south-southwest: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical, Formal
Quick answer
What does “south-southwest” mean?
The compass point or direction midway between south and southwest.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The compass point or direction midway between south and southwest.
A precise directional term used in navigation, meteorology, and geography to indicate a bearing of 202.5 degrees.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Both use the same term and abbreviation (SSW).
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both dialects, confined to specific technical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “south-southwest” in a Sentence
[The wind] is blowing from the south-southwest.[We set a course] for south-southwest.[It lies] south-southwest of [a location].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “south-southwest” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The storm is expected to south-southwest as it approaches the coast.
American English
- The front will south-southwest overnight, bringing cooler air.
adverb
British English
- The ship sailed south-southwest for the remainder of the day.
American English
- Fly south-southwest until you reach the river valley.
adjective
British English
- We maintained a south-southwest heading for three hours.
American English
- A south-southwest wind is predicted for tomorrow's regatta.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in logistics or shipping related to wind conditions or navigation.
Academic
Used in geography, meteorology, and navigation studies.
Everyday
Very rare. Most people would say 'southwest' or 'from the southwest'.
Technical
Standard term in maritime navigation, aviation, meteorology, and surveying.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “south-southwest”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “south-southwest”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “south-southwest”
- Writing it without hyphens (south southwest).
- Confusing it with southwest-by-south (S by W), which is a different, even more precise point.
- Using it in casual conversation where 'southwest' would suffice.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The standard abbreviation is SSW.
No. South-southwest is a more precise point that is halfway between south and southwest on the compass. Southwest is a broader cardinal direction.
You would use it in contexts requiring precise navigation or wind direction, such as sailing, aviation, meteorology, or military operations.
It is correctly written with hyphens: south-southwest. The unhyphenated form is considered incorrect in formal technical writing.
The compass point or direction midway between south and southwest.
South-southwest is usually technical, formal in register.
South-southwest: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsaʊθ saʊθˈwɛst/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsaʊθ ˌsaʊθˈwɛst/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a clock face. South is 6 o'clock. Southwest is halfway between 6 and 9 (7:30). South-southwest is halfway between 6 and 7:30.
Conceptual Metaphor
DIRECTION IS A POINT ON A COMPASS.
Practice
Quiz
What is the precise bearing of south-southwest?