Words / B2

KLOKW-yz/ˈklɒkwaɪz/

Clockwise means in the same direction as the hands of a clock; as an adjective, moving that way: turn clockwise; a clockwise rotation. Anticlockwise (British) is the opposite; counterclockwise is the US twin. Turn the tap clockwise in the practical if the diagram says so. Mix-up: clockwise vs clack; wise as “sensible”; do not write clockwise for “later in the day” with no rotation.

Meaning

In the same direction as the hands of a clock; as an adjective, moving that way.

Examples

• “Turn the tap clockwise in the practical if the diagram says so; anticlockwise is the opposite.”
• “A clockwise depression featured on the synoptic chart in the southern hemisphere case, which is the rotation sense — still name the hemisphere.”

Good to know

turn / rotate clockwise; a clockwise arrow. Opposite (UK): anticlockwise. US: counterclockwise. Trap: “later”. Science, geography, and DT. In the direction of clock hands, not a time of day.

Near in meaning

right-handed, rotary

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