What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
counterclockwise
Example
The fan rotates counterclockwise to cool the room. [counterclockwise: adverb]
Example
Please turn the knob counterclockwise to open the door. [counterclockwise: adjective]
widdershins
Example
The witches danced widdershins around the cauldron. [widdershins: adverb]
Example
It's considered bad luck to walk widdershins around a church. [widdershins: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Counterclockwise is more commonly used than widdershins in everyday language, especially in technical or scientific contexts. Widdershins is a more specialized and less common term that is mainly used in British English and Scottish dialects.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between counterclockwise and widdershins?
Both counterclockwise and widdershins are neutral in formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although counterclockwise is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of contexts.
