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   counterpoise

   /ˈkaʊntəpɔɪz/

   noun

   • 1. a factor or force that balances or neutralizes another: "the organization sees the power of Brussels as a counterpoise to that of London"
   • ▪ a counterbalancing weight.
   • ▪ a state of equilibrium: "the building stands in counterpoise to a Roman temple"

   verb

   • 1. have an opposing and balancing effect on: "they make a delightful couple, his gentle intellectuality counterpoised by her firm practicality"
   • ▪ bring into contrast: "the stories counterpoise a young recruit with an old-timer"

   Word Origin late Middle English: from Old French contrepois from contre ‘against’ + pois from Latin pensum ‘weight’. Compare with poise1. The verb, originally counterpeise, from Old French contrepeser, was altered under the influence of the noun in the 16th century.

   Scrabble Points: 16

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