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.

Sawaira Riaz
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
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
ADVERTISEMENT
North and South Definitions
South
Cardinal direction opposite of north.
The birds migrated south for the winter.

Janet White
Oct 28, 2023
North
The direction along a meridian 90° counterclockwise from east; the direction to the left of sunrise.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
South
Can imply relaxation or leisure.
They headed south for a relaxing vacation.

Harlon Moss
Oct 28, 2023
South
The direction along a meridian 90° clockwise from east; the direction to the right of sunrise.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
South
The cardinal point on the mariner's compass 180° clockwise from due north and directly opposite north.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
North
North The northern part of the United States, especially the states that fought for the Union in the Civil War.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
South
The set of developing nations of the world, largely located to the south of the developed nations of the Northern Hemisphere.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
North
The side of a church which is to the left as one faces the altar. Also called liturgical north.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
South
South The southern part of the United States, especially the states that fought for the Confederacy in the Civil War.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
South
The side of a church which is to the right as one faces the altar. Also called liturgical south.

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

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
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.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
North
The up or positive direction.
Stock prices are heading back towards the north.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
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).

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
South
One of the four principal compass points, specifically 180° (being directed towards the South Pole); conventionally downwards on a map.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
North
(ecclesiastical) In a church: the direction to the left-hand side of a person facing the altar.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
South
(ecclesiastical) In a church: the direction to the right-hand side of a person facing the altar.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
North
Of or pertaining to the north; northern.
He lived in north Germany.
She entered through the north gate.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
South
(figurative) down or the negative direction
His fortunes have been going south ever since he was tricked into investing in that ostrich farm.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
North
Pertaining to the part of a corridor used by northbound traffic.
North highway 1

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
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).

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
North
(colloquial) More or greater than.
The wedding ended up costing north of $50,000.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
South
Pertaining to the part of a corridor used by southbound traffic.
South highway 1

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
North
Toward the north; northward; northerly.
Switzerland is north of Italy.
We headed north.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
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.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
North
Any country or region situated farther to the north than another; the northern section of a country.

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

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
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.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
North
To turn or move toward the north; to veer from the east or west toward the north.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
South
(astronomy) To come to the meridian; to cross the north and south line.
The moon souths at nine.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
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.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
South
A country, region, or place situated farther to the south than another; the southern section of a country.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
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
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
British statesman under George III whose policies led to rebellion in the American colonies (1732-1792)

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
North
Situated in or facing or moving toward or coming from the north;
Artists like north light
The north portico

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.

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

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

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 28, 2023
South
Situated in or facing or moving toward or coming from the south;
The south entrance

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
South
Lower part or bottom of a map.
The river flowed to the south of the city.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 28, 2023
FAQs
What's generally true about the climate in the North?
It's traditionally colder.

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
In global politics, what does the North represent?
Sometimes industrialized or developed nations.

Harlon Moss
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 RiazSawaira 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 SaeedSumera 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.
