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antipode

UK[ˈæntɪpəʊd]US[ˈæntɪpoʊd]
n

A direct or exact opposite.

n

A place or region on the opposite side of the earth.

Morpheme Breakdown

anti
pode
anti

opposite

pode

foot

Etymology

The word 'antipode' originates from the Greek 'antipodes', a plural noun meaning "those with feet opposite". It was formed from 'anti-' (opposite) and 'pous' (foot). In ancient geography, it referred to people imagined to live on the opposite side of the globe, with their feet planted opposite to one's own. This literal, spatial concept of diametric opposition evolved into the modern abstract meanings, denoting either a geographical counterpart or any direct opposite in character or position.

Analysis

Structure: anti (opposite) + pode (foot) 'anti' is a Greek prefix meaning "against, opposite". 'pode' is derived from the Greek root 'pous, pod-', meaning "foot".

Examples

The idea of freedom is the antipode of tyranny.

Australia is often considered the antipodes of Europe.

His generous nature was the complete antipode to his brother's miserliness.

antipode – Meaning, Etymology & Word Origin | OpenEtymology