MEANING
Completely and directly, especially when describing positions or conclusions that are opposite.
Use it for
contrasting positions at opposite ends of a dispute; distinguishing direct opposition from partial disagreement; emphasizing a reversal in interpretationExpresses direct opposition, stronger and more specific than a mere difference. Academic functions: Comparison / Contrast.
Words that belong together
- diametrically opposed
- diametrically opposite
- diametrically opposed conclusions
On the page
The two critics reach diametrically opposed conclusions about the narrator’s reliability.
The reform’s stated objective was diametrically opposite to the outcome described in the report.
Nearby words
Word forms
- Base
- diametrically
Usage notes
Usually diametrically opposed or diametrically opposite. No inflected forms. Register: formal. Commonness: moderately common (qualitative editorial estimate, informed by dictionaries/corpus).
Practice this word in a sentenceYour margin notes
Keep a thought for later. Sign in to save privately.