Definition

1. Noun:

   • A long, flat surface over which business is conducted: A counter is a flat, elevated surface in a shop, bank, or kitchen where transactions or food preparation occur.
   • A person or thing that counts: A counter can be a person who counts things or a device that keeps a numerical record.
   • A small disc or token used in games: A counter is a small object used in board games or card games to represent a score, a position, or a player.
   • A response or reply, especially a quick or opposing one: A counter is a verbal reply or argument made in opposition to another.

2. Verb:

   • To respond to an action or statement with an opposing one: To counter means to oppose, offset, or respond to something with a contrary action or argument.
   • To act in advance to prevent or negate: To counter can also mean to take preventative action against an anticipated problem.

3. Adverb:

   • In the opposite direction or manner: Counter means in a contrary or opposing way.

4. Adjective:

   • Opposing or contrary: Counter describes something that is opposite or opposed to something else.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • She placed the groceries on the checkout counter. (The flat surface in a store.)
  • He is the official vote counter for the election. (The person who counts.)
  • Move your counter three spaces forward. (The game piece.)
  • Her sharp counter left him speechless. (The quick, opposing reply.)

• Verb:

  • The boxer tried to counter his opponent's jab. (To respond with an opposing action.)
  • The company countered the negative publicity with a new ad campaign. (To respond with an opposing argument/action.)
  • We must counter this trend before it gets worse. (To act in advance to prevent.)

• Adverb:

  • His actions ran counter to his promises. (In an opposing manner.)

• Adjective:

  • They launched a counter attack at dawn. (An opposing attack.)

Advanced Usage

• "To be counter to": To be in direct opposition to something.

  • His beliefs are counter to the mainstream opinion.

• "Under the counter": Done or sold secretly and often illegally.

  • During the war, some goods were only available under the counter.

Variants and Related Words

• Counter- (Prefix): Used to form words meaning "opposite" or "in return."

  • Counterargument: An argument made to oppose another.
  • Counterproductive: Having the opposite of the desired effect.
  • Counterclockwise: In the direction opposite to the movement of a clock's hands.

• Countertop (n): The horizontal working surface of a counter, especially in a kitchen.

Synonyms

• Noun (surface): Bar, bench, table.
• Verb (oppose): Oppose, resist, rebut, parry.
• Noun (reply): Retort, rejoinder, riposte.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Counter with: To respond to something by offering or doing something else in opposition.
  • When accused of inaction, the minister countered with a list of his achievements.

Related Idioms

• Over the counter: Referring to medicines that can be sold legally without a doctor's prescription.

  • You can buy pain relievers over the counter.

• Run counter to: To be in conflict with or opposite to something.

  • His generous actions run counter to his reputation for being stingy.

Adjective

1. indicating opposition or resistance

Adverb

1. in the opposite direction
   • run counter

Noun

1. a return punch (especially by a boxer)
2. a piece of leather forming the back of a shoe or boot
   • a counter may be used to stiffen the material around the heel and to give support to the foot
3. (computer science) a register whose contents go through a regular series of states (usually states indicating consecutive integers)
4. a quick reply to a question or remark (especially a witty or critical one)
   • it brought a sharp rejoinder from the teacher
5. a person who counts things
6. a piece of furniture that stands at the side of a dining room; has shelves and drawers
7. a calculator that keeps a record of the number of times something happens
8. game equipment (as a piece of wood, plastic, or ivory) used for keeping a count or reserving a space in various card or board games
9. table consisting of a horizontal surface over which business is transacted

Verb

1. act in advance of; deal with ahead of time
2. speak in response
   • He countered with some very persuasive arguments