different between setback vs counterbalance

English

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /?s?tbæk/

Etymology

From the verb phrase set back.

Noun

setback (plural setbacks)

1. An obstacle, delay, disadvantage, blow (an adverse event which retards or prevents progress towards a desired outcome)

   After some initial setbacks, the expedition went safely on its way.

2. (US) The required distance between a structure and a road.
3. (architecture) A step-like recession in a wall.

   Setbacks were initially used for structural reasons, but now are often mandated by land use codes.

4. An offset to the temperature setting of a thermostat to cover a period when more or less heating is required than usual.
   • 1980, Popular Science (volume 217, number 4)

     Fuel savings from thermostat setbacks have long been accepted as fact, but little documentation existed to support it.

5. (possibly archaic) A backset; a countercurrent; an eddy.
6. (archaic) A backset; a check; a repulse; a relapse.

Translations

Anagrams

• backest, backets, backset

English

Etymology

counter- +? balance.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /?ka?nt?(?)?bæl?ns/

Noun

counterbalance (plural counterbalances)

1. (literally) A weight that is put in opposition to an equal weight so it keeps that in balance.
2. (figuratively) A force or influence that balances, checks or limits an opposite one.

Synonyms

• counterpoise
• counterweight

Translations

Verb

counterbalance (third-person singular simple present counterbalances, present participle counterbalancing, simple past and past participle counterbalanced)

1. (transitive) To apply weight in order to balance an opposing weight.
   • 1660, Robert Boyle, New Experiments Physico-Mechanical: Touching the Spring of the Air and their Effects

   Synonyms: counterpoise, equiponderate, counterweight

   Hypernym: offset

   Antonym: outweigh

2. (transitive, figuratively) To match or equal in effect when applying opposing force

   Synonyms: counterpoise, counteract

   Antonyms: overcome, overpower

Translations