'antipodal' originates from Greek via Latin and English formation, specifically from the Greek word 'antipodes' (from 'anti-' + 'pous/pod-'), where 'anti-' meant 'against, opposite' and 'pous/pod-' meant 'foot'.

'antipodal' developed from the noun 'antipodes' (Greek 'antí' + 'poús'), passed into Late Latin/Medieval Latin as 'antipodes' and Middle English as 'antipodes', then formed as the adjective 'antipodal' in Modern English by adding the suffix '-al'.

Initially the root referred to 'opposite feet' or people/places on the opposite side of the Earth; over time it broadened to mean 'opposite' or 'diametrically opposed' in both literal (geographic) and figurative senses.