Southwest vs. West: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on October 2, 2023
"Southwest" refers to the cardinal direction that is midway between south and west, while "West" is a cardinal direction pointing directly opposite to east. Southwest is a more specific direction compared to West.
Key Differences
"Southwest" and "West" are both terms that define cardinal directions, but they are not synonymous and should not be used interchangeably. Southwest is the direction that lies exactly midway between the cardinal directions of south and west. It is one of the four intercardinal or ordinal directions.
In contrast, "West" is one of the four cardinal directions, opposite to east and at a right angle to north and south. West is often referred to in terms of the setting sun, which sets in the general westerly direction. "Southwest," being a blend of south and west, is often associated with both the traits of southern and western directions, such as the warmer and wetter conditions you might find in a southwestern region.
From a grammatical perspective, both "Southwest" and "West" are nouns when referring to directions. They can also be used as adjectives to describe the location or characteristics of a particular area. For example, the "Southwestern cuisine" or the "Western movies."
In terms of specificity, "West" is more general, while "Southwest" is more specific. The choice between the two depends on the level of accuracy needed in describing a direction or location. If you want to be more precise, you would opt for "Southwest" over "West."
Comparison Chart
Cardinality
Intercardinal direction
Cardinal direction
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Specificity
More specific
More general
Grammatical Role
Noun, can be an adjective
Noun, can be an adjective
Orientation
Between South and West
Directly opposite to East
Example Usage
"Southwestern cuisine"
"Western movies"
Southwest and West Definitions
Southwest
A direction midway between south and west.
He headed Southwest towards Arizona.
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West
A term to describe western countries or western parts of a country.
The West has a different culture than the East.
Southwest
Describes climate or features characteristic of the southwestern regions.
The Southwest is known for its arid climate.
West
A cultural concept often linked with certain ideologies or lifestyles.
Western democracy is different from Eastern forms.
Southwest
A cultural region often associated with southwestern states in the U.S.
Southwestern cuisine is popular in the Southwest.
West
The cardinal point on the mariner's compass 270° clockwise from due north and directly opposite east.
Southwest
An area located in the southwestern part of a region.
The Southwest has a distinct culture.
West
The direction opposite to the direction of the earth's axial rotation.
Southwest
Abbr. SW The direction or point on the mariner's compass halfway between due south and due west, or 135° west of due north.
West
An area or region lying in the west.
Southwest
An area or region lying in the southwest.
West
The western part of the earth, especially Europe and the Western Hemisphere.
Southwest
Southwest A region of the southwest United States generally including New Mexico, Arizona, Texas, California, and Nevada and sometimes Utah and Colorado.
West
The western part of a region or country.
Southwest
To, toward, of, facing, or in the southwest.
West
A historical region of the United States west of the Allegheny Mountains.
Southwest
Originating in or coming from the southwest
A southwest wind.
West
The region of the United States west of the Mississippi River.
Southwest
In, from, or toward the southwest.
West
The United States, Canada, and the noncommunist countries of Europe, especially during the Cold War.
Southwest
The intercardinal compass point halfway between south and west; specifically at a bearing of 225°.
West
The nations of North America and Europe with developed capitalist economies, especially in contrast to less-developed nations.
Southwest
Of, in or pertaining to the southwest; southwestern.
West
The end of a church opposite the altar. Also called liturgical west.
Southwest
Situated toward or in the direction of the southwest; southwestward; southwesterly.
A southwest course.
West
To, toward, of, facing, or in the west.
Southwest
Coming from the southwest; southwesterly.
A southwest wind.
West
Originating in or coming from the west
A gentle west wind.
Southwest
Towards or in the direction of the southwest; southwestwards.
We are travelling southwest at the moment.
West
In, from, or toward the west.
Southwest
The point of the compass equally from the south and the west; the southwest part or region.
West
One of the four principal compass points, specifically 270°, conventionally directed to the left on maps; the direction of the setting sun at an equinox.
