Are directions capitalized?

Question

...such as north, south, east, and west? I know it's lame, but I really can't remember.

Answer 1

yes..

Answer 2

If it is a part of a proper noun  - North America.

Answer 3

No. You use caps when you're referring to a specific area of the country, like down South.

Answer 4

Depending on what it's referring to. If it's just alone, then no. If it's with a pronoun then yes.

Answer 5

direction: go east, then south, etc. - no capital

particular section of the country: The deep South, Northeast Pennsylvania, Northwest Passage

Use as a direction - no

Use as a proper noun - yes