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antipode

antipode

noun ahn-tee-POD Rare

Origin: from Greek antipodes, 'those with feet opposite'

Also means

opposite extreme

Usage Note

Antipode in the singular refers to the point on the Earth diametrically opposite a given location; in the plural les antipodes is the common form, meaning 'the other side of the world' — aux antipodes ('at the antipodes / poles apart'). Figuratively, être aux antipodes de means 'to be the complete opposite of.'

Examples

"L'Australie est aux antipodes de la France."

Natural Translation

Australia is on the other side of the world from France.

Literal Translation

Australia is at the antipodes of France.

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