counterpoise
/ˈkaʊntə(ɹ)ˌpɔɪz/
Word Rarity
Very rare
Frequency: Zipf frequency 1.47 in modern English
16
Scrabble Score
12
Letters
3
Syllables
10
Unique Chars
Meaning
noun
A weight sufficient to balance another, for example in the opposite end of scales; an equal weight.
noun
An effect of equal power or force acting in opposition; a force sufficient to balance another force or influence
noun
The relation of two weights or forces which balance each other; equilibrium
verb
To act against with equal weight; to equal in weight; to balance the weight of; to counterbalance.
Example Sentences
- "This necessary counterpoise, the affectionate and simple-minded will readily conceive, would arise to Louisa from the absence of those "dear familiar faces" which had hitherto constituted her world."
- "Weights, counterpoising one another."
- "So many freeholders of English […]will be able to beard, and to counterpoise the rest."
Etymology
Origin
- Source language: Old French
Word Breakdown
- Root: contrepois