counterweigh: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2/RareFormal, Literary, Technical (e.g., engineering, economics, strategic analysis)
Quick answer
What does “counterweigh” mean?
to act against (something) with equal force.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
to act against (something) with equal force; to balance, counteract, or offset.
To serve as a counterbalance, especially in a metaphorical sense where one force, argument, or factor neutralizes the effect of another. It implies a deliberate, often calculated, opposing action to create equilibrium.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. The word is equally rare in both variants. Slightly more likely to be encountered in British formal/academic writing.
Connotations
Connotes precision, deliberate action, and formal analysis. Often used when describing systems of checks and balances.
Frequency
Very low frequency in both dialects. 'Counterbalance', 'offset', or 'counteract' are far more common substitutes.
Grammar
How to Use “counterweigh” in a Sentence
[Subject] counterweighs [Object][Subject] is counterweighed by [Agent]to counterweigh [Object] with [Instrument]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “counterweigh” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The regulator's new powers are intended to counterweigh the dominance of the large tech firms.
- One must consider the ethical principles that counterweigh pure financial gain.
American English
- The tax credit is supposed to counterweigh the burden of higher energy costs.
- No single argument could counterweigh the overwhelming physical evidence presented.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverbial form.]
American English
- [No standard adverbial form.]
adjective
British English
- [No standard adjectival form. 'Counterweighing' is a participle.] The counterweighing force was insufficient.
American English
- [No standard adjectival form. 'Counterweighing' is a participle.] The committee's role is counterweighing the executive's authority.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in risk management or strategic analysis: 'The new investments should counterweigh the losses in the domestic market.'
Academic
Common in economics, political science, or physics: 'The study examines how social policies counterweigh inherent market inequalities.'
Everyday
Extremely rare. A speaker might say 'The benefits don't counterweigh the costs,' but 'outweigh' or 'don't make up for' is more typical.
Technical
Used in engineering or mechanics: 'The rear mass is calibrated to counterweigh the torque from the front assembly.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “counterweigh”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “counterweigh”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “counterweigh”
- Confusing 'counterweigh' with 'outweigh' ('outweigh' means to be heavier/more important than, not to balance).
- Using it transitively without a clear object: 'We must counterweigh' (incomplete).
- Overusing it; 'balance' or 'offset' is often more natural.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are very close synonyms. 'Counterweigh' can sound more formal, literary, or precise, while 'counterbalance' is more common and can also be used as a noun.
It's possible but uncommon. Native speakers are more likely to use 'balance out', 'make up for', or 'offset' in casual speech. Using 'counterweigh' might sound overly formal.
This is a crucial difference. 'Counterweigh' means to balance or offset an opposing force. 'Outweigh' means to be greater or more significant than something. If the benefits *outweigh* the costs, the benefits are greater. If they *counterweigh* the costs, they balance them out.
The direct noun is 'counterweight'. 'Counterweigh' itself is only a verb. Do not use 'counterweigh' as a noun.
to act against (something) with equal force.
Counterweigh is usually formal, literary, technical (e.g., engineering, economics, strategic analysis) in register.
Counterweigh: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkaʊntəˈweɪ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkaʊn.t̬ɚˈweɪ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms directly use 'counterweigh'. The concept is expressed in idioms like 'a balancing act' or 'swing the balance'.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a COUNTER weight on a scale. You WEIGH something by putting an equal weight on the COUNTER side. COUNTER + WEIGH = to act as an opposing weight.
Conceptual Metaphor
ARGUMENT/INFLUENCE IS A PHYSICAL FORCE. (e.g., 'His testimony counterweighed the prosecution's case.')
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'counterweigh' used most appropriately?