counterbalance

Everyday

1. A weight that balances another weight. tree →
2. Something that has an equal and opposite effect to something else. tree →
3. To balance something by putting weight or force on the other side. tree →
4. To make up for something by having an opposite effect. tree →

In the lessons

In science: a crane has a counterbalance (counterweight) so it does not tip; a see-saw balances when the moments on both sides are equal. In everyday talk: «Fun counterbalances hard work».

Examples

• The crane uses a heavy counterbalance. tree →
• On the see-saw, Dad's weight counterbalanced both of us. tree →
• The lift has a counterbalance to make it easier to move. tree →
• Good food counterbalanced the long walk. tree →
• His calm counterbalances her excitement. tree →
• Add weight to the other end to counterbalance the load. tree →

Note

One word. Similar: counterweight, offset. In science, balance happens when weight × distance is the same on each side, not just equal weights.