counterbalance Definition
- 1a weight or force that balances or offsets another
- 2a weight or force that balances or offsets something else
- 3a factor that has an equal but opposite effect on something else
Using counterbalance: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "counterbalance" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The heavier weight on the other side of the scale acted as a counterbalance.
Example
The increased spending was a counterbalance to the decrease in revenue.
Example
The positive reviews were a counterbalance to the negative ones.
counterbalance Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for counterbalance
Phrases with counterbalance
strike a counterbalance
to offset or balance something with an opposing force or weight
Example
The company decided to strike a counterbalance by increasing their marketing budget.
to act as an opposing force or weight that balances or offsets something else
Example
The new regulations provide a counterbalance to the previous lack of oversight.
lose one's counterbalance
to lose one's stability or equilibrium
Example
He lost his counterbalance and fell off the tightrope.
Origins of counterbalance
from 'counter-' meaning 'opposite' and 'balance'
Summary: counterbalance in Brief
The term 'counterbalance' [ˈkaʊntərˌbæləns] refers to a weight or force that balances or offsets another, or a factor that has an equal but opposite effect on something else. It can be used in various contexts, such as physical objects, financial situations, or opinions. Examples include 'The heavier weight on the other side of the scale acted as a counterbalance,' and 'The positive reviews were a counterbalance to the negative ones.' Phrases like 'strike a counterbalance' and 'provide a counterbalance' denote actions to balance or offset something, while 'lose one's counterbalance' means to lose stability or equilibrium.