Counterbalance: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when something is employed to equalize or neutralize the effects of another thing, often in a mechanical or psychological context.

• The heavy weights serve to counterbalance the elevator's movement
• His calm demeanor acted as a counterbalance to her anxiety

Used when something counteracts or reduces the effect of another thing, often in technical or environmental contexts.

• The carbon credits were used to offset the company's emissions
• The increased revenue helped to offset the rise in costs

Used in general terms to describe the state of being evenly distributed or stable, often in financial, physical, or abstract contexts.

• She tries to balance her work and personal life
• The accountant is responsible for maintaining the balance of the company's books

Used to describe something given to offset loss or damage, usually in financial or legal contexts.

• The worker received compensation for his injuries
• The company offers compensation for any delays in delivery

Utilized when trying to balance out a force or effect with another to achieve equilibrium.

• The company's losses in Europe could be counterbalanced by gains in Asia
• The child's limited experience is counterbalanced by extensive theoretical knowledge

Often used to describe making up for something lost, unwanted, or lacking, frequently in financial or service terms.

• The company will compensate the workers for the overtime hours
• He tried to compensate for his lack of skill with extra effort

Generally used when setting one thing against another to reduce or cancel its effect, often in financial or mathematical contexts.

• The gains in one sector are enough to offset the losses in another
• They planted trees to offset their carbon emissions

Typically applied in scenarios where making something ineffective or harmless is the goal, often in scientific or military contexts.

• The antidote will neutralize the poison
• They aimed to neutralize the terrorist threat before it could do harm