Meaning
counterweight, counterbalance
- A heavy weight balancing another in a mechanical system
- A countervailing force, influence, or factor (figurative)
In a sentence
La fune dell'ascensore è collegata a un pesante contrappeso d'acciaio.
The elevator cable is connected to a heavy steel counterweight.
Il parlamento funge da indispensabile contrappeso al potere esecutivo.
Parliament serves as an indispensable counterweight to executive power.
Quale elemento potrà fare da contrappeso a queste nuove spese?
What factor will be able to counterbalance these new expenses?
Word forms (2)
| Word | Word forms |
|---|---|
| contrappeso | masculine · singular |
| contrappesi | masculine · plural |
Usage notes
- Frequently used metaphorically in politics or debates to indicate a balancing factor.
- Formed from 'contra-' and 'peso'.