North vs. South — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 16, 2023
"North" refers to the cardinal direction that points towards the North Pole, traditionally seen as "up" on maps. "South" is the opposite cardinal direction, pointing towards the South Pole and traditionally considered "down" on maps.
Difference Between North and South
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Key Differences
"North" is one of the four cardinal directions and is typically represented at the top of maps. It points towards the North Pole and is used to orient oneself geographically. "South," conversely, is the cardinal direction that is directly opposite to North and points towards the South Pole. On maps, it is usually represented at the bottom.
In the context of geography, "North" often refers to regions located in the upper hemisphere of the Earth, closer to the North Pole. "South" pertains to regions situated in the lower hemisphere, closer to the South Pole. These terms can also refer to cultural, economic, or political divisions within countries or between countries.
"North" and "South" also carry cultural, economic, and social connotations. For example, in the United States, the terms are often used to describe the distinct histories, economies, and cultures of states above and below the Mason-Dixon line. The same goes for other countries where North and South have distinct characteristics, be they climatic, cultural, or economical.
From a grammatical standpoint, "North" and "South" function as nouns when they refer to the cardinal directions or specific regions. They can also act as adjectives to describe relative location, such as "north side" or "south entrance."
Comparison Chart
Cardinal Point
Points towards the North Pole
Points towards the South Pole
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Map Position
Traditionally top
Traditionally bottom
Hemisphere
Upper hemisphere
Lower hemisphere
Connotations
Varies by culture
Varies by culture
Grammatical Role
Noun and Adjective
Noun and Adjective
Compare with Definitions
North
Relating to countries in the northern hemisphere.
Canada is a North American country.
South
A cardinal direction pointing towards the South Pole.
She traveled South to enjoy the beaches.
North
North is one of the four compass points or cardinal directions. It is the opposite of south and is perpendicular to east and west.
South
The bottom or downward direction.
Head South on the highway.
North
The direction along a meridian 90° counterclockwise from east; the direction to the left of sunrise.
South
The lower half of the Earth.
Penguins are native to the South.
North
The cardinal point on the mariner's compass located at 0°.
South
A cultural or economic region.
The South of France is known for its wine.
North
An area or region lying in the north.
South
Relating to countries in the southern hemisphere.
Australia is a country in the South.
North
The northern part of the earth.
South
South is one of the cardinal directions or compass points. South is the opposite of north and is perpendicular to the east and west.
North
The northern part of a region or country.
South
The direction along a meridian 90° clockwise from east; the direction to the right of sunrise.
North
North The northern part of the United States, especially the states that fought for the Union in the Civil War.
South
The cardinal point on the mariner's compass 180° clockwise from due north and directly opposite north.
North
The side of a church which is to the left as one faces the altar. Also called liturgical north.
South
An area or region lying in the south.
North
To, toward, of, facing, or in the north.
South
The southern part of the earth.
North
Originating in or coming from the north
A cold north wind.
South
The set of developing nations of the world, largely located to the south of the developed nations of the Northern Hemisphere.
North
In, from, or toward the north.
South
The southern part of a region or country.
North
(Slang) Into a better condition, as of increased value
An investment that went steadily north until the market crash.
South
South The southern part of the United States, especially the states that fought for the Confederacy in the Civil War.
North
One of the four principal compass points, specifically 0° (being directed towards the North Pole); conventionally upwards on a map.
Minnesota is in the north of the USA.
South
The side of a church which is to the right as one faces the altar. Also called liturgical south.
North
The up or positive direction.
Stock prices are heading back towards the north.
South
To, toward, of, facing, or in the south.
North
(physics) The positive or north pole of a magnet, which seeks the magnetic pole near Earth's geographic North Pole (which, for its magnetic properties, is a south pole).
South
Originating in or coming from the south
A hot south wind.
North
(ecclesiastical) In a church: the direction to the left-hand side of a person facing the altar.
South
In, from, or toward the south.
North
Of or pertaining to the north; northern.
He lived in north Germany.
She entered through the north gate.
South
(Slang) Into a worse or inferior condition, as of decreased value
A stock that went south shortly after he bought it. "If a life could be redeemed in a moment, it could go south just as fast" (Roy Parvin).
North
Toward the north; northward.
South
One of the four principal compass points, specifically 180° (being directed towards the South Pole); conventionally downwards on a map.
North
(meteorology) Of wind, from the north.
The north wind was cold.
South
The southern region or area; the inhabitants thereof.
North
Pertaining to the part of a corridor used by northbound traffic.
North highway 1
South
(ecclesiastical) In a church: the direction to the right-hand side of a person facing the altar.
North
(ecclesiastical) Designating, or situated in, the liturgical north (in a church, the direction to the left-hand side of a person facing the altar).
