Counterpart
/ˈkaʊntərˌpɑːrt/
Definitions
A person or thing that has the same function or characteristics as another person or thing in a different place or organization.
/ˈkaʊntərˌpɑːrt/
A person or thing closely resembling or analogous to another; a complement.
The company's CEO met with his international counterparts to discuss global strategy.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're working on a project with someone from another team. Your 'counterpart' is the person on that other team who does the same job you do. It’s like having a twin in a different office! For example, 'I spoke with my counterpart in London to coordinate the project.'
👶 For kids: It's like having a friend who does the same job as you, but works somewhere else!
More Examples
Negotiations were difficult because the two sides had very different counterparts.
The software has a digital counterpart that can be used on mobile devices.
How It's Used
"The US President met with his European counterpart."
"She consulted with her counterpart in the Tokyo office."
Idioms & expressions
meeting your counterpart
The act of interacting or communicating with a person who has a similar role or position.
"I'm looking forward to meeting my counterpart at the conference."
From Middle French *contrepartie*, literally 'a corresponding part', from *contre-* (against, opposite) + *partie* (part).
The term 'counterpart' has existed since the 15th century, originally meaning a matching or corresponding item.
Memory tip
Think of a 'matching part' or a 'partner' but specifically in a similar role or context.