antipodes: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1formal, literary, geographical
Quick answer
What does “antipodes” mean?
A region or place on the opposite side of the Earth.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A region or place on the opposite side of the Earth.
Any two places that are diametrically opposite each other on the globe. By extension, the exact opposite or contrary of something. Also refers to Australia and New Zealand from a British perspective.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'the Antipodes' (capitalized) is a common, somewhat dated term for Australia and New Zealand. In American English, the term is used more strictly in its geographical or figurative sense.
Connotations
In British English, it can carry a historical, colonial connotation when referring to Australasia. In American English, it is more neutral and academic.
Frequency
More frequent in British English due to its historical connection to Australasia. Rare in everyday American English.
Grammar
How to Use “antipodes” in a Sentence
[the] Antipodesantipodes of [noun]in antipodes to [noun]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “antipodes” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The antipodean climate was a shock after London.
American English
- They studied the antipodal relationship between the two points.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used. Might appear in global strategy discussions, e.g., 'Our offices are in antipodal locations.'
Academic
Common in geography, earth sciences, and literary/cultural studies discussing oppositional concepts.
Everyday
Very rare. Potentially in travel writing or humorous reference to a distant location.
Technical
Used in geography and geodesy to denote precise diametrically opposite points on a spheroid.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “antipodes”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “antipodes”
- Treating it as a singular noun (e.g., 'an antipode'). While 'antipode' exists, 'antipodes' is the far more common form.
- Using it without 'the' when referring to the region (e.g., 'He moved to Antipodes' is incorrect).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is plural in form. When referring to the region, it can take a singular verb ("The Antipodes is far away") or a plural verb ("The Antipodes are far away"). When used figuratively, it is plural.
Yes, 'antipode' is a valid but much less common singular form, primarily used in technical or figurative contexts (e.g., 'the antipode of my belief').
From the perspective of Western Europe, they are approximately on the opposite side of the globe, hence the name.
It is capitalised when used as a proper noun referring specifically to Australia and New Zealand (e.g., 'travelling to the Antipodes'). In geographical or general figurative use, it is often lowercased.
A region or place on the opposite side of the Earth.
Antipodes is usually formal, literary, geographical in register.
Antipodes: in British English it is pronounced /ænˈtɪp.ə.diːz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ænˈtɪp.ə.diːz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “at the antipodes of (figurative)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'anti-' (opposite) and 'podes' (related to feet, as in 'podiatry'). It's the place where your feet would be if you drilled straight through the Earth.
Conceptual Metaphor
OPPOSITION IS SPATIAL SEPARATION (e.g., 'Their views are at antipodes.')
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common figurative meaning of 'antipodes'?