diametric
|di-a-met-ric|
🇺🇸
/ˌdaɪəˈmɛtrɪk/
🇬🇧
/ˌdaɪəˈmetrɪk/
completely opposite
Etymology
'diametric' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'diametros' (from 'dia-' + 'metron'), where 'dia-' meant 'across' and 'metron' meant 'measure'.
'diametric' entered English via Late Latin/Medieval Latin 'diametricus' and French 'diamétrique', eventually becoming the modern English adjective 'diametric'.
Initially it meant 'measuring across' (literal relation to a diameter); over time it acquired a figurative sense of 'directly opposite' or 'completely opposed' in addition to the geometric sense.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
relating to or along a diameter (in geometry).
The circle's diametric points lie on a straight line through the center.
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Adjective 2
completely opposed; being at direct contrast or polar opposition.
Their views on the policy are diametric, leaving no room for compromise.
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Last updated: 2025/11/15 03:30