B1adjective2K

Southern

UK /["/ˈsʌðən/"]/US /["/ˈsʌðərn/"]/

Definition

located in the south or facing south; connected with or typical of the south part of the world or a region

In simple words: Related to the direction or area in the south.

Examples

  • the southern slopes of the mountains
  • southern Spain
  • a southern accent
  • the southern part of the region
  • She owns a guest house in the southern city of Seville.
  • southern French cuisine
  • the company's global expansion into the **southern hemisphere**

Usage notes

Use 'southern' when describing something from the area south of a reference point, often in the context of geography or culture. It's appropriate in formal descriptions, but can also be used informally in conversation.

Grammar pattern

adjective + noun

Memory hint

Think of the 'sun' as it shines brightest in the 'south' during summer.

Collocations

  • southern hemisphere
  • southern accent
  • southern cuisine
  • southern states
  • southern hospitality

Synonyms

  • southward
  • southerly
  • south
  • lower
  • downward

Antonyms

  • northern

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'southerly', which refers to direction rather than relating to a region.
  • 'Southern' used incorrectly as a noun instead of an adjective.