anticlockwise

IPA/ˌæn.tiˈklɒk.waɪz/
IPA/ˌæn.t̬iˈklɑːk.waɪz/

anticlockwise — adverb

1. while turning or moving the reverse way from a clock's hands around a centre poi

1.adverbB2
Definition

while turning or moving the reverse way from a clock's hands around a centre point

Example

Elise turned the handle anticlockwise until the window clicked shut.

turn + anticlockwise after the verb

The children ran anticlockwise around the cones during gym class.

Common collocations
  • turn anticlockwise
  • rotate anticlockwise
  • move anticlockwise
  • stir anticlockwise
Synonyms
  • counterclockwise

    the usual American English equivalent

  • to the left

    can fit some turning actions, but it does not always imply circular movement

Antonyms
  • clockwise

    moving in the same direction as a clock's hands

Grammar Patterns

turn + anticlockwise

rotate + anticlockwise

move + anticlockwise

stir + anticlockwise

Usage Note

Most often comes after verbs of movement such as turn, rotate, stir, or run. Distinguish from the adjective sense: use this form after the verb when describing how something moves.

Common Mistakes

Move the dial anticlockwise direction.
Move the dial anticlockwise.' or ✅ 'Move the dial in an anticlockwise direction.
the adverb cannot take bare 'direction' after it.

anticlockwise — adjective

Synonym discussion

Sense: adverb/1

In British English, 'anticlockwise' is the everyday word for moving the opposite way from a clock's hands. American English usually says 'counterclockwise' instead, so the meaning is the same but the regional choice is different. 'Clockwise' is the direct opposite, showing movement in the same direction as a clock's hands. 'Leftward' can sometimes describe part of the same motion, but it only tells you that something goes toward the left, not that it moves around a centre in a full turning path. Compare 'Turn the knob anticlockwise until it stops' with 'The wheel rolled leftward across the floor' and 'Turn the knob clockwise to tighten it.'

anticlockwise ↗counterclockwise ↗clockwise ↗leftward ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • turn anticlockwise
  • move anticlockwise
  • in an anticlockwise direction

Etymology

GreekEnglish

This word was formed in modern English by joining the prefix 'anti-', meaning 'opposite' or 'against', to 'clockwise'. It names movement that goes the other way from the path of a clock's hands. The form is especially common in British English, while American English usually prefers 'counterclockwise'.