Meaning & use
diametrically
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Meanings
adverbnot comparable
To the fullest degree of difference, as if at opposite ends of a line.
Grammar: Almost always before opposed, opposite or different: diametrically opposed.
Patterns
- diametrically opposed to something
- diametrically opposite to something
Their views on money are diametrically opposed.
The two reports reached diametrically opposite conclusions.
His style is diametrically different from hers.
adverbnot comparablemathematicstechnical
Along the line that passes straight through the center of a circle, from one side to the other.
Grammar: Geometric sense; used when describing points on a circle.
Patterns
- diametrically opposite
Points An and B are diametrically opposite on the circle.
The two gates stand diametrically across the courtyard.
He placed the posts diametrically so that they faced each other.
Common combinations
- diametrically opposed
- The two leaders are diametrically opposed on taxes.
- diametrically opposite
- She sat diametrically opposite him at the table.
- diametrically different
- The twins have diametrically different tastes.
- diametrically contrary
- His claims are diametrically contrary to the facts.
Synonyms and how they differ
- completely
- Completely is a general intensifier, but diametrically gives the picture of directly opposite ends.
- totally
- Totally is informal and works with any adjective, while diametrically almost always pairs with opposed or opposite.
- utterly
- Utterly emphasizes absoluteness, with no sense of direction or opposition.
- directly
- Directly means straight and without gap, so directly opposite and diametrically opposite overlap in space.
Opposites
Word family
- diameter noun
- a straight line through the center of a circle
- diametric adjective
- directly opposite
- diametrical adjective
- a longer form of diametric
- radius noun
- half a diameter
Commonly confused: diametrically or diagonally?
diametrically vs diagonally
Diagonally means slanting across between corners, not necessarily the exact opposite point of a circle.
Practice
The two candidates hold ____ opposed views on immigration, with no common ground at all.
Choose one answer.
Diametrically opposed means completely opposite. Slightly and partially suggest only small differences, and diagonally describes direction in space.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “diametrically”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.