widdershins

IPA/ˈwɪd.ə.ʃɪnz/
IPA/ˈwɪd.ɚ.ʃɪnz/

widdershins — adverb

1. by going around the other way from a clock, turning left instead of right

1.adverbC2
Definition

by going around the other way from a clock, turning left instead of right

Example

Hamza turned the old key widdershins, but the gate stayed shut.

turn + object + widdershins

The dancers circled the fire widdershins during the village play.

circle + object + widdershins

Common collocations
  • turn widdershins
  • move widdershins
  • circle widdershins
  • go widdershins around
Synonyms
Antonyms
  • clockwise

    moving in the same direction as a clock's hands

Grammar Patterns

turn widdershins

move widdershins around something

circle widdershins

Usage Note

Mostly found in literary, historical, or magical writing rather than everyday speech. In ordinary English, people usually say 'counterclockwise' or 'anticlockwise' instead.

Common Mistakes

Turn the lid clockwise to open it widdershins.
Turn the lid widdershins to open it.
This word already gives the direction, so it should not be paired with the opposite label 'clockwise'.
It was a widdershins path around the tower.
The path ran widdershins around the tower.
The word is mainly used as an adverb describing motion or turning.

Synonym discussion

Sense: adverb/1

Widdershins means the same direction as counterclockwise and anticlockwise, but it sounds much older and more literary. Writers often choose it in stories about ritual, folklore, or old customs, where the unusual word helps create atmosphere. Counterclockwise is the normal choice in American English, especially for practical instructions such as opening jars or turning knobs. Anticlockwise is the everyday form many British speakers prefer. Clockwise is the direct opposite, so learners should treat it as the main contrast pair. If a recipe or machine guide is giving plain instructions, use counterclockwise or anticlockwise; if a novel wants an archaic tone, widdershins can fit.

counterclockwise ↗anticlockwise ↗clockwise ↗