diametrical

American  

[dahy-uh-me-tri-kuhl] / ˌdaɪ əˈmɛ trɪ kəl /

Also diametric

adjective

1. of, relating to, or along a diameter.

2. in direct opposition; being at opposite extremes; complete.

   diametrical opposites; a diametrical difference.

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Other Word Forms

• undiametric
  adjective
• undiametrical
  adjective
• diametrically
  adverb
• undiametrically
  adverb

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Etymology

Origin of diametrical

1545–55; < Greek diametrik ( ós ) ( diámetr ( os ) diameter + -ikos -ic ) + -al ¹

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Explanation

In geometry, the adjective diametrical has to do with a straight line running through the middle of a circle — all diametrical lines will intersect at the very center. Aside from its mathematical meaning, you an also use this word to emphasize how opposed two things (or people) are. If you and your sister couldn't possibly be more different (she's a morning person, while you're a night owl; she's outgoing, you're an introvert), you can say you're diametrical opposites. The root of diametrical is the Greek diametros, "diagonal of a circle."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

diametrical

They are the diametrical opposites of Angela and Joe: calm and free, while their downstairs neighbors are neurotic and toxically codependent.

From Salon ● Jul. 5, 2026

The diametrical pair overtook Holmes in the primary.

From Seattle Times ● Feb. 6, 2022

The diametrical opposite, Julia Wolfe’s “Early That Summer,” built up tension through a driving stream of notes, although the expected climaxes never materialized.

From Washington Post ● Feb. 12, 2017

He said he has come to believe that journalism and cinema aren't just incompatible but diametrical.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 12, 2016

The existing state of things, therefore, is not only contrary to the welfare of the colony itself, but also in diametrical opposition to the interests of the parent country.

From Statistical, Historical and Political Description of the Colony of New South Wales and its Dependent Settlements in Van Diemen's Land With a Particular Enumeration of the Advantages Which These Colonies Offer for Emigration, and Their Superiority in Many Respects Over Those Possessed by the United States of America by William Charles Wentworth

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