counterbalance
Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary
Contents |
[edit] English
[edit] Etymology
counter (from Latin contra 'against') + balance
[edit] Noun
counterbalance (plural counterbalances)
- (literally) A weight that is put in opposition to an equal weight so it keeps that in balance.
- (figuratively) A force or influence that balances, checks or limits an opposite one.
[edit] Synonyms
[edit] Translations
weight balancing an opposite one
|
|
force or influence balancing an opposite one
|
|
- The translations below need to be checked and inserted above into the appropriate translation tables, removing any numbers. Numbers do not necessarily match those in definitions. See instructions at Help:How to check translations.
Translations to be checked
|
|
[edit] Verb
counterbalance (third-person singular simple present counterbalances, present participle counterbalancing, simple past and past participle counterbalanced)
- To apply weight in order to balance an opposing one.
- Big brother counterbalances his two siblings to the pound
- To apply force in order to balance an opposite one.
- Arm wrestling is undecided as long as the opponents counterbalance each-other
- (figuratively) To match or equal in effect, but acting in opposition
- The defenders' knowledge of the terrain roughly counterbalances the attackers' superior equipment
- 1992, Rudolf M. Schuster, The Hepaticae and Anthocerotae of North America: East of the Hundredth Meridian, volume V, page ix
- A considerable effort has been made in these volumes to counterbalance this activity by introducing the student to the plants as living entities with a "life of their own," as Spruce put it.
[edit] Synonyms
- to counteract
- to counterpoise
- to counterweight
- to offset
[edit] Antonyms
[edit] Translations
to apply weight in order to balance
|
|
to apply force in order to balance
|
|
