Where does “counterbalance” come from?
Counterbalance derives from Middle English counter- combined with Middle French balance, which comes from Latin bilanx, a scale with two pans formed from Latin bi- meaning two and lanx meaning pan.
counterbalance (English): A weight that is put in opposition to an equal...
Definitions
- A weight that is put in opposition to an equal...
Ancestry of “counterbalance”, step by step
| Step | Language | Word | Meaning |
|---|
| 1 | English | balance | A state in which opposing forces harmonise;... |
| 2 | Middle English | balaunce | A set of scales; a balance; The ensuring of... |
| 3 | Old French | balance | — |
| 4 | Late Latin | bilancia | — |
| 5 | Latin | bilanx | having two scales; a balance with two scalepans |
| 6 | Latin | bi- | having two parts; occurring twice |
| 7 | Ancient Greek | κύκλος | circle, ring; Any circular object, such as a... |
| 8 | Proto-Indo-European | kʷékʷlos | wheel; circle |
| 9 | Proto-Indo-European | kʷel- | to turn |
Words derived from “counterbalance”