Commentary: One of the four cardinal directions. Does not refer to a place. Most common usage.
Examples:
I started walking to the east, knowing that I'd reach New York eventually.
There's a storm coming from the east.
The meteor landed somewhere to the east of here.
Children learn the cardinal directions-- north, south, east, and west-- in school.
Mappings:
WordNet 2.0 Sense Numbers:
1
Commentary: Any place that lies to the east, when not referring specifically to Asia. Usually the eastern United States, if the speaker is from the United States.
Examples:
People from the east are so stuck-up and arrogant!
The east is full of trees and rocks.
Mappings:
WordNet 2.0 Sense Numbers:
3
Commentary: The Orient, or the countries of Asia, in a general sense. Usually capitalized.
Examples:
When Marco Polo returned to Europe, he brought some treasures from the East.
The Cold War pitted the East against the West.
Europeans view the East as a mysterious place of sensuality and danger.
Mappings:
WordNet 2.0 Sense Numbers:
2