How Do You Spell CATER CORNER?

Pronunciation: [kˈe͡ɪtə kˈɔːnə] (IPA)

The spelling of "cater corner" can be confusing, but it's actually derived from the French word "quatre," meaning four. In English, it became "quarter," which was used to describe a location that was one quarter of the way around a square or intersection. Over time, "quarter" evolved into "cater," and "cater corner" became the common way to describe a diagonal location across from another. The word is pronounced /ˈkeɪtər ˈkɔrnər/ with emphasis on the first syllable of "cater."

CATER CORNER Meaning and Definition

1. Cater corner, also spelled "catty corner" or "kitty corner," is an idiomatic expression used to denote a diagonal or oblique direction or position. The term is primarily used in North American English and is derived from the word "cater," which means to set diagonally or at an angle, and "corner," referring to an intersection or the meeting point of two lines.

   The phrase cater corner is commonly utilized to describe something located diagonally or positioned at an angle in relation to another object or landmark. For instance, if a building is situated across the street, but at a diagonal angle from another building, it can be said to be cater corner from that building. Similarly, if an object or furniture is placed diagonally in a room, it can be said to be cater corner to the walls. The term thus signifies a direction that is neither completely horizontal nor vertical but falls in between.

   "Cater corner" is often employed to indicate a location that is not directly opposite or adjacent. It conveys the idea of an oblique or slanted placement that deviates from the traditional perpendicular or parallel orientation. The phrase is used in various contexts, including architecture, interior design, geographical descriptions, and even in everyday conversations. Understanding the meaning of cater corner allows for clear communication when referring to oblique positions or directions.

Common Misspellings for CATER CORNER

• catercorner
• xater corner
• vater corner
• fater corner
• dater corner
• czter corner
• cster corner
• cwter corner
• cqter corner
• carer corner
• cafer corner
• cager corner
• cayer corner
• ca6er corner
• ca5er corner
• catwr corner
• catsr corner
• catdr corner
• catrr corner
• cat4r corner

Etymology of CATER CORNER

The word "cater corner" or "catty-corner" is derived from the Old French words "quatre" meaning four, and "quarré" meaning square. "Cater corner" originally referred to the position of square objects placed diagonally from one another, forming a pattern like the four corners of a square. Over time, "quatre corner" evolved into "cater corner" or "catty-corner" in English, with "cater" or "catty" being a corruption of the original French words.