B1adjective2K

Western

UK /["/ˈwestən/"]/US /["/ˈwestərn/"]/

Definition

located in the west or facing west

In simple words: related to the West or countries in the West

Examples

  • western Spain
  • Western Europe
  • the western slopes of the mountain
  • all over the western hemisphere
  • Economic growth in China's western regions
  • Western art
  • the **Western world**

Usage notes

Use 'western' when discussing geographic locations, cultural aspects, or styles associated with Western countries. Avoid using it in contexts that are strictly nongeographic, as it may cause confusion.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think of the 'West' as a direction on a map, like 'where the sun sets'.

Collocations

  • western culture
  • western values
  • western medicine

Synonyms

  • occidental
  • American
  • European

Antonyms

  • eastern

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'westerly', which refers specifically to direction.
  • Used incorrectly as a noun (it is primarily an adjective).