counterpart: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal to Neutral
Quick answer
What does “counterpart” mean?
A person or thing that has the same function or characteristics as another, often in a different place or system.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person or thing that has the same function or characteristics as another, often in a different place or system.
Something that corresponds to or is equivalent to another, serving as a complementary or parallel entity, often used in formal contexts like diplomacy, business, or law.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The term is used identically in both varieties.
Connotations
Formal, official, professional. Suggests a structured or institutional relationship.
Frequency
Equally common in formal writing and professional contexts in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “counterpart” in a Sentence
counterpart of/to/incounterpart (in something)meet with one's counterpartdiscuss with one's counterpartnegotiate with one's counterpartVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used for a person holding a similar position in another company (e.g., 'The CEO met her German counterpart').
Academic
Used in comparative studies (e.g., 'The Roman god Mars is the counterpart of the Greek Ares').
Everyday
Less common, but used for comparisons (e.g., 'The US President and his French counterpart').
Technical
Used in law for a duplicate document, or in biology for a homologous structure.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “counterpart”
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “counterpart”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “counterpart”
- Using 'counterpart' for things that are simply similar but not functionally equivalent (e.g., 'My brother is my counterpart').
- Using it in overly casual contexts where 'equivalent' or 'match' would be more natural.
- Misspelling as 'counter-part' (hyphenated form is archaic).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it can be used for things, organisations, or concepts that have an equivalent function or position in a different system (e.g., 'The European Parliament is the counterpart of the US Congress').
'Counterpart' strongly implies a paired relationship in a specific context (like two officials), while 'equivalent' is broader and focuses on equal value or function without necessarily implying a direct pairing.
It is highly unusual and sounds formal/technical. Words like 'partner', 'soulmate', or 'other half' are more natural for romantic relationships.
Yes, this is common and correct when comparing roles based on gender (e.g., 'The female characters in the novel often lack the agency of their male counterparts').
A person or thing that has the same function or characteristics as another, often in a different place or system.
Counterpart is usually formal to neutral in register.
Counterpart: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkaʊn.tə.pɑːt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkaʊn.t̬ɚ.pɑːrt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Meet your counterpart”
- “Negotiate with your counterpart”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a tennis match: the player on the OTHER side of the net is your COUNTERPART. You have the same role, but for the opposing team.
Conceptual Metaphor
MIRROR IMAGE (a reflection or parallel version in another context).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'counterpart' used CORRECTLY?