counter in English
- counter⇄adj. opposite; contrary.
Ex. Your plans are counter to ours. - counter⇄adv. 1. in the opposite direction; in the reverse direction.
2. opposed; contrary.
Ex. He acted counter to his promise. That wild idea runs counter to common sense. - counter⇄counter (1), noun.
1a. a long table in a store, restaurant, or bank on which money is counted out, or across which goods, food, or drinks are given to customers.
b. a banker's or money-changer's table.
c. any similar long, narrow surfa - counter⇄counter (2), noun.
1. a person who counts.
2. a thing that counts, such as an apparatus for keeping count of revolutions or strokes of a piston. - counter⇄counter (3), adverb, adjective, verb, noun.
- counter⇄expr. over the counter, through a broker's office instead of a regular exchange.
Ex. This includes some stock distributed through trading on exchanges, but the total is made up largely of stock distributed over the counter in companies ""going publ - counter⇄expr. under the counter, in an underhanded manner; without authorization; clandestinely.
Ex. The Metropolitan Opera House was crammed with people eager to shed $50 at the box office or $100 under the counter (Manchester Guardian Weekly). - counter⇄noun 1. that which is opposite or contrary to something else.
Ex. The counter to Communism was to show that there was a better way of life for people under a free democracy (London Times).
2. in boxing:
a. a blow given while receiving - counter⇄v.i. 1. to make a move or take a stand against some person, action, etc., especially by making an opposing statement.
Ex. In the debate the other team countered very weakly with a poorly prepared argument.
2. to give a blow in boxing while r - counter⇄v.t. 1. to oppose; go or act counter to.
Ex. She did not like our plan; so she countered it with one of her own.
(SYN) contradict.
2. to meet or answer (a move, blow, proposal, statement, or challenge) by another in return.
Ex.
counter in Kashmiri कॉशुर
counter in Sanskrit संस्कृतम्
Counter
Part of Speech
Noun, Verb
Pronunciation
/ˈkaʊn.tər/
Definitions
- Noun: A person or thing that counts or keeps track of something (e.g., a counter in a store).
- Noun: A flat surface on which things are placed for processing or display (e.g., kitchen counter, checkout counter).
- Noun: A device used to count or record something, such as an odometer or a tally counter.
- Verb: To oppose or act against something (e.g., to counter an argument).
- Verb: To respond to or react to an action, usually in a strategic or competitive way.
Usage Examples
- The cashier stood behind the counter, ready to assist customers.
- He used a counter to track the number of visitors to the website.
- She countered the proposal with a more efficient solution.
- During the debate, he countered every point made by the opposition.
Etymology
Derived from the Latin word "computare," meaning "to count," the word "counter" evolved through Old French "contre" and Middle English "countour" to its modern form. Originally, it referred to a person who counted or kept track of something, and later expanded to describe the surface or device used for counting and opposing actions.
Synonyms
- Calculator
- Register
- Opposer
- Conter
- Rebutter
Antonyms
- Supporter
- Advocate
- Helper
Translations
| Language | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Spanish | Contador | Con-ta-dor |
| French | Comptable | Com-pta-ble |
| German | Zähler | Zäh-ler |
| Italian | Contatore | Con-ta-to-re |
| Portuguese | Contador | Con-ta-dor |
| Chinese (Mandarin) | 计数器 | Jì shù qì |
| Japanese | カウンター | Kautā |
| Russian | Счётчик | Schettchik |
| Hindi | गणक | Ganak |
| Bengali | গণক | Gôṇok |
| Punjabi | ਗਣਕ | Gaṇak |
| Gujarati | ગણક | Gaṇak |
| Marathi | गणक | Gaṇak |
| Odia | ଗଣକ | Gaṇak |
| Telugu | గణక | Gaṇaka |
| Tamil | கணக்கர் | Kaṇakkar |
| Malayalam | ഗണകൻ | Gaṇakan |
| Kannada | ಗಣಕ | Gaṇaka |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
In non-rhotic accents, such as those in parts of the UK, the "r" sound in "counter" may be softer or omitted. In some regions, such as the U.S. or Canada, the "t" sound may be pronounced as a flap, making it sound like "counter" as "coun'er." In other dialects, the word may sound more distinct with clearer pronunciation of each consonant.
Historical Usage
Historically, "counter" referred to a surface or object used to count things. The term was extended into figurative language to represent opposition, as seen in "counterargument." In medieval times, counters were small objects used in calculating, hence the association with the act of counting. Over time, it evolved to describe a variety of devices and actions associated with counting, measuring, and opposing.
Cultural Nuances
In the business and retail sectors, the "counter" remains a central element, often denoting a place where transactions occur. In more modern times, the word has also acquired a technological significance, such as in the use of "counter" in programming and digital devices for tracking numbers. Culturally, counters are seen in various professions, from banking to science, where the idea of counting and keeping track is fundamental to many tasks.
More Information
The word "counter" is highly versatile, with meanings ranging from a surface for transactions to a verb meaning to oppose or respond. In everyday use, it can describe anything from a surface like a kitchen counter to a numerical device used for tracking quantities. Additionally, "counter" has significant metaphorical uses, often referring to opposition or rebuttal in arguments, strategies, and debates. The word is deeply embedded in both business and technical terminology and continues to be used in diverse contexts today.