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Countervail Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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countervail

[ˌkaʊntərˈveɪl ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

to counteract

To countervail means to act against something in order to reduce its force or neutralize it. It implies a balancing effect, often used in legal or ethical contexts to describe actions that offset or counterbalance other actions.

Synonyms

counteract, counterbalance, neutralize, offset.

Examples of usage

  • The new laws were designed to countervail the negative effects of pollution.
  • He tried to countervail the criticism with a strong defense of his actions.
  • Efforts to countervail the impact of the recession proved effective in stabilizing the economy.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In Shakespeare's 'Hamlet', countervailing forces between loyalty and betrayal highlight the complexity of human actions.
  • Many poems employ the concept to illustrate how love and pain can balance each other, creating a richer emotional landscape.
  • The idea of countervail often appears in epic tales where heroes face challenges that balance their strengths and weaknesses.

Psychology

  • In cognitive behavior therapy, countervailing thoughts are used to challenge negative thinking, showing how positive thoughts can balance emotional distress.
  • The notion of compensation suggests that individuals may countervail their insecurities with strengths in other areas, a fundamental concept in personal growth.
  • Research indicates that balancing positive and negative feelings can lead to better mental health, aligning with the essence of countervailing.

Politics

  • The concept of countervailing power is essential in political theory, describing how different groups balance each other to prevent domination.
  • The establishment of checks and balances in government systems ensures that one branch does not overpower the others, representing a practical application of countervailing.
  • Social movements often act as countervailing forces against oppressive systems, striving for equality and justice.

Economics

  • In economic theory, countervailing duties are tariffs imposed to offset subsidies granted by foreign governments to their industries.
  • Market forces can sometimes countervail each other, leading to equilibrium where supply meets demand effectively.
  • Inflation can be countervailed by tightening monetary policy, demonstrating how economic principles often work in balance with each other.

Origin of 'countervail'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Middle English 'countravailen', which means 'to oppose or equal'.
  • It combines 'counter-', meaning against, and 'vail', derived from Latin 'vallare', meaning to be strong or to prevail.
  • As a formal term, it has been used in legal contexts to describe claims that nullify or counter other claims.

The word 'countervail' has its origins in the late Middle English period, derived from the Old French word 'contrevailler', which means to 'counter' or 'to be equal to'. This itself comes from the Latin 'contra' meaning 'against' and 'valere' meaning 'to be strong'. Over time, it evolved to emphasize the notion of balancing forces against one another. The term has been used in various contexts including legal and economic frameworks where one factor needs to be offset by another to maintain equilibrium. Its usage has persisted in English mainly in formal contexts, reflecting intricate relationships between opposing forces.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,919 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.