'antipode' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'antipous,' where 'anti-' meant 'opposite' and 'pous' meant 'foot.'

'antipous' transformed into the Latin word 'antipodes,' and eventually became the modern English word 'antipode' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'opposite feet,' referring to people living on opposite sides of the Earth, but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'direct opposite.'