counterpoise

²counterpoise

noun

Definition of COUNTERPOISE

1

: counterbalance

2

: an equivalent power or force acting in opposition

3

: a state of balance

Examples of COUNTERPOISE

1. <a musical piece with a counterpoise of loud and soft passages>
2. <the happiness brought by a new baby was a timely counterpoise to the grief occasioned by a death in the family>

First Known Use of COUNTERPOISE

15th century

Related to COUNTERPOISE

Synonyms: balance, equilibration, equilibrium, equipoise, poise, stasis

Antonyms: disequilibration, disequilibrium, imbalance, nonequilibrium, unbalance

Related Words: counterbalance, offset; firmness, fixedness, security, stability, steadiness

Near Antonyms: changeability, fluctuation, inconstancy, insecurity, instability, mutability, precariousness, shakiness, unsteadiness, volatility

see all synonyms and antonyms

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