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Definition of counterpart

counterpart

/ˈkaʊn.tɚˌpɑːrt/
coun · ter · part
Plural:counterparts
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counterpart Lexical Profile

counterpart Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A person or thing that corresponds to or has the same function as another person or thing in a different place or situation.

Example

"The foreign minister held a productive meeting with her French counterpart in Paris."

2

One of two parts that fit together or complete each other; a complement.

Example

"The right wing of the historic building serves as the architectural counterpart to the left wing."

3

A duplicate or copy of a legal document, such as a lease or contract.

Example

"Each party signed a counterpart of the lease agreement to retain for their own records."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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Word Nuance & Usage

'Counterpart' refers to a person or thing that holds an equivalent function or status in a different organization or setting, not an adversary or opponent (which is often confused due to the 'counter-' prefix).

• Nearby Words

countermovement
counteroffensive
counteroffer
counterpart
counterplan
counterpoint
counterpose

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the 15th century from Middle French 'contrepartie', originally referring to the duplicate copy of a legal deed or indenture, formed from 'contre-' (against, opposite) and 'partie' (part, copy).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Counterpart. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/counterpart
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