What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Counterbalance vs Counterweigh - What's the difference?

counterbalance | counterweigh |

In lang=en terms the difference between counterbalance and counterweigh

is that counterbalance is to apply force in order to balance an opposite one while counterweigh is to counterbalance; to balance out.

As verbs the difference between counterbalance and counterweigh

is that counterbalance is to apply weight in order to balance an opposing weight while counterweigh is to act as counterbalance (against something).

As a noun counterbalance

is (literally) a weight that is put in opposition to an equal weight so it keeps that in balance.

counterbalance

English

(counterweight)

Noun

(en noun)
  • (literally) A weight that is put in opposition to an equal weight so it keeps that in balance.
  • (figuratively) A force or influence that balances, checks or limits an opposite one.

    • Synonyms

    * counterpoise * counterweight

    Verb

    (counterbalanc)
  • To apply weight in order to balance an opposing weight.
    • ''Big brother counterbalances his two siblings to the pound.
  • * Boyle
    • The remaining air was not able to counterbalance the mercurial cylinder.
  • To apply force in order to balance an opposite one.
    • ''Arm wrestling is undecided as long as the opponents counterbalance each-other
  • (figuratively) To match or equal in effect, but acting in opposition
    • ''The defenders' knowledge of the terrain roughly counterbalances the attackers' superior equipment
  • * Sir W. Hamilton
    • The study of mind is necessary to counterbalance and correct the influence of the study of nature.
  • *
    • A considerable effort has been made in these volumes to counterbalance this activity by introducing the student to the plants as living entities with a "life of their own," as Spruce put it.

    Synonyms

    * counteract * counterpoise * counterweight * equiponderate * offset

    Antonyms

    * outweigh * overcome * overpower

    counterweigh

    English

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • To act as counterbalance (against something).
  • To counterbalance; to balance out.
  • * 2009 , (Diarmaid MacCulloch), A History of Christianity , Penguin 2010, p. 709:
    • Yet Francis's favour could not counterweigh the disastrous flaw in European Christian mission in Africa, its association with the Portuguese slave trade.