antitrade: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Technical, Academic
Quick answer
What does “antitrade” mean?
A wind or air current that blows in the opposite direction to the main trade winds.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A wind or air current that blows in the opposite direction to the main trade winds.
In economics, a policy, attitude, or position that opposes or restricts free trade between nations. More broadly, an opposing or counteracting force, trend, or principle.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling is consistent.
Connotations
In both varieties, the meteorological sense is highly specialised. The economic sense carries connotations of protectionism, nationalism, or scepticism towards globalisation.
Frequency
Low frequency in both, but slightly more likely to appear in US media due to prominent political debates on trade policy.
Grammar
How to Use “antitrade” in a Sentence
[adj.] antitrade sentiment/policy[n.] a rise in antitrade[v.] to espouse/advocate antitrade positionsVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “antitrade” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [Not standard as a verb]
American English
- [Not standard as a verb]
adverb
British English
- [Not standard as an adverb]
American English
- [Not standard as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- The government's antitrade stance was criticised by economists.
- Antitrade winds are a feature of the upper atmosphere.
American English
- The senator's antitrade rhetoric resonated in the industrial Midwest.
- Antitrade policies often lead to retaliatory tariffs.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to policies that impose tariffs or quotas, e.g., 'The CEO warned against antitrade measures that could disrupt supply chains.'
Academic
Used in economics, political science, and geography papers to analyse opposing forces or policies, e.g., 'The study models the impact of antitrade shocks on emerging markets.'
Everyday
Very rare. Might appear in news commentary about politics and the economy.
Technical
In meteorology, specifically denotes the upper-level westerly winds above the tropical trade winds.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “antitrade”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “antitrade”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “antitrade”
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'to antitrade'). It is primarily a noun used attributively (as an adjective). Confusing it with 'counter-trade' (a form of barter in international business).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency, specialised term used primarily in economics/politics and meteorology.
No, it is not standard usage. It functions as a noun (the antitrade) or, more commonly, as an adjective modifying another noun (antitrade policy).
They are very close synonyms in economics. 'Protectionist' is the more common and general term. 'Antitrade' often emphasises the ideological opposition to the concept of trade itself, while 'protectionist' focuses on protecting domestic industries.
They are the upper-atmosphere westerly winds that blow in the opposite direction to the tropical trade winds (easterlies) nearer the surface.
A wind or air current that blows in the opposite direction to the main trade winds.
Antitrade is usually formal, technical, academic in register.
Antitrade: in British English it is pronounced /ˌæn.tiˈtreɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌæn.t̬iˈtreɪd/ˌˌæn.taɪˈtreɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this specific term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: ANTI-TRADE = against trade. The wind blows AGAINST the main TRADE winds. The policy is AGAINST free TRADE.
Conceptual Metaphor
TRADE IS A FLOW/CURRENT; ANTITRADE IS A COUNTERCURRENT or OBSTRUCTION.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'antitrade' a precise technical term?