I have come across this phrase a lot and upon searching it, I did not find any definition of it in any online free dictionary I consulted. Does it mean "on the other hand"?
Example: On the other end of the spectrum, in Switzerland, characterised by Yates as taking an active approach to the treatment of […] (From Linguee)
Another example: As rapporteur, I have consulted widely on this issue and examined every option from one end of the spectrum to the other. (From Linguee)
Can anyone tell me what it means?
Best Answer
A spectrum is a wide range, and the "ends of the spectrum" are the points at each end of the range, or the extremes.
"At the other end of the spectrum" means "at the other extreme" or "in sharp contrast".
"From one end of the spectrum to the other" means "from one extreme to the other extreme".
For reference:
Spectrum: Used to classify something in terms of its position on a scale between two extreme points. ‘the left or the right of the political spectrum’ 2.1: A wide range. ‘self-help books are covering a broader and broader spectrum’ Lexico
Spectrum: a range of different positions, opinions, etc. between two extreme points. The group includes students from both ends of the social spectrum (= range of social classes). Cambridge