noun
Uncommon
counterpart
KOWN-tuh-paht
Counterpart (noun) means a person or thing that corresponds to or matches another, often in a different place or organization. Example: “The prime minister met with her counterpart from the neighboring country.”
noun
1
A person or thing that corresponds to or matches another, often in a different place or organization.
"The prime minister met with her counterpart from the neighboring country."
"The US dollar and its European counterpart, the euro, both dropped in value."
"My counterpart in the Paris office sends me the sales figures every Monday."
How to use counterpart
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone or something that matches or corresponds to another, usually in a different context.
Common pairings
foreign counterpart
his counterpart
international counterparts
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Word forms
- Plural
- counterparts
- Third person singular
- counterparts
- Past tense
- counterparted
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The prime minister met with her _____ from the neighboring country.
Etymology
From Middle English, originally meaning a duplicate copy of a legal document; from counter- + part.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “counterpart” mean?
The word “counterpart” means a person or thing that corresponds to or matches another, often in a different place or organization. In plain terms, someone or something that matches or corresponds to another, usually in a different context.
How do you pronounce “counterpart”?
“Counterpart” is pronounced KOWN-tuh-paht (/ˈkaʊntɚˌpɑɹt/ in IPA).
How do you use “counterpart” in a sentence?
Here is “counterpart” used in a sentence: “The prime minister met with her counterpart from the neighboring country.”
What is another word for “counterpart”?
Words with a similar meaning to “counterpart” include equivalent, obverse, homolog, opposite number, pendant and parallel.
What part of speech is “counterpart”?
“Counterpart” is a noun.
Where does the word “counterpart” come from?
The word “counterpart” comes from Middle English. From Middle English, originally meaning a duplicate copy of a legal document; from counter- + part.
Is “counterpart” a common word?
“Counterpart” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between counterpart and equivalent?
Counterpart and equivalent both describe something that corresponds to another, but counterpart specifically implies a matching role in a different place or organization, such as a foreign minister's counterpart in another country. Equivalent is more general and doesn't necessarily involve a different organization or location.
How is counterpart used in international relations?
In international relations, counterpart refers to an official in one country who holds the same role as an official in another, such as a defense secretary meeting their counterpart from a different nation.
Can counterpart refer to things as well as people?
Yes, counterpart can refer to a person or thing that corresponds to or matches another, so it can describe objects, documents, or organizations as well as individuals.
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