northeast
UK[ˌnɔːθˈiːst]US[ˌnɔːrθˈiːst]
n
the direction or point of the compass midway between north and east
adj
situated in, toward, or facing the northeast
adv
to, toward, or in the northeast
Morpheme Breakdown
north
east
north
north
east
east
Etymology
the word "northeast" is a transparent compound formed from two old english cardinal directions, "north" and "east." both terms have ancient proto-germanic origins, with "north" possibly linked to the notion of "left" (as north was to the left when facing the rising sun) and "east" derived from a root meaning "dawn." the compound logically denotes the intermediate direction between these two primary points, a concept consistently used in navigation and geography. its formation follows the common english pattern of combining directional roots to create precise locational terms, maintaining a direct and literal connection to its constituent meanings.
Analysis
Structure: north (north) + east (east)
north (old english, meaning "north"); east (old english, meaning "east")
Examples
the wind is coming from the northeast today.
they live in the northeast corner of the state.
the storm is moving northeast at 20 miles per hour.