adjective
northern
NOR-thurn/ˈnɔːrðərn/
Located in or characteristic of the north.
The globe's northern half lies above the equator.
Etymology
The directional suffix turns north into a description of location or association. The Old English adjective already covered both being in the north and belonging to northern peoples or regions.
In context
all continents countries and oceans found above the equator are considered to be in the northern hemisphere and continents countries and oceans located below the equator are considered to be in the southern hemisphere
More examples
- The playground is at the northern end of the park.
- Her northern accent stands out in this Southern town.
- These trees grow well in northern climates.
Forms
northern
northerner noun — A person from a northern region.
Similar words
- northerly
- Often describes direction or exposure rather than regional identity.
- north
- As an adjective, typically identifies a side, end, or boundary.