South
(figurative) down or the negative direction
His fortunes have been going south ever since he was tricked into investing in that ostrich farm.
North
(colloquial) More or greater than.
The wedding ended up costing north of $50,000.
South
(physics) The negative or south pole of a magnet
North
Toward the north; northward; northerly.
Switzerland is north of Italy.
We headed north.
South
Toward the south; southward.
North
To turn or move toward the north.
South
From the south.
North
That one of the four cardinal points of the compass, at any place, which lies in the direction of the true meridian, and to the left hand of a person facing the east; the direction opposite to the south.
South
Of or pertaining to the south; southern.
North
Any country or region situated farther to the north than another; the northern section of a country.
South
Pertaining to the part of a corridor used by southbound traffic.
South highway 1
North
Specifically: That part of the United States lying north of Mason and Dixon's line. See under Line.
South
(ecclesiastical) Designating, or situated in, the liturgical south.
North
Lying toward the north; situated at the north, or in a northern direction from the point of observation or reckoning; proceeding toward the north, or coming from the north.
South
Toward the south; southward.
North
To turn or move toward the north; to veer from the east or west toward the north.
South
Downward.
North
Northward.
South
In an adverse direction or trend (go south).
North
The region of the United States lying north of the Mason-Dixon Line
South
(meteorology) Of wind, from the south.
North
The United States (especially the northern states during the American Civil War);
He has visited every state in the Union
Lee hoped to detach Maryland from the Union
The North's superior resources turned the scale
South
To turn or move toward the south; to veer toward the south.
North
The cardinal compass point that is at 0 or 360 degrees
South
(astronomy) To come to the meridian; to cross the north and south line.
The moon souths at nine.
North
Any region lying in or toward the north
South
That one of the four cardinal points directly opposite to the north; the region or direction to the right or direction to the right of a person who faces the east.
North
The direction in which a compass needle points
South
A country, region, or place situated farther to the south than another; the southern section of a country.
North
British statesman under George III whose policies led to rebellion in the American colonies (1732-1792)
South
Specifically: That part of the United States which is south of Mason and Dixon's line. See under Line.
North
Situated in or facing or moving toward or coming from the north;
Artists like north light
The north portico
South
The wind from the south.
North
In a northern direction;
They earn more up north
Let's go north!
South
Lying toward the south; situated at the south, or in a southern direction from the point of observation or reckoning; proceeding toward the south, or coming from the south; blowing from the south; southern; as, the south pole.
North
A cardinal direction pointing towards the North Pole.
He sailed North to explore Arctic regions.
South
Toward the south; southward.
North
The upper half of the Earth.
The North experiences colder temperatures.
South
From the south; as, the wind blows south.
North
A cultural or economic region.
The North of England has a rich industrial history.
South
To turn or move toward the south; to veer toward the south.
North
The top or upward direction.
Turn North at the next intersection.
South
To come to the meridian; to cross the north and south line; - said chiefly of the moon; as, the moon souths at nine.
South
The region of the United States lying south of the Mason-Dixon Line
South
The southern states that seceded from the United States in 1861
South
The cardinal compass point that is at 180 degrees
South
Any region lying in or toward the south
South
Situated in or facing or moving toward or coming from the south;
The south entrance
South
In a southern direction;
We moved south
Common Curiosities
How is North represented on a map?
North is traditionally represented at the top of a map.
What is South?
South is the cardinal direction pointing towards the South Pole.
What is North?
North is the cardinal direction pointing towards the North Pole.
What hemisphere is the North located in?
North refers to the upper hemisphere of the Earth.
What hemisphere is the South located in?
South refers to the lower hemisphere of the Earth.
Can North and South be used metaphorically?
Yes, the terms can be used metaphorically to describe opposing sides or viewpoints.
Can North and South function as adjectives?
Yes, both words can function as adjectives to describe relative locations.
What does the term "South" imply in the U.S.?
In the U.S., "South" often refers to states that were part of the Confederacy and may imply certain cultural or historical traits.
How is South represented on a map?
South is traditionally represented at the bottom of a map.
Is the climate the same in the North and South?
Generally, the North has colder climates, while the South has warmer climates.
Do North and South have cultural meanings?
Yes, in various cultures and contexts, North and South can have different social, economic, and cultural connotations.
What does the term "North" imply in the U.S.?
In the U.S., "North" often refers to states that were part of the Union during the Civil War and may imply certain cultural or economic characteristics.
Is there a symbol for North and South?
Yes, a compass rose commonly represents North with an "N" and South with an "S."
Are the terms North and South case-sensitive?
When used as proper nouns, they are capitalized; otherwise, they are written in lowercase.
What's an example of North and South in a sentence?
"The North Star is a reliable navigation aid, especially when traveling south."
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
