counterpoise

[koun-ter-poiz]

noun

1. a counterbalancing weight.

2. any equal and opposing power or force.

3. the state of being in equilibrium; balance.

4. Radio.,  a network of wires or other conductors connected to the base of an antenna, used as a substitute for the ground connection.

verb (used with object)

counterpoised, counterpoising 

1. to balance by an opposing weight; counteract by an opposing force.

2. to bring into equilibrium.

3. Archaic.,  to weigh (one thing) against something else; consider carefully.

counterpoise

/ ˈkaʊntəˌpɔɪz /

noun

1. a force, influence, etc, that counterbalances another

2. a state of balance; equilibrium

3. a weight that balances another

4. a radial array of metallic wires, rods, or tubes arranged horizontally around the base of a vertical aerial to increase its transmitting efficiency

verb

1. to oppose with something of equal effect, weight, or force; offset

2. to bring into equilibrium

3. archaic,  to consider (one thing) carefully in relation to another

Word History and Origins

Origin of counterpoise¹

1375–1425; counter- + poise ¹; replacing late Middle English countrepeis < Anglo-French, equivalent to Old French contrepois

Example Sentences

This statement, a counterpoise to the natural-rights thinking of most of America’s founders, could pass as a reflection of Trumpian thinking yesterday, today and tomorrow.

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Molina, the embodiment of theatrical excellence, is perfectly cast as the rational counterpoise to Brady’s zealotry.

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In that story, Aethon morphs into different animals as he journeys around the world, counterpoising the theme of constancy in Doerr’s book — in all books — with the idea that the only inevitability is change.

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A magical fable about how Tevye originally got into the milk business back in Anatevka is counterpoised by a darker yarn that culminates in the historic Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in New York.

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The baby is not a metaphor, the narrator warns us, yet her wild, untrammeled, inscrutable being is everywhere counterpoised by the internet’s similarly enigmatic existence.

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