counterbalance
/'kauntə,bæləns/ Cách viết khác : (counterpoise) /'kauntəpɔiz/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun:
- A weight or force that balances another: A counterbalance is something that provides an equal opposing weight or force to another, creating equilibrium.
- A compensating equivalent: A counterbalance is something that serves as a compensation or offset for something else, ensuring stability or fairness.
- Equality of distribution: A state where opposing forces, influences, or amounts are equal.
Verb:
- To oppose and mitigate the effects of something by contrary actions: To counterbalance means to act against something to reduce or neutralize its effect.
- To contrast with equal weight or force: To counterbalance can mean to serve as an equal and opposite force or consideration.
- To adjust for; to correct: To counterbalance means to make an adjustment to compensate for an undesirable effect or force.
Examples of Usage
Noun:
- The crane uses a heavy counterbalance to lift the load safely. (A weight providing opposing force.)
- Her calm demeanor was a perfect counterbalance to his nervous energy. (A compensating equivalent.)
- The treaty aimed to create a counterbalance of power in the region. (Equality of distribution.)
Verb:
- Increased exercise can help counterbalance a high-calorie diet. (To oppose and mitigate effects.)
- The bright colors in the painting counterbalance the dark, somber tones. (To contrast with equal force.)
- The pilot adjusted the trim to counterbalance the plane's tendency to roll. (To adjust for/correct an effect.)
Advanced Usage
- "To act as a counterbalance to": To serve as a stabilizing or opposing force against something.
- The independent judiciary acts as a counterbalance to executive power.
- In a figurative or abstract sense: Often used for non-physical forces like influence, opinion, or emotion.
- His cautious advice provided a necessary counterbalance to her impulsive ideas.
Variants and Related Words
- Counterweight (n): A weight that balances another; a synonym often used in mechanical contexts.
- The elevator's counterweight ensures smooth operation.
- Counterpoise (n/v): A state of equilibrium or a weight that balances another; to bring into balance.
- The two arguments were in perfect counterpoise.
- Counteract (v): To act against (something) to reduce its force or neutralize it. (Focuses more on the action against an effect.)
- This medicine helps counteract the infection.
Synonyms
- Offset (v/n): To compensate for or serve as a compensation.
- Balance (v/n): To bring into or keep in equilibrium; a state of equilibrium.
- Neutralize (v): To make ineffective by applying an opposite force or effect.
- Compensate (v): To make up for something unwelcome or lost by providing something else.
Related Phrasal Verbs/Constructions
(Note: "Counterbalance" itself is not typically used in phrasal verb constructions. Its meaning is contained within the single word.) - To balance out: A phrasal verb with a similar meaning of creating equilibrium. - The pros and cons seem to balance out.
Related Idioms
- "A check and balance": While not an idiom with "counterbalance," this related phrase describes a system where different powers control each other to prevent excess, similar to the concept of counterbalancing.
- The constitution establishes a system of checks and balances among the branches of government.
Noun
- a compensating equivalent
- equality of distribution
- a weight that balances another weight
Verb
- oppose and mitigate the effects of by contrary actions
- This will counteract the foolish actions of my colleagues
- contrast with equal weight or force
- adjust for
- engineers will work to correct the effects or air resistance