east
UK: iːst | US: iːst
n. the direction where the sun rises; one of the four cardinal points of the compass
adj. situated in or facing the east
adv. toward or in the east
The word "east" traces back to Old English ēast, derived from Proto-Germanic austrą ("east, dawn"), which in turn comes from Proto-Indo-European h₂ews- ("dawn, east"). This root reflects the ancient association of the east with the rising sun. Cognates include Latin aurora ("dawn") and Greek ēōs ("dawn"). Over time, the term retained its directional meaning while losing its explicit connection to dawn in everyday usage.
The sun rises in the east every morning.
They traveled east to reach the coastal city.
The east side of the building gets the morning light.
Trade winds blow from the east in this region.
Ancient cultures often associated the east with renewal and beginnings.