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North vs. South: What's the Difference?

Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Published on November 20, 2023
North: Direction opposite of south. South: Direction opposite of north.

Key Differences

North is a cardinal direction, traditionally associated with colder climates. South is also a cardinal direction, often linked with warmer regions.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2023
In the Northern Hemisphere, the North Pole is the northernmost point. In contrast, the South Pole is the southernmost point in the Southern Hemisphere.
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Nov 20, 2023
North is often used to denote the top of maps. South, conversely, usually represents the bottom of maps.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2023
Culturally, North can symbolize progress or advancement. South can represent warmth, relaxation, or even decline.
Janet White
Nov 20, 2023
In terms of navigation, North is a key reference point. South, equally important, serves as an opposite point for orientation.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2023
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Comparison Chart

Climate

Generally colder
Generally warmer
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Geographic Pole

North Pole
South Pole
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Map Representation

Top
Bottom
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Cultural Symbolism

Progress, advancement
Warmth, relaxation, decline
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Navigation Role

Key reference point
Opposite point for orientation
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Nov 20, 2023
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North and South Definitions

North

Cardinal direction opposite of south.
The compass pointed north.
Sara Rehman
Oct 28, 2023

South

Cardinal direction opposite of north.
The birds migrated south for the winter.
Janet White
Oct 28, 2023

North

Direction towards the North Pole.
They traveled north for miles.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 28, 2023

South

Direction towards the South Pole.
They set sail heading south.
Sara Rehman
Oct 28, 2023

North

The direction along a meridian 90° counterclockwise from east; the direction to the left of sunrise.
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Oct 13, 2023
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South

Can imply relaxation or leisure.
They headed south for a relaxing vacation.
Harlon Moss
Oct 28, 2023

North

The cardinal point on the mariner's compass located at 0°.
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Oct 13, 2023

South

The direction along a meridian 90° clockwise from east; the direction to the right of sunrise.
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North

An area or region lying in the north.
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South

The cardinal point on the mariner's compass 180° clockwise from due north and directly opposite north.
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North

The northern part of the earth.
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South

An area or region lying in the south.
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North

The northern part of a region or country.
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South

The southern part of the earth.
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North

North The northern part of the United States, especially the states that fought for the Union in the Civil War.
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South

The set of developing nations of the world, largely located to the south of the developed nations of the Northern Hemisphere.
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North

The side of a church which is to the left as one faces the altar. Also called liturgical north.
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South

The southern part of a region or country.
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North

To, toward, of, facing, or in the north.
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South

South The southern part of the United States, especially the states that fought for the Confederacy in the Civil War.
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North

Originating in or coming from the north
A cold north wind.
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South

The side of a church which is to the right as one faces the altar. Also called liturgical south.
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North

In, from, or toward the north.
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South

To, toward, of, facing, or in the south.
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North

(Slang) Into a better condition, as of increased value
An investment that went steadily north until the market crash.
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Oct 13, 2023

South

Originating in or coming from the south
A hot south wind.
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North

One of the four principal compass points, specifically 0° (being directed towards the North Pole); conventionally upwards on a map.
Minnesota is in the north of the USA.
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Oct 13, 2023

South

In, from, or toward the south.
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North

The up or positive direction.
Stock prices are heading back towards the north.
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South

(Slang) Into a worse or inferior condition, as of decreased value
A stock that went south shortly after he bought it. "If a life could be redeemed in a moment, it could go south just as fast" (Roy Parvin).
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023

North

(physics) The positive or north pole of a magnet, which seeks the magnetic pole near Earth's geographic North Pole (which, for its magnetic properties, is a south pole).
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South

One of the four principal compass points, specifically 180° (being directed towards the South Pole); conventionally downwards on a map.
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North

.
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South

The southern region or area; the inhabitants thereof.
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North

(ecclesiastical) In a church: the direction to the left-hand side of a person facing the altar.
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South

(ecclesiastical) In a church: the direction to the right-hand side of a person facing the altar.
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North

Of or pertaining to the north; northern.
He lived in north Germany.
She entered through the north gate.
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South

(figurative) down or the negative direction
His fortunes have been going south ever since he was tricked into investing in that ostrich farm.
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North

Toward the north; northward.
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South

(physics) The negative or south pole of a magnet
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North

(meteorology) Of wind, from the north.
The north wind was cold.
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South

Toward the south; southward.
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North

Pertaining to the part of a corridor used by northbound traffic.
North highway 1
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South

From the south.
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North

(ecclesiastical) Designating, or situated in, the liturgical north (in a church, the direction to the left-hand side of a person facing the altar).
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South

Of or pertaining to the south; southern.
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North

(colloquial) More or greater than.
The wedding ended up costing north of $50,000.
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South

Pertaining to the part of a corridor used by southbound traffic.
South highway 1
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North

Toward the north; northward; northerly.
Switzerland is north of Italy.
We headed north.
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South

(ecclesiastical) Designating, or situated in, the liturgical south.
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North

