The idea of antipodes refers to a geographically very remote place.
Antipodes is a concept that has two main meanings, but several ways of use. Its etymological origin is found in the Greek antipodes , which is the result of the sum of two clearly differentiated parts:
- The prefix anti- , which can be translated as “opposite” .
- The noun pus, which is synonymous with “foot” .
The first thing we must keep in mind is that the term antipode (singular) is, according to the dictionary of the Royal Spanish Academy ( RAE ), an adjective . In that case it can be used to refer to the person who is identified because his feet are quite far apart.
Generally, however, the notion is used in the plural (antipodes) and as a noun . Another fact to consider is that the term can be used both in the feminine (the antipodes, the antipodes) and in the masculine (the antipodes, the antipodes).
Origin of the term
It must be established that historically the term antipodes is attributed to the cartographer, philosopher and grammarian Crates de Malos .
In the second century BC. C. was when he proposed that word and a century later it was reaffirmed and promoted by the astronomer and astrologer Claudius Ptolemy .
Antipodes as geographical remoteness
As for meanings, the idea of antipodes can appear applied to an individual or place with respect to another, when it is located in a geographically very distant place . For example: “I haven't seen my aunt Ester for many years since she lives in the antipodes,” “Next month I have to travel to the antipodes for work reasons and she wo n't be able to be at my son's birthday.” "There is no need to go to the antipodes to see strange things: it is enough to go out and pay attention."
Specifically, the word applies to two diametrically opposed places on the planet 's surface. Argentina and China , in this framework, are at the opposite end, as are Spain and New Zealand .
Two elements are at the opposite end when they are opposite or contrary to each other.
A New Zealand archipelago
In the same way, we cannot ignore the existence of the so-called Antipodes Islands : it is an uninhabited archipelago that exists in New Zealand . The main island is called Antipoda ; However, there are also others that are equally relevant, such as that of Bollans .
The highest point of the archipelago is Mount Galloway , 402 meters high. It has a great animal wealth, highlighting the presence of parakeets, albatrosses and crested penguins.
It must be emphasized that the Antipodes archipelago , together with other islands, form the subantarctic islands of New Zealand . These have been listed as part of the World Heritage Site since the 1990s .
Being at the antipodes
When two people, events, situations or things are opposite to each other , they are said to be at the antipodes.
“I have nothing personal against the ruling party's candidate, but I am at the opposite end of his political thinking”, “My vision is the opposite of yours, but that doesn't mean we can't maintain our friendship.” y “Nicolás and Máximo are at opposite ends of the spectrum, I don't know how they will work together without fighting.”son frases que reflejan este uso.