Direction vocabulary list with definitions

Direction vocabulary list with definitions

Feeling directionally challenged? Don’t worry, even the most seasoned explorers can get turned around sometimes. But fear not, intrepid adventurer! This blog will equip you with the essential direction vocabulary to navigate any situation, from following a map to giving clear instructions.

Direction: Direction is defined as the path that something takes, the path that must be taken to reach a specific place, the way in which something is starting to develop or the way you are facing.

List of Direction vocabulary

Direction vocabulary with definition and meaning

Above

• Meaning: At a higher level or layer.
• Example: The airplane flew above the clouds.

Back

• Meaning: The rear part of something.
• Example: The garden is at the back of the house.

Below

• Meaning: At a lower level or layer.
• Example: The basement is below the ground floor.

Corner

• Meaning: The point or area where two lines, edges, or sides meet.
• Example: She waited for him at the corner of the street.

East

• Meaning: The direction toward which the sun rises.
• Example: The sun rises in the east.

Front

• Meaning: The forward part or surface.
• Example: He stood at the front of the line.

Inside

• Meaning: The inner side or part.
• Example: They stayed inside the house during the storm.

Northeast

• Meaning: The direction between north and east.
• Example: The city is located in the northeast of the country.

Northwest

• Meaning: The direction between north and west.
• Example: The wind is blowing from the northwest.

Side

• Meaning: A position to the left or right of an object.
• Example: He stood by her side.

South

• Meaning: The direction toward the bottom of a map.
• Example: They traveled south for the winter.

Southeast

• Meaning: The direction between south and east.
• Example: The storm is moving southeast.

Southwest

• Meaning: The direction between south and west.
• Example: The region is located in the southwest of the country.

Under

• Meaning: Below or beneath something.
• Example: The cat hid under the table.

West

• Meaning: The direction toward which the sun sets.
• Example: The sun sets in the west.

North

• Meaning: The direction toward the top of a map.
• Example: The compass points north.

Up

• Meaning: Toward a higher place or position.
• Example: She climbed up the hill.

Down

• Meaning: Toward a lower place or position.
• Example: The ball rolled down the slope.

Left

• Meaning: The side of the human body or object to the west when facing north.
• Example: Turn left at the next intersection.

Right

• Meaning: The side of the human body or object to the east when facing north.
• Example: Take a right turn after the bridge.

Forward

• Meaning: Toward the front; in the direction one is facing or traveling.
• Example: Move forward to the next slide.

Backward

• Meaning: Toward the rear; in the direction behind one.
• Example: She took a step backward.

Ahead

• Meaning: In front or forward.
• Example: The road ahead is clear.

Behind

• Meaning: At or toward the rear of something.
• Example: The dog followed behind its owner.

In front of

• Meaning: At the forward part or surface.
• Example: He parked the car in front of the house.

Next to

• Meaning: Adjacent to; beside.
• Example: She sat next to her friend.

Beside

• Meaning: At the side of; next to.
• Example: The lamp is beside the bed.

Near

• Meaning: Close to.
• Example: The school is near the park.

Far

• Meaning: At a great distance.
• Example: The mountain is far away.

Across

• Meaning: From one side to the other.
• Example: She walked across the street.

Opposite

• Meaning: Situated on the other side.
• Example: They sat opposite each other.

Along

• Meaning: In a line matching the length or direction of.
• Example: They walked along the river.

Around

• Meaning: Situated or moving in a circle.
• Example: They sat around the table.

Through

• Meaning: Moving in one side and out of the other.
• Example: The tunnel goes through the mountain.

Over

• Meaning: Extending directly upward from.
• Example: The bridge goes over the river.

Outside

• Meaning: Situated or moving beyond the limits of.
• Example: The children are playing outside.

Between

• Meaning: At, into, or across the space separating.
• Example: The keys are between the books.

Center

• Meaning: The middle point of a circle or sphere, equidistant from every point on the circumference or surface.
• Example: The fountain is in the center of the park.

Midway

• Meaning: In the middle of something.
• Example: The train station is midway between the two cities.

Adjacent

• Meaning: Next to or adjoining something else.
• Example: The bakery is adjacent to the bookstore.

Diagonal

• Meaning: A straight line joining two opposite corners of a square, rectangle, or other straight-sided shape.
• Example: Draw a diagonal line from corner to corner.

Horizontal

• Meaning: Parallel to the plane of the horizon; at right angles to the vertical.
• Example: The horizon appears as a horizontal line.

Vertical

• Meaning: At right angles to a horizontal plane.
• Example: The poles are vertical to the ground.

When giving directions, using a combination of cardinal directions, relative directions, and distances will ensure clear communication. For example, “Walk straight for 100 meters, then turn left at the bookstore.”

So, put your newfound direction vocabulary to the test! Explore your surroundings, create a treasure hunt for friends using these terms, or simply feel confident knowing you can navigate any situation with ease.

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