A counterweight is a weight that balances another weight or force. It is used to provide stability, control movement, or offset an imbalance in a system. It is often a heavy mass, but can also be the force generated by a spring or other mechanism, acting in opposition to another force. Counterweights find applications in a wide range of contexts, from construction and engineering to human behavior and business strategies. They are crucial for maintaining equilibrium and ensuring smooth, controlled operation.
Counterweight meaning with examples
- The crane operator carefully adjusted the counterweight to lift the heavy steel beams. Without the counterweight, the crane would have tipped over under the load, causing a dangerous accident. The counterweight was crucial to ensure the crane could safely move the structure components during construction on site.
- In a seesaw, the child on the heavier side acts as a counterweight to the child on the lighter side, allowing the seesaw to balance and move up and down. The movement and enjoyment of the see-saw is dictated by the counterweight of each child. This basic principle of balance is very evident.
- The company utilized a price drop as a counterweight to increase the product sales in the face of growing competition from larger and more established competitors. It was a strategy designed to entice the consumer, and compete with their established rivals in the market.
- The artist used a series of strategically placed weights to balance the sculpture. The weights provided the necessary counterweight to stabilize the piece and prevented it from toppling over, in the face of a strong wind.
- During the construction of the drawbridge, the counterweight was essential to raise and lower the bridge deck. The counterweight system allowed a large vessel to pass safely and allow easy movement when used to facilitate the river flow.
Counterweight Synonyms
balance ballast compensation equilibrium offset stabilizer weightCounterweight Antonyms
imbalance instability unbalance unsteadinessCounterweight Crossword Answers
4 Letters
TARE
7 Letters
BALANCE BALLAST
9 Letters
EQUALISER EQUALIZER
11 Letters
COUNTERPOSE
12 Letters
COUNTERPOISE
14 Letters
COUNTERBALANCE