cornerwise
|cor-ner-wise|
🇺🇸
/ˈkɔrnərˌwaɪz/
🇬🇧
/ˈkɔːnə(ɹ)ˌwaɪz/
toward or at a corner; diagonally
Etymology
'cornerwise' originates from English, specifically formed from 'corner' + suffix '-wise', where 'corner' comes via Old French 'cornier' ultimately from Latin 'cornu' meaning 'horn', and the suffix '-wise' comes from Old English 'wīs' meaning 'manner' or 'way'.
'corner' changed from Old French 'cornier' into Middle English 'corner', and later compounded with the Old English-derived suffix '-wise' to produce the modern English compound 'cornerwise'.
Initially, the component idea was 'in the manner of a corner' (literally 'corner-way'); over time this developed into the more specific spatial sense 'diagonally' or 'toward a corner'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
situated at or directed toward a corner; slanting toward a corner.
They left a cornerwise gap between the crates for ventilation.
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Antonyms
Adverb 1
diagonally; at or toward a corner or from one corner toward another.
Place the table cornerwise to the window so it doesn't block the door.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/09/04 16:11