counterbalance

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[edit] English

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[edit] Etymology

counter (from Latin contra 'against') + balance

[edit] Noun

counterbalance (plural counterbalances)

  1. (literally) A weight that is put in opposition to an equal weight so it keeps that in balance.
  2. (figuratively) A force or influence that balances, checks or limits an opposite one.

[edit] Synonyms

[edit] Translations

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[edit] Verb

counterbalance (third-person singular simple present counterbalances, present participle counterbalancing, simple past and past participle counterbalanced)

(transitive)

  1. To apply weight in order to balance an opposing one.
    Big brother counterbalances his two siblings to the pound
  2. To apply force in order to balance an opposite one.
    Arm wrestling is undecided as long as the opponents counterbalance each-other
  3. (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

[edit] Antonyms

[edit] Translations

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