northern
gb/nˈɔɹðɚn/ us/nˈɔɹðɚn/
A2
English
~ 2000
Senses
0 senses
adjective
A2
property
1
Situated in the north
In or from the north part of a place or area.
Usage pattern:
[northern] [region/city/country]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'northern' (adjective) with 'north' (noun/adverb). 'Northern' describes a place, while 'north' can name a direction or location.
Synonyms
northerly (More technical or formal; often used for direction or wind.)
Antonyms
southern (Refers to being located in or facing the south, opposite of northern.)
Collocations
northern hemisphere
|northern region
|northern border
|northern climate
|northern city
Themes
geography
|travel
|space
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The northern coast is known for its rugged beauty.
- Northern cities often experience colder winters.
- They traveled to the northern region of the country for their holiday.
- The northern border is heavily guarded.
- Northern winds bring cooler temperatures in summer.
Learner examples
- I live in the northern part of the country.
- The northern city is very cold in winter.
- We drove to the northern coast.
- The northern border is far from here.
- Northern lights can be seen in Alaska.
adjective
B1
property
2
Relating to northern culture or politics
About the culture, people, or politics of the north part of a place.
Usage pattern:
[northern] [customs/dialect/politics]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse physical location meaning with cultural meaning; context usually makes it clear.
Synonyms
north-country (Informal and region-specific; often used in the UK context.)
Antonyms
southern (Refers to cultural or political aspects of the south, opposite of northern.)
Collocations
northern accent
|northern customs
|northern tradition
|northern politics
Themes
culture
|society
|politics
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She speaks with a strong northern accent.
- Northern traditions differ greatly from those in the south.
- The party gained support in northern towns.
- Northern cuisine is known for hearty dishes.
Learner examples
- He has a northern accent.
- Northern food is different from southern food.
- They study northern history at school.
- She likes northern music.
Grammar
Dictionary form
northern
IPA
GB/nˈɔɹðɚn/
US/nˈɔɹðɚn/
Syllables & stress
north - ern (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (north)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: northern
- Comparative: northerner
- Superlative: northernest
Word family
Expressions
Northern Lights
1/nˈɔɹðɚn lˈaɪts/
fixed phrase
Aurora in the north sky
Bright colors in the night sky near the North Pole, caused by particles from the Sun.
Examples
- We traveled to Norway to see the Northern Lights.
- The Northern Lights were visible last night due to strong solar activity.
Northern Hemisphere
1/nˈɔɹðɚn hˈɛmɪsfˌɪɹ/
fixed phrase
Half of Earth north of equator
The half of Earth that is north of the equator.
Examples
- Most of Europe lies in the Northern Hemisphere.
- Most people in the Northern Hemisphere experience winter in December and January.
- Seasons are opposite in the Northern Hemisphere and Southern Hemisphere.
- The Northern Hemisphere includes countries like Canada, Germany, and Japan.
- Days are longer in the Northern Hemisphere during its summer months.