Why can't we make up our minds between ante and counter?

Question

We say ante clockwise but counter productive, should we say one or the other and if so which.

Oops forgive the spelling mistake I meant anti clockwise

Oh I am British so to me it's anti clockwise.

Answer 1

there's also un-productive and ir-relevant.

and I am pretty sure it's counter-clockwise.

Answer 2

I've heard the term "counter-clockwise" used plenty of times, so i'm not sure what you mean by "ante clockwise". Perhaps you're referring to the prefix "a-n-t-i" as in "anti-culture" or "anti-establishment"? The word or prefix "anti" refers more to an actual person, group or ideal that's "against" or "not for" a particular something, such as an idea or law. The word "counter" as you've used it refers to "in the wrong way; contrary to the right course; in the reverse or opposite direction." Not so much a particular person or thing that is against something. So, I would say both are necessary, as they don't mean exactly the same thing, or refer to the same object, thing or person.

So, in your example, "counter-productive" would just be the OPPOSITE of "productive", while someone or something that was "anti-productive" would be AGAINST the action, or thought of BEING productive. I hope this helps! :-)

Answer 3

segunda rua a esquerda, depois da padaria, é só perguntar pelo ZÉ...