counterclockwise

IPA/ˌkaʊn.təˈklɒk.waɪz/
KK[kˌaʊntɚklˈɔkwaɪz]IPA/ˌkaʊn.t̬ɚˈklɑːk.waɪz/

counterclockwise — adverb

1. in the turning direction opposite to a clock's hands, moving from the top toward

1.adverbB2
Definition

in the turning direction opposite to a clock's hands, moving from the top toward the left, then down, across, and back up.

Example

Ritu turned the jar counterclockwise to loosen the metal lid.

turn + object + counterclockwise

During warm-up, Anna rolled her shoulders counterclockwise in slow circles.

body movement + counterclockwise

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

    same meaning, but more common in British English

  • to the left

    can describe one sideways move, but it does not specifically describe rotation around a center

Antonyms
  • clockwise

    same rotational idea in the opposite direction

Grammar Patterns

turn/rotate/move + counterclockwise

Usage Note

Usually follows verbs of turning, stirring, unscrewing, or moving around a center. In American English it is the standard opposite of 'clockwise'; British English often uses 'anticlockwise' instead.

Common Mistakes

Turn the knob in counterclockwise.
Turn the knob counterclockwise.
'counterclockwise' already works as an adverb, so it does not need an extra preposition.

counterclockwise — adjective

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adverb/1

'Counterclockwise' and 'anticlockwise' describe the same circular direction, but 'counterclockwise' is the usual choice in American English while 'anticlockwise' is more common in British English. Neither simply means 'to the left': a person can step left once, but a wheel, screw, or line of dancers moves counterclockwise only when it travels around a center in a repeated sweep. Use 'counterclockwise' when the clock-face comparison matters, especially for lids, arrows, maps, and circular routes.

counterclockwise ↗anticlockwise ↗to the left

Common collocations

Nouns

  • counterclockwise turn
  • counterclockwise rotation
  • counterclockwise arrow
  • counterclockwise path
  • counterclockwise circle

Phrases

  • turn counterclockwise
  • rotate counterclockwise
  • move counterclockwise

Prepositions

  • counterclockwise around [center]
  • counterclockwise from [reference point]

Etymology

LatinOld EnglishModern English

Built in North American English by adding the opposite-direction prefix 'counter-' to 'clockwise'. Once 'clockwise' had become a familiar way to describe rotation, speakers needed an equally quick label for the reverse sweep of a dial, wheel, or route, and 'counterclockwise' filled that gap. The word keeps the same clock-face image as its opposite, but flips the direction.

First known use

1885

1885, in the meaning defined above