We used to live in the west of the country.
Portugal lies to the west of Spain.
Southwest
Pertaining to, or in the direction of, the southwest; proceeding toward the southwest; coming from the southwest; as, a southwest wind.
West
The western region or area; the inhabitants thereof.
Southwest
The compass point midway between south and west; at 225 degrees
West
(ecclesiastical) In a church: the direction of the gallery, opposite to the altar, and opposite to the direction faced by the priest when celebrating ad orientem.
Southwest
The southwestern region of the United States
West
Situated or lying in or toward the west; westward.
Southwest
Coming from the southwest;
The winds are southwesterly
West
(meteorology) Of wind: from the west.
Southwest
Situated in or oriented toward the southwest
West
Of or pertaining to the west; western.
Southwest
To, toward, or in the southwest
West
From the West; occidental.
Southwest
A specific point on a compass between south and west.
The wind blew from the Southwest.
West
(ecclesiastial) Designating, or situated in, the liturgical west, that part of a church which is opposite to, and farthest from, the part containing the chancel.
West
Towards the west; westwards.
West
To move to the west; (of the sun) to set.
West
The point in the heavens where the sun is seen to set at the equinox; or, the corresponding point on the earth; that one of the four cardinal points of the compass which is in a direction at right angles to that of north and south, and on the left hand of a person facing north; the point directly opposite to east.
And fresh from the west is the free wind's breath.
West
A country, or region of country, which, with regard to some other country or region, is situated in the direction toward the west.
West
The Westen hemisphere, or the New World so called, it having been discovered by sailing westward from Europe; the Occident.
West
Lying toward the west; situated at the west, or in a western direction from the point of observation or reckoning; proceeding toward the west, or coming from the west; as, a west course is one toward the west; an east and west line; a west wind blows from the west.
This shall be your west border.
West
Designating, or situated in, that part of a church which is opposite to, and farthest from, the east, or the part containing the chancel and choir.
West
Westward.
West
To pass to the west; to set, as the sun.
West
To turn or move toward the west; to veer from the north or south toward the west.
West
The countries of (originally) Europe and (now including) North and South America
West
The cardinal compass point that is a 270 degrees
West
The region of the United States lying to the west of the Mississippi River
West
British writer (born in Ireland) (1892-1983)
West
United States film actress (1892-1980)
West
English painter (born in America) who became the second president of the Royal Academy (1738-1820)
West
Situated in or facing or moving toward the west
West
To, toward, or in the west;
We moved west to Arizona
West
One of the four cardinal directions opposite to east.
The sun sets in the West.
West
Refers to the left-hand side when facing north.
Keep heading West until you reach the ocean.
West
A point on the compass indicating a westerly direction.
The needle on the compass pointed West.
FAQs
What does Southwest mean?
Southwest is a direction midway between south and west.
What does West mean?
West is one of the four cardinal directions, opposite to east.
Is West a cardinal direction?
Yes, it's one of the four cardinal directions.
Can Southwest and West be adjectives?
Yes, both can be used as adjectives.
Are Southwest and West the same?
No, Southwest is more specific and lies between south and west.
Do Southwest and West have cultural implications?
Yes, both can refer to specific regions or cultural aspects.
Can Southwest and West be used in weather forecasts?
Yes, they are commonly used to describe wind directions.
Is Southwest a cardinal direction?
No, it's an intercardinal direction.
What’s more specific, Southwest or West?
Southwest is more specific than West.
Are Southwest and West used in navigation?
Yes, both are used in compass navigation.
Is West American terminology?
No, it’s a universally understood term in English.
Can Southwest refer to a region?
Yes, it often refers to the southwestern part of a country or region.
Can West refer to a cultural concept?
Yes, it can refer to ideologies or lifestyles associated with western regions.
Do Southwest and West have antonyms?
Yes, the antonym for Southwest is Northeast, and for West, it's East.
Is Southwest American terminology?
No, it’s universally understood in English.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
