Definition

Adjective & Adverb: - Situated diagonally opposite; positioned at a diagonal angle. Describes something placed or oriented across a corner from a reference point, forming a diagonal line. It often implies a slanted or oblique position relative to something else.

Usage

This word is used to describe the relative position or direction of one object to another. - As an adjective: It modifies a noun to describe its diagonal placement. - As an adverb: It modifies a verb to describe an action done in a diagonal direction or manner.

Examples

• Adjective use:

  • The new bank is catercorner to the post office. (The bank is diagonally across the intersection from the post office.)
  • We sat at the catercorner table in the café. (We sat at the table positioned diagonally in the room.)

• Adverb use:

  • He cut the fabric catercorner to get the right shape. (He cut the fabric on a diagonal line.)
  • She placed the chairs catercorner across from each other. (She arranged the chairs in opposite diagonal positions.)

Advanced Usage

• "set off in a catercorner direction": To begin moving or heading diagonally.
  • He set off in a catercorner direction across the vacant lot. (He started walking diagonally across the empty lot.)

Variants and Related Words

• Catty-corner (adj/adv): A common variant with identical meaning.
  • The pharmacy is catty-corner from the supermarket.
• Kitty-corner (adj/adv): Another common variant.
• Cater-cornered (adj): An adjectival form.
  • The cater-cornered placement of the buildings is interesting.

Synonyms

• Diagonally (adv): In a slanting direction.
• Obliquely (adv): At an angle; not straight or parallel.
• Aslant (adv/adj): Slanting; at a slant.

Antonyms

• Parallel (adj): Side by side and having the same distance continuously between them.
• Perpendicular (adj): At an angle of 90° to a given line, plane, or surface.
• Directly opposite (phrase): Facing each other squarely across a space.

Notes on Usage

• "Catercorner" is primarily used in American English. Its variants (catty-corner, kitty-corner) are equally acceptable.
• It is often used in informal contexts to describe urban geography (the location of buildings, streets, or lots).
• The word can function flexibly as both an adjective and an adverb without changing form.

Adjective

1. slanted across a polygon on a diagonal line
   • set off in a catty-corner direction across the vacant lot