counterpoise

/ˈkaʊntə(ɹ)ˌpɔɪz/

//ˈkaʊntə(ɹ)ˌpɔɪz// noun

By · According to Wiktionary data (CC BY-SA) ·

"counterpoise" is a 12-letter English headword indexed on PlainSpell.

The verdict

“counterpoise” is uncommon English (outside the top frequency list), classed as a noun. The kind of spelling people second-guess.

Unranked
below top-frequency English
12
letters

According to Wiktionary data (CC BY-SA, analyzed May 6, 2026) - A weight sufficient to balance another, for example in the opposite end of scales; an equal weight.

Key facts for counterpoise
PropertyValue
Headwordcounterpoise
LanguageEnglish
Part of speechNoun
IPA/ˈkaʊntə(ɹ)ˌpɔɪz/
Letters12
Misspellings tracked0
Confusable pairs0
SourceWiktionary (kaikki.org)

Where “counterpoise” sits in English frequency

counterpoise falls outside the top-100,000 ranked English words, the long-tail zone of technical, archaic, or low-frequency vocabulary, exactly where readers second-guess spellings most.

Beyond rank #100,000. Source: FrequencyWords open word-frequency list.

Rare enough to double-check

counterpoise is uncommon English outside the top frequency list, classed as anoun, transcribed /ˈkaʊntə(ɹ)ˌpɔɪz/. Rarity is why readers land here mid-draft. 3 senses are on record.

We couldn't generate a plausible misspelling set for counterpoise, which points to an orthography that plays by predictable English rules. No confusable counterpart is on file for this word, since its spelling is unusual enough that it doesn't cluster with a lookalike.

Etymologically, the entry records: From Old French contrepois, contrepeser, later assimilated to poise. The correct English form is counterpoise, spelled C-O-U-N-T-E-R-P-O-I-S-E.

Definition

  1. 1
    A weight sufficient to balance another, for example in the opposite end of scales; an equal weight.
  2. 2
    An effect of equal power or force acting in opposition; a force sufficient to balance another force or influence
  3. 3
    The relation of two weights or forces which balance each other; equilibrium

Etymology

From Old French contrepois, contrepeser, later assimilated to poise.

Definitions, pronunciation, and etymology for this entry are drawn from Wiktionary via the kaikki.org structured extract (CC BY-SA). See the methodology for how each field is sourced and updated.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you spell "counterpoise"?
"counterpoise" is spelled C-O-U-N-T-E-R-P-O-I-S-E. The IPA pronunciation is /ˈkaʊntə(ɹ)ˌpɔɪz/.
What does "counterpoise" mean?
As a noun, "counterpoise" means: A weight sufficient to balance another, for example in the opposite end of scales; an equal weight.
How do you pronounce "counterpoise"?
The IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) transcription for "counterpoise" is /ˈkaʊntə(ɹ)ˌpɔɪz/. Click the speaker icon on the pronunciation badge above to hear it spoken aloud where audio is available.
What is the origin of the word "counterpoise"?
From Old French contrepois, contrepeser, later assimilated to poise. See the full etymology section above for more details.
Is PlainSpell free to use?
Yes, PlainSpell is a completely free word reference. You can look up definitions, pronunciations, confusable pairs, homophones, and spelling corrections across 5 languages without any sign-up or subscription.

Using “counterpoise”

The practical upshot for anyone who landed here from a spell-check.

  • The one correct English spelling is C-O-U-N-T-E-R-P-O-I-S-E - every other letter order is a misspelling in standard orthography.
  • Say it as /ˈkaʊntə(ɹ)ˌpɔɪz/ (IPA); tap the speaker on the pronunciation badge to hear it where audio exists.
  • Browse more English words and confusable pairs in the same reference. English words
Data Source

Wiktionary (via kaikki.org), licensed under CC BY-SA & GFDL. Word ordering uses an open word-frequency list; misspelling variants are generated by edit-distance from the correct headword.

Source: Wiktionary (via kaikki.org) Structured Wiktionary extract

Source: FrequencyWords open word-frequency list