i Register
In some senses, counterbalance is marked as figuratively, literally. Watch for register when choosing this word.
counterbalance
UK /ˌkaʊntəˈbæləns/ US /ˌkaʊntɚˈbæləns/
noun 2verb 2
Collocations
4ADJ.
adventurous, enough, light, other
VERB + COUNTERBALANCE
calculating, exercise
COUNTERBALANCE + NOUN
amount, nature
PREP.
on
Definitions
noun
1
A weight that is put in opposition to an equal weight so it keeps that in balance.
2
A force or influence that balances, checks or limits an opposite one.
verb
1
To apply weight in order to balance an opposing weight.
Big brother counterbalances his two siblings to the pound.
[…] the remaining Air was not able to counterballance the Mercurial Cylinder, […]
2
To match or equal in effect when applying opposing force.
Arm wrestling is undecided as long as the opponents counterbalance each other.
The defenders' knowledge of the terrain roughly counterbalances the attackers' superior equipment.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
noun — a weight that balances another weight
noun — a compensating equivalent
noun — equality of distribution
verb — oppose and mitigate the effects of by contrary actions
verb — contrast with equal weight or force
verb — adjust for
Antonyms
Idioms & Phrases
Example Bank
601
Big brother counterbalances his two siblings to the pound.
Wiktionary02
[…] the remaining Air was not able to counterballance the Mercurial Cylinder, […]
Wiktionary03
Arm wrestling is undecided as long as the opponents counterbalance each other.
Wiktionary04
Tom, this lumber, sat at one end of this sentence, while, too light to counterbalance him, on the other side, sat Mary.
Tatoeba · #107741505
I don't think this business could have succeeded without my keen, calculating partner to counterbalance my adventurous nature.
Tatoeba · #1112528606
I don't exercise enough to counterbalance the amount of calories I take in.
Tatoeba · #11202318Usage Notes
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