What is counter? Pronunciation and usage in English

counter means . Learn how to pronounce and use counter through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of counter

counternoun

/ˈkaʊntə/
Definition & pronunciation of counter

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "counter." It's a trickier word than it looks! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • ˈkaʊntər (rhymes with "cow-ter")

Let's break that down further:

  • ˈkau - This is the stressed syllable. It sounds like "cow" (as in a cow). The 'ˈ' symbol means this syllable gets the emphasis.
  • ntər - This part sounds like "nter". Think of it like saying "enter" but without the 'e'.

Here's a helpful way to hear it:

Common Mispronunciations (and why they're wrong):

  • "con-ter" - This is a very common mistake! The "c" is not pronounced like the "c" in "cat." It's a "k" sound.
  • "count-er" - While "count" is a related word, the "count" syllable is not pronounced.

To recap: Focus on making the first syllable sound like "cow" and then adding "nter."

Do you want me to:

  • Say it slowly?
  • Give you some practice words that rhyme with “cow-ter”?
  • Explain any specific part of the pronunciation you're struggling with?

Usage and examples with the word counter in English

Let's break down how to use the word "counter" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with quite a few different meanings! Here's a breakdown categorized by its common uses:

1. As a Furniture Piece (Most Common)

  • Definition: A counter is a long, flat surface, often with a shelf underneath, used for working, eating, or displaying things.
  • Examples:
    • "We sat at the counter in the coffee shop and ordered lattes."
    • "The kitchen counter was covered in flour after baking cookies."
    • "He leans against the counter while he prepares his meal."
    • "A decorative bowl sits on the countertop."

2. To Oppose or Resist

  • Definition: To act against something; to argue or debate against a proposal.
  • Examples:
    • "She countered his argument with a strong rebuttal." (Meaning: She responded in opposition to his argument.)
    • "The company countered the criticism with a detailed explanation of their practices."
    • "He tried to counter her accusations."

3. A Device for Balancing or Weighing (Less Common)

  • Definition: A device used to balance something, often in cooking or baking.
  • Examples:
    • "She used a counter to measure the ingredients accurately." (referring to a small balance)
    • "A kitchen counter scale is essential for baking."

4. A Weapon (Historical/Gaming Context)

  • Definition: A weapon used to strike at an opponent, typically in medieval combat.
  • Examples:
    • "The knight raised his counter to defend himself." (historical context)
    • "In the strategy game, the unit uses a counter to block attacks." (gaming context)

5. To Count or Record (Phrasal Verbs)

  • Definition: To count or tally something.
  • Examples:
    • "I need to counter the number of attendees." (Meaning: Count the number of attendees)
    • “The cashier counted the coins on the counter.” (Meaning: counted)

6. A Side of Something (Often in Phrases)

  • Definition: Used in phrases to indicate an opposing position or alternative.
  • Examples:
    • “He took the counter position on the issue.” (Meaning: He took the opposing view)
    • “The judge offered a counter proposal for the settlement.” (Meaning: A suggested alternative to the original proposal).

7. (Electronics) A Control Panel

  • Definition: A panel with buttons, switches, or knobs for controlling a device.
  • Examples:
    • "The computer counter allowed him to adjust the settings."

Tips for Using "Counter" Correctly:

  • Context is Key: The meaning of "counter" depends heavily on the surrounding words and the situation.
  • Consider Synonyms: If you're struggling to use "counter" appropriately, think about synonyms like “oppose,” “respond,” “resist,” “balance,” or “measure.”

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • In what context are you trying to use the word "counter"? (e.g., writing a story, having a conversation, studying for a test?)
  • Can you give me an example sentence where you're trying to use the word?

Synonyms for the word counter

Idioms of the word counter

over the counter
goods, especially medicines, for sale over the counter can be bought without a prescription (= written permission from a doctor to buy a medicine) or special licence
  • These tablets are available over the counter.
  • This kind of medication cannot be bought over the counter.
under the counter
goods that are bought or sold under the counter are sold secretly and sometimes illegally
  • Pornography may be legally banned but it is still available under the counter.

Practice with vocabulary counter

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The barista quickly wiped down the coffee _____ after serving each customer, ensuring a clean surface for the next order.
  2. During the debate, the opposing team attempted to _____ the speaker's statistics with their own research findings.
  3. The marketing team needed to develop a robust strategy to _____ the competitor's aggressive pricing and retain market share.
  4. Before the presentation, please ensure the digital _____ on the projector is set to display the correct time.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. The diplomat felt compelled to ______ the baseless allegations made against their country at the international summit. a) support b) confirm c) counter d) endorse

  2. In the busy cafe, customers place their orders directly at the main ______ before finding a seat. a) booth b) table c) counter d) workstation

  3. The company quickly pivoted its strategy to _______ the aggressive marketing campaign launched by its primary competitor. a) replicate b) ignore c) counter d) initiate e) emulate

  4. Her unconventional remarks appeared to ______ popular opinion, sparking a heated debate among the board members. a) conform to b) align with c) challenge d) reinforce

  5. Before the critical experiment, ensure the digital ______ is accurately calibrated to avoid any measurement errors. a) scale b) meter c) gauge d) calculator

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The legal team tried to effectively respond to the prosecution's strong arguments with new evidence. Rewrite:

  2. Original: The sales associate quickly walked behind the service desk to help the next customer waiting in line. Rewrite:

  3. Original: The company released a statement that was in direct opposition to its previous environmental protection claims. Rewrite:

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The barista quickly wiped down the coffee counter after serving each customer, ensuring a clean surface for the next order.
  2. During the debate, the opposing team attempted to counter the speaker's statistics with their own research findings.
  3. The marketing team needed to develop a robust strategy to overcome the competitor's aggressive pricing and retain market share.
  4. Before the presentation, please ensure the digital timer on the projector is set to display the correct time.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. The diplomat felt compelled to c) counter the baseless allegations made against their country at the international summit.
  2. In the busy cafe, customers place their orders directly at the main c) counter before finding a seat.
  3. The company quickly pivoted its strategy to c) counter the aggressive marketing campaign launched by its primary competitor.
  4. Her unconventional remarks appeared to c) challenge popular opinion, sparking a heated debate among the board members.
  5. Before the critical experiment, ensure the digital b) meter, c) gauge is accurately calibrated to avoid any measurement errors.

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The legal team tried to effectively respond to the prosecution's strong arguments with new evidence. Rewrite: The legal team tried to effectively counter the prosecution's strong arguments with new evidence.

  2. Original: The sales associate quickly walked behind the service desk to help the next customer waiting in line. Rewrite: The sales associate quickly walked behind the counter to help the next customer waiting in line.

  3. Original: The company released a statement that was in direct opposition to its previous environmental protection claims. Rewrite: The company released a statement that contradicted its previous environmental protection claims.

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