Directions

Yes, "West" is indeed a relative term. Its meaning depends heavily on the context in which it's used:

• Directional West: In the most basic sense, west refers to a cardinal direction, opposite of east. This is an absolute direction based on the Earth's rotation and is not relative.
• Relative to a Location: West can be relative when describing the location of something in relation to another. For example, "the store is west of the park."
• Geopolitical "West": The term "West" often refers to a cultural, economic, and political entity. Historically, it has been associated with Europe and its former colonies, particularly in North America and Australia. However, this definition is fluid and can change depending on the historical and political context.