Counterpart: Definition, Usage & Common Examples

Meaning 1：corresponding role (counterpart)

counterpart 🔊

/ˈkaʊntərpɑːrt/

A person or thing that has the same job, position, or role as another person or thing in a different place or situation.

Counterpart concept illustrated by a professional handshake between two business representatives from different organizations.

corresponding role 🔊

➕

/kəˈrɛspɒndɪŋ roʊl/

Refers to a person or entity that holds a similar position or function in a different context or organization.

📁 Category：Social Economy 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From 'counter-' meaning 'corresponding' and 'part' meaning 'role' or 'portion'.

💡 Mnemonic

Think of a matching part on the opposite counter – like two sides of a deal.

📖 Example

The CEO of the Chinese tech company will meet her counterpart from the American firm to discuss the partnership. 🔊 The Chinese tech company's CEO will meet with the American firm's equivalent leader to discuss collaboration.

🔗 Collocations

foreign counterpart – equivalent person or entity from another country

business counterpart – corresponding professional in a different company

governmental counterpart – equivalent official in another government

🔄 Synonyms

equivalent (n.) – something that is equal in value or function

peer (n.) – a person of the same status or ability

match (n.) – a person or thing that corresponds to another

📖 Cultural Story

Derived from Anglo-Norman 'contrepart', from Latin 'contra' (against) and 'pars' (part). Now commonly used in diplomacy and business for equivalent positions.