the charted course.
American English
- Head south by west to avoid the coastal currents.
- The pilot decided to south by west for a smoother approach.
adverb
British English
- The vessel sailed south by west through the channel.
- Adjust the compass to point south by west.
American English
- Fly south by west to reach the designated checkpoint.
- The hikers trekked south by west along the ridge.
adjective
British English
- The ship followed a south-by-west trajectory across the Atlantic.
- A south-by-west wind brought cooler air from the ocean.
American English
- They plotted a south-by-west route on the map.
- The south-by-west bearing was crucial for the survey.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used; might appear in logistics or shipping reports for precise route descriptions.
Academic
Used in geography, navigation studies, or historical texts on exploration.
Everyday
Not common; occasionally in hobbies like sailing or hiking for direction.
Technical
Frequent in nautical charts, aviation, surveying, and meteorology for exact bearings.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “south by west”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “south by west”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “south by west”
- Pronouncing it as 'southwest' without 'by', confusing it with the more common 'southwest' (202.5 degrees), or misspelling as 'south-by-west' with hyphens.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a specialized term primarily used in navigation, sailing, and technical fields, so it's rare in casual conversation.
'South by west' is 22.5 degrees west of due south (191.25 degrees), while 'southwest' is 45 degrees west of due south (225 degrees), making them distinct compass points.
Yes, it might appear in detailed meteorological reports to describe wind direction or storm paths with precision, though simpler terms are often preferred.
The 32-point system divides the compass into fine increments for accurate navigation, with 'south by west' representing one of the intermediate points between cardinal and ordinal directions.
A compass point that is 22.
South by west is usually technical, formal, nautical in register.
South by west: in British English it is pronounced /saʊθ baɪ wɛst/, and in American English it is pronounced /saʊθ baɪ wɛst/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'south by west' as south taking a small step west: from south, move a bit left (west) to remember the 22.5-degree shift.
Conceptual Metaphor
Direction as a path of precision; slight deviations in course mirroring careful adjustments in life or strategy.
Practice
Quiz
What is the approximate degree measurement for 'south by west' on a compass?