B2noun 1K

Counter

🇬🇧 UK /["/ˈkaʊntə(r)/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ˈkaʊntər/"]/

Meaning of Counter

a long flat surface over which goods are sold or business is done in a shop, bank, etc.

In simple words: A place where things are counted or a surface to place items.

Counter in a sentence

• She placed her order at the counter and waited for her coffee.
• The cashier showed a smile as he rang up the items at the counter.
• The tennis player made a quick counter to regain control of the match.
• The general planned a counter against the enemy's unexpected attack.
• She kept track of the scores by using a mechanical counter.
• To prevent fraud, the shop installed a metal counter at the entrance.
• During the debate, he gave a strong counter to the opponent's argument.

How to use Counter

Use 'counter' when referring to surfaces like in a kitchen or a store. It's neutral and common in everyday language. Avoid using it in overly formal writing.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of a 'count-er' that helps you count money at a store.

Related words

Collocations with Counter

• checkout
• post office
• shop
• serve at
• serve behind
• work at
• top
• staff
• across a/​the counter
• at a/​the counter
• behind a/​the counter
• checkout
• post office
• shop
• serve at
• serve behind
• work at
• top
• staff
• across a/​the counter
• at a/​the counter
• behind a/​the counter
• effective
• counter to

Synonyms for Counter

• table
• surface
• bar
• desk

Opposites of Counter

• defender
• supporter

Common mistakes with Counter

• Confused with 'counterfeit' — they are completely different.
• Using 'counter' as a verb incorrectly.
• Not differentiating between a counting device and a surface.

Frequently asked questions about Counter

What does Counter mean?

A place where things are counted or a surface to place items.

What is the definition of Counter?

a long flat surface over which goods are sold or business is done in a shop, bank, etc.

How do you use Counter in a sentence?

She placed her order at the counter and waited for her coffee.

Can you give another example of Counter?

The cashier showed a smile as he rang up the items at the counter.

What are synonyms for Counter?

Common alternatives include table, surface, bar, desk.

What is the opposite of Counter?

Opposite meanings include defender, supporter.

What words go with Counter?

It commonly pairs with checkout, post office, shop, serve at, serve behind, work at, top, staff, across a/​the counter, at a/​the counter, behind a/​the counter, checkout, post office, shop, serve at, serve behind, work at, top, staff, across a/​the counter, at a/​the counter, behind a/​the counter, effective, counter to.

What are common mistakes when using Counter?

Confused with 'counterfeit' — they are completely different. Using 'counter' as a verb incorrectly. Not differentiating between a counting device and a surface.

How do you pronounce Counter?

US: /["/ˈkaʊntər/"]/, UK: /["/ˈkaʊntə(r)/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Counter?

Use 'counter' when referring to surfaces like in a kitchen or a store. It's neutral and common in everyday language. Avoid using it in overly formal writing.

What CEFR level is Counter?

"Counter" is at B2 level on the CEFR scale.