West

West

A compass rose showing the direction West

West is one of the four cardinal directions or points of the compass. It is the opposite of east and is perpendicular to north and south.

In the context of geography, west is the direction towards which the Earth rotates about its axis, and it is the direction in which the sun sets. In the Western Hemisphere, west is often associated with the Western world, which includes countries in Europe and the Americas.

Etymology

The word "west" derives from the Proto-Indo-European root *wes-, meaning "to go down," which is also the root of the word "evening." This reflects the fact that the sun sets in the west.

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, west is associated with the end of the day and is often symbolically linked to death or the afterlife. In Western culture, the west is often seen as a place of exploration and expansion, as exemplified by the American West during the period of westward expansion.

Navigation

In navigation, west is used as a reference point for determining direction. On a standard compass, west is at 270 degrees. Navigators use the cardinal directions, including west, to chart courses and determine bearings.

Astronomy

In astronomy, west is the direction in which celestial objects appear to move across the sky due to the rotation of the Earth. This apparent motion is called "diurnal motion." The sun, moon, and stars all rise in the east and set in the west.

Related Pages

• East
• North
• South
• Compass
• Western Hemisphere