First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1counter
noun count·er \ˈkau̇n-tər\
Definition of COUNTER
1
: a piece (as of metal or plastic) used in reckoning or in games
2
: something of value in bargaining : asset
3
: a level surface (as a table, shelf or display case) over which transactions are conducted or food is served or on which goods are displayed or work is conducted <jewelry counter> <a lunch counter>
— over the counter
1
: in or through a broker's office rather than through a stock exchange <stock bought over the counter>
2
: without a prescription <drugs available over the counter>
— under the counter
: by surreptitious means : in an illicit and private manner <workers being paid under the counter>
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Origin of COUNTER
Middle English countour, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin computatorium computing place, from Latin computare
Rhymes with COUNTER
2counter
noun count·er \ˈkau̇n-tər\
Definition of COUNTER
: one that counts; especially : a device for indicating a number or amount
Origin of COUNTER
Middle English, from Anglo-French cuntur, from cunter to count
First Known Use: 14th century
3counter
verb coun·ter
: to do something in defense or in response to something
: to make (something) less effective or ineffective
: to say (something) in response to something that another person has said
coun·teredcoun·ter·ing \ˈkau̇n-t(ə-)riŋ\
Full Definition of COUNTER
transitive verb
1
2
: to assert in answer <we countered that our warnings had been ignored>
intransitive verb
: to meet attacks or arguments with defensive or retaliatory steps
See counter defined for English-language learners
Origin of COUNTER
Middle English countren, from Anglo-French cuntre against, opposite, from Latin contra; akin to Latin com- with, together — more at co-
First Known Use: 14th century
Related to COUNTER
Rhymes with COUNTER
4counter
adverb coun·ter
: in a way that goes against or does not agree with something
Full Definition of COUNTER
1
: in an opposite or wrong direction
2
: to or toward a different or opposite direction, result, or effect <values that run counter to those of society>
See counter defined for English-language learners
Origin of COUNTER
Middle English contre, from Anglo-French cuntre
First Known Use: 15th century
5counter
noun coun·ter
Definition of COUNTER
2
: the after portion of a boat from the waterline to the extreme outward swell or stern overhang
3
a : the act of making an attack while parrying one (as in boxing); also : a blow thus given in boxing b : an agency or force that offsets : check
4
: a stiffener to give permanent form to a boot or shoe upper around the heel
5
: an area within the face of a letter wholly or partly enclosed by strokes
6
: a football play in which the ballcarrier goes in a direction opposite to the movement of the play
First Known Use of COUNTER
15th century
6counter
adjective coun·ter
Definition of COUNTER
1
: marked by or tending toward or in an opposite direction or effect
2
: given to or marked by opposition, hostility, or antipathy
3
: situated or lying opposite <the counter side>
4
: recalling or ordering back by a superseding contrary order : countermanding <counter orders from the colonel>
First Known Use of COUNTER
1582
Related to COUNTER
- Synonyms
- adverse, disadvantageous, hostile, inimical, negative, prejudicial, unfavorable, unfriendly, unsympathetic, untoward
- Antonyms
- advantageous, favorable, friendly, positive, supportive, sympathetic, well-disposed
COUNTERING Defined for Kids
1counter
noun count·er \ˈkau̇n-tər\
Definition of COUNTER for Kids
1
: a level surface usually higher than a table that is used especially for selling, serving food, displaying things, or working on
2
: a piece used in games or to find a total in adding
2counter
noun count·er
Definition of COUNTER for Kids
1
: a person whose job is to determine a total
2
: a device for showing a number or amount
3counter
verb coun·ter \ˈkau̇n-tər\
coun·teredcoun·ter·ing
Definition of COUNTER for Kids
1
: to say in response to something said <“I could say the same about you,” he countered.>
2
: to act in opposition to : oppose <She countered with a move that ended the game.>
4counter
adverb coun·ter
Definition of COUNTER for Kids
: in another or opposite direction <He will always go counter to advice.>
5counter
noun coun·ter
Definition of COUNTER for Kids
: an answering or opposing force or blow
Learn More About COUNTER
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