counterpoise
UK: /ˈkaʊntəpɔɪz/ | US: /ˈkaʊntərpɔɪz/
n. 1. A weight or force that balances another; equilibrium.
n. 2. A state of equal balance between opposing forces.
vt. To balance or counteract with an equal force.
counterpoise = counter<against> + poise<weight>
- counter<against>: From Latin contra (opposite, against), entering English via Old French contre. Implies opposition or balancing action.
- poise<weight>: From Latin pensum (something weighed), via Old French pois (weight). Retains the core idea of measured balance.
Etymology Origin:
The word counterpoise emerged in Late Middle English (14th century) as a compound of counter- and poise, reflecting the mechanical concept of balancing weights. Its logic mirrors physical scales: one force (poise) offsets another (counter-). Over time, it expanded metaphorically to abstract equilibriums (e.g., power dynamics).
The crane’s counterpoise ensures stability when lifting heavy loads.
Diplomacy acts as a counterpoise to military aggression.
She used humor as a counterpoise to the tense atmosphere.
The artist achieved visual counterpoise by balancing dark and light tones.
His rational arguments served as a counterpoise to her emotional appeals.