counterpart

[ koun-ter-pahrt ]

noun

1. a person or thing closely resembling another, especially in function:

   Our president is the counterpart of your prime minister.

2. a copy; duplicate.
3. Law. a duplicate or copy of an indenture.
4. one of two parts that fit, complete, or complement one another.

counterpart

/ ˈkaʊntəˌpɑːt /

noun

1. a person or thing identical to or closely resembling another
2. one of two parts that complement or correspond to each other
3. a person acting opposite another in a play
4. a duplicate, esp of a legal document; copy

Word History and Origins

Origin of counterpart¹

late Middle English word dating back to 1425–75; counter-, part

Example Sentences

The “Formation” singer has performed at two Super Bowls, headlining the 2013 halftime show in New Orleans, where she was joined by her former Destiny’s Child counterparts, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams.

From Los Angeles Times

Today, younger Republicans are 11% less likely to support new nuclear plants in the U.S. than their older counterparts.

From Los Angeles Times

This sentiment echoes across both studies, underscoring the emotional weight that cash carries compared to its digital counterparts.

From Science Daily

Indian women on average hit menopause a few years earlier than their counterparts in the West, studies show.

From BBC

On Sunday, Saudi Arabia’s military chief flew to Tehran to meet his Iranian counterpart, with both countries now talking about deepening their co-operation on defence and security.

From BBC