Cardinal Directions
/ˈkɑːr.dɪ.nəl dɪˈrɛk.ʃənz/noun
The four primary points of orientation: north, east, south, and west.
Did you know?The word cardinal comes from Latin cardo, “hinge” or “pivot,” because cardinal points were understood as the principal points around which orientation turns.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*derǵ-
“To hold or set straight; an ancestral root connected with the idea of directing.”
Ancient Latin
Latin
cardo
“A hinge, pivot, or main axis.”
Ancient Latin
Latin
cardinalis
“Principal or essential; literally associated with a hinge or pivot.”
Late Latin
Latin
dīrigere
“To guide, align, or set straight; the source of English direction.”
14th Century
Middle English
cardinal
“Principal or fundamental; later applied to the chief points of the compass.”
16th Century
English
cardinal points
“The four principal compass points: north, east, south, and west.”
Modern English
English
cardinal directions
“The standard four-way system used for geographic orientation.”