antipodes

See also Antipodes

English

Wikipedia

Etymology

From Ancient Greek ἀντίποδες (antipodes), plural of ἀντίπους (antipous), from ἀντί (anti, “opposite”) + πούς (pous, “foot”).

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ænˈtɪpəˌdiz/, /ˈæntɪi.pəʊdz/

Usage notes

• Pronunciation IPA: /ˈæntɪi.pəʊdz//X-SAMPA: /"{nti:.p@Udz/ is often considered incorrect.

Noun

antipodes (plural only)

1. Any two places or regions that are on diametrically opposite sides of the earth
   • 1907, Robert Chambers, chapter 1/2, The Younger Set^[1]:

     His sister, Mrs. Gerard, stood there in carriage gown and sables, radiant with surprise. “Phil ! You ! Exactly like you, Philip, to come strolling in from the antipodes—dear fellow !” recovering from the fraternal embrace and holding both lapels of his coat in her gloved hands.

2. The southern hemisphere
3. Used in UK to refer to Australia and New Zealand - (once common, now less so)
4. (figuratively, by extension) The opposite of something

Derived terms

• antipodean