A1 noun Neutral #4,682 most common

north

/nɔːrθ/

The direction that is straight ahead when you are looking at the North Pole. It is one of the four main points of the compass and is usually located at the top of a map.

Examples

3 of 5
1

The birds fly north for the summer season.

The birds travel toward the top part of the world for the summer.

2

The proposed trade route extends further to the north.

The suggested path for buying and selling goes more toward the northern direction.

3

I'm heading north this weekend to visit my parents.

I am going to the northern area this weekend to see my family.

Word Family

Noun
north
Adverb
northward
Adjective
northern
Related
northerner
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Memory Tip

Remember that on a standard map, North is 'Next to the top' and starts with N.

Quick Quiz

If you want to see the snow, you should travel further ______.

Correct!

The correct answer is: north

Examples

1

The birds fly north for the summer season.

everyday

The birds travel toward the top part of the world for the summer.

2

The proposed trade route extends further to the north.

formal

The suggested path for buying and selling goes more toward the northern direction.

3

I'm heading north this weekend to visit my parents.

informal

I am going to the northern area this weekend to see my family.

4

The geographic north is distinct from the magnetic north pole.

academic

The real top point of the Earth is different from where a compass points.

5

Our sales team is targeting the north territory next quarter.

business

Our sellers want to work in the northern region in the next three months.

Word Family

Noun
north
Adverb
northward
Adjective
northern
Related
northerner

Common Collocations

the North Pole the most northern point of the Earth
due north exactly in the direction of north
north star a bright star used to find the northern direction
true north the direction of the Earth's axis
north wind a wind blowing from the north

Common Phrases

up north

in or towards the northern part of a country

the Great North

a term used for large northern wilderness areas

head north

to start traveling in a northern direction

Often Confused With

north vs northern

'North' is usually a noun or adverb, while 'northern' is the adjective form used to describe things.

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Usage Notes

When referring to a specific region, 'north' is often capitalized (e.g., the North of England). It can function as a noun, adjective, or adverb.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often forget to use 'the' when referring to the direction as a noun, such as saying 'in north' instead of 'in the north'.

💡

Memory Tip

Remember that on a standard map, North is 'Next to the top' and starts with N.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Old English 'north', which has Proto-Germanic roots meaning 'under' or 'to the left' (referring to the sun's position).

Grammar Patterns

Used with the definite article: the north Can be used as an adverb: to travel north Can be used as an adjective: the north coast
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Cultural Context

In many countries, 'the North' carries specific cultural and economic connotations, such as the industrial North of England or the Northern United States.

Quick Quiz

If you want to see the snow, you should travel further ______.

Correct!

The correct answer is: north

More Travel words

train

A1

A train is a connected series of vehicles that move along metal tracks to carry people or goods from one place to another. It usually consists of an engine and several carriages or wagons.

taxi

A1

A car with a driver that you pay to take you exactly where you want to go. It usually has a sign on top and a meter inside to calculate the cost of the trip.

subway

A1

A subway is an underground electric railway system used for transporting passengers in a city. It provides a fast way to travel long distances while avoiding street-level traffic.

bicycle

A1

A vehicle with two wheels that you sit on and move by pushing pedals with your feet. It is a popular form of transportation for short distances and a common way to exercise.

motorcycle

A1

A motorcycle is a vehicle with two wheels that is powered by an engine. It is used for fast travel and usually carries one or two people.

backpack

A1

A bag with shoulder straps that allows you to carry items on your back, leaving your hands free. It is commonly used by students for school or by travelers and hikers to carry their belongings.

map

A1

A map is a visual representation or drawing of an area, such as a city, country, or the entire world. It shows physical features like roads, rivers, and landmarks to help people find locations or navigate from one place to another.

passenger

A1

A passenger is a person who travels in a vehicle, such as a car, bus, train, or airplane, but is not driving it or working on it. They usually pay a fare or have a ticket to travel from one place to another.

hostel

A1

A budget-friendly type of accommodation where guests usually rent a bed in a shared room (dormitory) and share common facilities like a kitchen or lounge. It is popular among students, backpackers, and young travelers looking for an affordable way to stay in a city.

reservation

A1

A reservation is an arrangement you make in advance to keep a seat, a table, or a room for yourself. It ensures that you have a place when you arrive at a hotel, restaurant, or on a train.

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