noun

counterbalance

counterbalance, counterweight, offset

The heavy engine acts as a counterbalance.

The heavy engine acts as a counterbalance.

His calm personality is a counterbalance to her anxiety.

His calm personality is a counterbalance to her anxiety.

a counterbalance ((to sth.)) a force or influence that balances or neutralizes another His calm personality is a counterbalance to her anxiety.

Synonyms: counterweight, offset, compensator; Antonyms: imbalance

From 'counter-' (against) and 'balance'. Literally, something that provides balance against something else.

Imagine a seesaw. The weight on one side is balanced by the 'counterbalance' on the other.

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