South vs. Southern — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 26, 2024
South refers to a direction or a geographical area, while Southern describes something from, located in, or related to the South.
Difference Between South and Southern
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
South is a cardinal direction, one of the four main points of a compass, directly opposite North. It's used to describe the direction or location relative to other points. Whereas Southern is an adjective used to describe something that originates from, is located in, or is characteristic of the South. It's about qualities or features specific to the South.
South often refers to the southern part of countries, regions, or the globe, focusing on geographical and physical aspects. On the other hand, Southern emphasizes cultural, climatic, or other characteristic distinctions of the South, highlighting the unique attributes of southern regions.
While South is used in a more general and literal sense to indicate direction or location, Southern is more specific, imbuing a sense of identity, culture, or origin. For example, when talking about the Southern United States, there's an emphasis on its distinct cultural identity.
South can also signify the southern part of a specific area without any cultural or descriptive connotations, purely based on geography. Meanwhile, Southern often carries connotations of particular traits, such as cuisine, accent, or climate typical of southern regions.
In navigation or geography, South is a precise direction or location, essential for mapping and orientation. In contrast, Southern is not used for navigation but to describe characteristics, origins, or affiliations with the South, making it more subjective.
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Comparison Chart
Type
Cardinal direction or geographical area
Adjective describing relation to the South
Usage
General location or direction
Characteristics or origin related to the South
Connotations
Geographic, directional
Cultural, climatic, identity
Example Context
"The river flows to the South."
"The Southern cuisine is known for its spices."
Function
Navigation, orientation
Descriptive, identifying
Compare with Definitions
South
Global South.
Many countries in the Global South are experiencing rapid economic growth.
Southern
Located in the South.
The Southern hemisphere contains the majority of the Amazon rainforest.
South
Geographical Area.
The South of France is renowned for its lavender fields.
Southern
Characteristic of the South.
The Southern accent varies significantly across different states.
South
Part of a Country or Region.
The South has a warmer climate compared to the North.
Southern
Originating from the South.
Southern cuisine includes dishes like fried chicken and grits.
South
Compass Point.
Use your compass to find South before starting your hike.
Southern
Pertaining to the South.
Southern traditions often include community gatherings and celebrations.
South
Direction.
If you keep heading South, you'll reach the coast by noon.
Southern
Relating to the South.
Southern hospitality is famous worldwide for its warmth and generosity.
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.
Southern
Situated in, toward, or facing the south.
South
The direction along a meridian 90° clockwise from east; the direction to the right of sunrise.
Southern
Coming from the south
Southern breezes.
South
The cardinal point on the mariner's compass 180° clockwise from due north and directly opposite north.
Southern
Native to or growing in the south.
South
An area or region lying in the south.
Southern
Often Southern Of, relating to, or characteristic of southern regions or the South.
South
The southern part of the earth.
Southern
Being south of the equator.
South
The set of developing nations of the world, largely located to the south of the developed nations of the Northern Hemisphere.
Southern
Of, facing, situated in, or related to the south.
South
The southern part of a region or country.
Southern
Of or pertaining to a southern region, especially Southern Europe or the southern United States.
The southern climate.
South
South The southern part of the United States, especially the states that fought for the Confederacy in the Civil War.
Southern
Of a wind: blowing from the south; southerly.
South
The side of a church which is to the right as one faces the altar. Also called liturgical south.
Southern
Synonym of southerner
South
To, toward, of, facing, or in the south.
Southern
Of or pertaining to the south; situated in, or proceeding from, the south; situated or proceeding toward the south.
South
Originating in or coming from the south
A hot south wind.
Southern
A Southerner.
South
In, from, or toward the south.
Southern
In or characteristic of a region of the United States south of (approximately) the Mason-Dixon line;
Southern hospitality
Southern cooking
Southern plantations
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).
Southern
Situated in or oriented toward the south;
A southern exposure
Took a southerly course
South
One of the four principal compass points, specifically 180° (being directed towards the South Pole); conventionally downwards on a map.
Southern
Situated in or coming from regions of the south;
The southern hemisphere
Southern constellations
South
The southern region or area; the inhabitants thereof.
Southern
From the south; used especially of wind;
A hot south wind
Southern breezes
The winds are southerly
South
(ecclesiastical) In a church: the direction to the right-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.
South
(physics) The negative or south pole of a magnet
South
Toward the south; southward.
South
From the south.
South
Of or pertaining to the south; southern.
South
Pertaining to the part of a corridor used by southbound traffic.
South highway 1
South
(ecclesiastical) Designating, or situated in, the liturgical south.
South
Toward the south; southward.
South
Downward.
South
In an adverse direction or trend (go south).
South
(meteorology) Of wind, from the south.
South
To turn or move toward the south; to veer toward the south.
South
(astronomy) To come to the meridian; to cross the north and south line.
The moon souths at nine.
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.
South
A country, region, or place situated farther to the south than another; the southern section of a country.
South
Specifically: That part of the United States which is south of Mason and Dixon's line. See under Line.
South
The wind from the south.
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.
South
Toward the south; southward.
South
From the south; as, the wind blows south.
South
To turn or move toward the south; to veer toward the south.
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
Can 'Southern' refer to any part of the world?
Yes, it describes anything related to the South of any geographical location, not limited to a specific country or region.
How is the term 'South' used in navigation?
It's used as a cardinal direction, essential for orientation and mapping.
What defines the Southern part of a region?
It's the area located towards the geographical South of the region, often characterized by specific cultural or climatic features.
Is 'Southern' only used to describe geographical locations?
No, it also describes cultural, climatic, and other characteristics associated with the South.
Why is the distinction between 'South' and 'Southern' important?
It helps differentiate between geographical direction or location ('South') and cultural or characteristic descriptions ('Southern').
How do 'South' and 'Southern' differ in usage?
'South' refers to direction or location, while 'Southern' describes characteristics or origins related to the South.
Is the Southern United States the same as 'the South'?
Context matters; 'the South' can refer to the geographical area, while 'Southern' often implies cultural aspects.
What is the Global South?
It refers to countries primarily located in the Southern Hemisphere, often focusing on economic aspects.
What role does cuisine play in defining Southern culture?
Cuisine is a significant part of Southern identity, showcasing unique flavors and traditions.
Are Southern accents the same across various regions?
No, Southern accents can vary widely depending on the specific location within the South.
What makes Southern hospitality unique?
It's known for its warmth, generosity, and the importance of community and family gatherings.
Can something be Southern but not in the South?
Yes, if it embodies characteristics typical of the South but is located elsewhere.
How does climate differ between the South and Southern regions?
'South' doesn't specify climate, but 'Southern' regions often have climates characterized by their location.
Can 'Southern' have different meanings in different contexts?
Yes, its meaning can vary depending on the cultural, geographical, or climatic context it's used in.
Does 'South' always refer to the Southern Hemisphere?
Not always; it can refer to the southern part of any geographical area, including countries and regions.
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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.
