What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
westerly
Example
The westerly wind brought cooler temperatures to the region. [westerly: adjective]
Example
We need to head in a westerly direction to reach the mountains. [westerly: adverb]
Example
The storm is moving in a westerly direction towards the coast. [westerly: adjective]
western
Example
I grew up in a small town in the western part of Texas. [western: adjective]
Example
The restaurant serves a variety of dishes with a western flair. [western: adjective]
Example
My favorite movie genre is westerns, especially those starring John Wayne. [westerns: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Western is a more common word than westerly in everyday language. Western has a broader range of meanings and is used in various contexts, while westerly is more limited in scope and is primarily used in technical or weather-related contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between westerly and western?
Both westerly and western can be used in formal or informal contexts, but westerly may be more commonly used in technical or scientific writing, while western may be more commonly used in cultural or artistic contexts.