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counter
/ˈkaʊntər/
a surface for preparing or displaying items
She placed the groceries on the kitchen counter.
The counter is a flat surface typically used for food preparation or display.
formalinformal
a flat surface, typically in a kitchen or store, used for preparing food or displaying items
The baker arranged the pastries neatly on the counter.
The counter is used to display baked goods in a bakery.
In a kitchen, a counter is often used for food preparation, while in stores, it may be used to display products.
TechnologyEngineering
technical
a device that counts or measures something, such as a meter or a digital counter
The fitness tracker has a built-in step counter.
A step counter is a device that measures the number of steps taken.
Digital counters are commonly used in electronics and computing.
informal
a person or thing that opposes or challenges another
The activist became a counter to the government's policies.
A counter in this sense refers to someone who opposes or challenges an idea or action.
This usage is less common and often appears in political or social contexts.
Collocations
countertopthe flat surface of a counter, often made of stone or laminatecounter offera response to an offer that proposes different termscounter argumentan opposing viewpoint or rebuttal
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Common Usage
In everyday language, 'counter' most often refers to a flat surface in a kitchen or store.
Gold Rule
Noun vs. Verb
Remember that 'counter' can be both a noun (a surface) and a verb (to oppose). Context will help you determine the correct usage.
Word Origin
From Old French 'contre' (against) and Latin 'contra' (against), originally meaning to oppose or resist.
Usage Notes
The word 'counter' can be a noun or a verb. As a verb, it means to oppose or respond to something, as in 'counter the argument.'
Word Breakdown
counter
against or in opposition
rootEnglish Dictionary