diametrically

Everyday

1. Completely; as different as two things can be, used mostly in «diametrically opposed» or «diametrically opposite». tree →
2. (maths) In the position of the two ends of a diameter: straight across a circle through the centre. tree →

In the lessons

In formal speech «diametrically opposed views» means people disagree completely. In maths, two points «diametrically opposite» on a circle are at the two ends of a diameter, exactly halfway round from each other. It comes from «diameter».

Examples

• Their views on homework are diametrically opposed. tree →
• The two teams have diametrically opposite styles of play. tree →
• Mark two points diametrically opposite each other on the circle. tree →
• (maths) Twelve and six on a clock face are diametrically opposite. tree →
• (formal) The two reports reached diametrically opposed conclusions. tree →

Note

Formal; nearly always followed by «opposed» or «opposite». In maths, the distance between two diametrically opposite points on a circle equals the diameter, which is twice the radius: radius 5 cm means 10 cm apart.