How to pronounce counterbalance
Say it like kown-ter-BAL-uns. Counterbalance has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (BAL).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce counterbalance. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- kown
- ter
- BAL
- uns
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Counterbalance pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- kownGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ow" in now.
- terKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- BALSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- unsKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of counterbalance
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: kown-tuh-BAL-uns.
What does counterbalance mean?
- A weight that is put in opposition to an equal weight so it keeps that in balance.
- A force or influence that balances, checks or limits an opposite one.
- To apply weight in order to balance an opposing weight.“Big brother counterbalances his two siblings to the pound.”
- To match or equal in effect when applying opposing force.“Arm wrestling is undecided as long as the opponents counterbalance each other.”
Where does counterbalance come from?
From counter- + balance.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- counterweight
- balance
- equalizer
- equaliser
Words that rhyme with counterbalance
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of counterbalance.
Questions about saying counterbalance
How do you pronounce counterbalance?
Say kown-ter-BAL-uns. The American pronunciation is /ˌkaʊntɚˈbæləns/. In British English it is /ˌkaʊntəˈbæləns/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in counterbalance?
Counterbalance has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (BAL). Broken into parts: kown · ter · BAL · uns.
Is counterbalance pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˌkaʊntəˈbæləns/ (kown-tuh-BAL-uns).