counterpart etymology

Etymology

The word "counterpart" is derived from the Middle English word "countrepartie," which in turn comes from the Old French word "contrepartie." The Old French word is composed of two elements:

  • "contre" (meaning "against")
  • "partie" (meaning "part")

Meaning

A counterpart is something that is similar or complementary to something else. It can refer to:

  • A person or thing that has similar qualities or characteristics to another
  • A copy or duplicate of an original document or work of art
  • A person or thing that balances or complements another

Origin

The word "counterpart" first appeared in the English language in the early 13th century. It was originally used to refer to a duplicate or copy of a document. Over time, the meaning of the word expanded to include other types of similarities and complements.

counterpart relate terms

  • contra

    Etymology The word contra is derived from the Latin prefix contra meaning against

  • party

    Etymology The word party comes from the Old French word partie which means part po

  • part

    Part Etymology Middle English in the sense portion portion of a whole from Old

  • twin

    Meaning One of two similar or identical things A person or thing that resembles another

  • Abigail

    Etymology The name Abigail is derived from the Hebrew name Avigayil אבגיל Mea

  • indenture

    Etymology The word indenture originates from the Middle English term endenture which

  • arabesque

    Etymology French arabesque Italian arabesco Spanish arabesco Arabic عربيسك a

  • pair

    Etymology Pair comes from the Old French word paire which in turn originated from th

  • jackanapes

    Etymology The word jackanapes is believed to have originated from two possible sources

  • helpmeet

    Etymology Help from Old English helpan meaning to aid assist or support Meet

  • complement

    Etymology The word complement comes from the Latin word complere which means to fil

  • duplication

    Etymology Origin Latin Root duplex meaning double Meaning The state of being rep

  • match

    Etymology Meaning Origin Apostle Messenger Greek apostolos meaning