counterweight: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1formal, technical
Quick answer
What does “counterweight” mean?
A weight used to balance another weight, providing stability, equilibrium, or opposing force.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A weight used to balance another weight, providing stability, equilibrium, or opposing force.
Anything used to balance, offset, or oppose something else, often used figuratively for a person, group, or factor that serves as a check or balance against another's power or influence.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or spelling. 'Counterbalance' is a slightly more common synonym in both varieties.
Connotations
Slightly more technical/engineering in British English; used more freely in metaphorical political contexts in American English.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both dialects; moderately low.
Grammar
How to Use “counterweight” in a Sentence
counterweight to + [noun/noun phrase] (a counterweight to inflation)counterweight against + [noun/noun phrase] (a counterweight against dominance)verb + as + a counterweight (functioned as a counterweight)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “counterweight” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The new alliance was designed to counterweight the influence of the dominant regional power.
- We must find a way to counterweight the negative economic forecasts.
American English
- The policy aims to counterweight China's growing assertiveness in the region.
- Investments in bonds can help counterweight the risk of your stock portfolio.
adverb
British English
- [No adverbial form.]
American English
- [No adverbial form.]
adjective
British English
- [No standard adjectival use. Typically appears in compound nouns like 'counterweight system'.]
American English
- [No standard adjectival use. Typically appears in compound nouns like 'counterweight mechanism'.]
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used to describe a market force, investment, or strategy that offsets risk. (e.g., 'Gold acts as a counterweight to currency volatility.')
Academic
Common in political science, history, and engineering texts to describe balancing forces or influences.
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation. May appear in news/political discussion.
Technical
A precise term in mechanical engineering for a physical weight providing balance in a system like a crane or elevator.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “counterweight”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “counterweight”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “counterweight”
- Using 'counterweight' as a verb without 'to' (Incorrect: 'This counterweights that' Correct: 'This acts as a counterweight to that' or 'This counterweights that effect').
- Misspelling as 'counter-weight' (hyphenated form is less common in modern usage).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Modern standard English typically writes it as one word: 'counterweight'. The hyphenated form 'counter-weight' is dated.
Yes, but it is less common than the noun. As a verb, it means 'to act as a counterweight to' or 'to balance'. (e.g., 'This measure counterweights the potential loss.')
They are very close synonyms. 'Counterweight' often implies a physical weight or a very direct opposing force. 'Counterbalance' can be slightly more abstract and is more frequently used as a verb.
It is usually neutral, describing a functional role. It can be positive when describing a desirable check on power (e.g., 'a counterweight to tyranny') or slightly negative if implying a hindrance or deadlock.
A weight used to balance another weight, providing stability, equilibrium, or opposing force.
Counterweight is usually formal, technical in register.
Counterweight: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkaʊntəweɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkaʊnṭərˌweɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[no common idioms specific to this word]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a see-saw (teeter-totter). The heavy person on one side is the 'weight'; the person added to the other side to make it level is the 'counter-weight'.
Conceptual Metaphor
BALANCE IS JUSTICE/STABILITY; OPPOSITION IS A PHYSICAL FORCE.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'counterweight' used most literally?