Definition: Antipodes refers to any two places on Earth’s surface that are diametrically opposite to each other, meaning a straight line drawn from one to the other would pass through the centre of the Earth.
Etymology & Origin: The term ‘antipodes’ comes from the Greek word ‘antipodes,’ meaning ‘opposite feet,’ from ‘anti-‘ (opposite) and ‘pous’ (foot). It entered Middle English through Late Latin in the early 14th century, originally used to describe inhabitants of opposite sides of the Earth.
Examples:
- Wellington, New Zealand, and Madrid, Spain, are nearly antipodes, located on opposite sides of the globe.
- The concept of antipodes has fascinated explorers and geographers for centuries, as it symbolizes the farthest distance between two points on Earth.
