What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
overbalancing
Example
The strong wind caused the tree to overbalance and fall. [overbalancing: verb]
Example
The stack of books was overbalancing on the edge of the table. [overbalancing: present participle]
toppling
Example
The tower of blocks came toppling down with a loud crash. [toppling: present participle]
Example
The vase was wobbling on the shelf, and I was afraid it would topple over. [topple: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Toppling is more commonly used than overbalancing in everyday language. Toppling is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while overbalancing is less common and more technical, often used in specific fields such as engineering or physics.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between overbalancing and toppling?
Both overbalancing and toppling are technical terms and can be used in formal contexts. However, overbalancing is more technical and less commonly used in everyday language, while toppling is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.