Word
counterbalance
Phoneticscoun·ter·bal·ance, stress on the first syllable
/ˈkaʊntɝˌbæɫəns/
Countable noun
Definition
n. something that helps to balance out a strong feeling, idea, or force. It is like a weight on the other side of a scale to make things even.
n. a person, thing, or action that serves to balance or neutralise a particular force, influence, or emotion. Often used in political or psychological contexts to describe a stabilising force.
Examples
“The new law acts as a counterbalance to the previous one.”
“In many democracies, an independent judiciary serves as a counterbalance to the power of the executive branch.”
“The protagonist's internal monologue provides a necessary counterbalance to the frenetic action of the plot, allowing the reader to process the emotional stakes of the narrative.”
Examples
simple
“The new law acts as a counterbalance to the previous one.”
contextual
“In many democracies, an independent judiciary serves as a counterbalance to the power of the executive branch.”
complex
“The protagonist's internal monologue provides a necessary counterbalance to the frenetic action of the plot, allowing the reader to process the emotional stakes of the narrative.”
Real-World Examples
“Australia’s share market is creeping higher, stabilising from a sharp sell-off in the previous session as banks and miners counterbalanced weakness elsewhere, AAP reports.” “In the face of such tensions, Carney has advocated for the world’s “middle powers” to join forces as a counterbalance to superpowers like the US and China.” Etymology
From counter- + balance.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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