To turn or move toward the north.
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South

Toward the south; southward.
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North

That one of the four cardinal points of the compass, at any place, which lies in the direction of the true meridian, and to the left hand of a person facing the east; the direction opposite to the south.
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Oct 13, 2023

South

Downward.
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North

Any country or region situated farther to the north than another; the northern section of a country.
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South

In an adverse direction or trend (go south).
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North

Specifically: That part of the United States lying north of Mason and Dixon's line. See under Line.
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South

(meteorology) Of wind, from the south.
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North

Lying toward the north; situated at the north, or in a northern direction from the point of observation or reckoning; proceeding toward the north, or coming from the north.
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South

To turn or move toward the south; to veer toward the south.
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North

To turn or move toward the north; to veer from the east or west toward the north.
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South

(astronomy) To come to the meridian; to cross the north and south line.
The moon souths at nine.
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North

Northward.
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South

That one of the four cardinal points directly opposite to the north; the region or direction to the right or direction to the right of a person who faces the east.
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North

The region of the United States lying north of the Mason-Dixon Line
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South

A country, region, or place situated farther to the south than another; the southern section of a country.
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North

The United States (especially the northern states during the American Civil War);
He has visited every state in the Union
Lee hoped to detach Maryland from the Union
The North's superior resources turned the scale
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023

South

Specifically: That part of the United States which is south of Mason and Dixon's line. See under Line.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023

North

The cardinal compass point that is at 0 or 360 degrees
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South

The wind from the south.
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North

Any region lying in or toward the north
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Oct 13, 2023

South

Lying toward the south; situated at the south, or in a southern direction from the point of observation or reckoning; proceeding toward the south, or coming from the south; blowing from the south; southern; as, the south pole.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023

North

The direction in which a compass needle points
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South

Toward the south; southward.
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North

British statesman under George III whose policies led to rebellion in the American colonies (1732-1792)
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South

From the south; as, the wind blows south.
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North

Situated in or facing or moving toward or coming from the north;
Artists like north light
The north portico
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South

To turn or move toward the south; to veer toward the south.
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North

In a northern direction;
They earn more up north
Let's go north!
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023

South

To come to the meridian; to cross the north and south line; - said chiefly of the moon; as, the moon souths at nine.
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Oct 13, 2023

North

Upper part or top of a map.
Her hometown was marked at the north of the map.
Sara Rehman
Oct 28, 2023

South

The region of the United States lying south of the Mason-Dixon Line
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023

North

Symbol of cold or frigid conditions.
The wind blew from the north, chilling the air.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 28, 2023

South

The southern states that seceded from the United States in 1861
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North

Often used to denote progress.
Their journey north signified new beginnings.
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Oct 28, 2023

South

The cardinal compass point that is at 180 degrees
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South

Any region lying in or toward the south
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South

Situated in or facing or moving toward or coming from the south;
The south entrance
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South

In a southern direction;
We moved south
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South

Lower part or bottom of a map.
The river flowed to the south of the city.
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South

Symbol of warmth or hot conditions.
The south wind brought a heatwave.
Sara Rehman
Oct 28, 2023

FAQs

What's generally true about the climate in the North?

It's traditionally colder.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2023

Where can you find the South Pole?

At the southernmost point of the Earth.
Sara Rehman
Nov 20, 2023

What is North?

A cardinal direction opposite of south.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2023

Is North important for navigation?

Yes, it's a key reference point.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 20, 2023

Where is the North Pole located?

At the northernmost point of the Earth.
Sara Rehman
Nov 20, 2023

How is South shown on maps?

Often as the bottom or lower part.
Sara Rehman
Nov 20, 2023

What does South often symbolize?

Warmth, relaxation, or sometimes decline.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2023

What role does South play in navigation?

It serves as an opposite point for orientation.
Sara Rehman
Nov 20, 2023

What does South represent?

A cardinal direction opposite of north.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2023

Is the South usually warmer?

Yes, typically associated with warmer climates.
Janet White
Nov 20, 2023

How is North depicted on maps?

Usually as the top or upper part.
Sara Rehman
Nov 20, 2023

What can North symbolize culturally?

Progress, advancement, or coldness.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 20, 2023

In global politics, what does the North represent?

Sometimes industrialized or developed nations.
Harlon Moss
Nov 20, 2023

Can North imply a direction of travel?

Yes, moving towards the North Pole.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2023

Does traveling South mean heading towards the South Pole?

Generally, yes.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2023

Are North and South used in navigation globally?

Yes, they are fundamental directional references.
Janet White
Nov 20, 2023

Does North have a symbolic meaning in literature?

Often represents harshness or challenges.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2023

What symbolic meaning can South have in literature?

It can symbolize escape or comfort.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2023

What does the South represent in global politics?

Often developing or tropical regions.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 20, 2023

Can North and South indicate cultural divisions?

In some contexts, they signify cultural or economic differences.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira Riaz
Sawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera Saeed
Sumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.

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