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)

, coun·ter·poised, coun·ter·pois·ing.

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.

From Salon

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

From Los Angeles Times

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.

From Los Angeles Times

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.

From Los Angeles Times

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.

From New York Times