Counterpose

Part of speech: verb

Pronunciation: /ˌkaʊn.təˈpəʊz/

Definitions

1. To place something in opposition or contrast to something else, or to balance by placing weight or force against an opposing force
2. To arrange opposing elements in balanced contrast against each other
3. To position something as a contrasting balance against another element or force

Etymology: "Counterpose" is a compound built from two familiar parts: "counter-", meaning against or in opposition, and "pose", meaning to put or place. The verb entered English by way of French, where "contraposer" meant to place one thing against another, and the English form keeps the same sense of setting one thing opposite another so that they balance or contrast. The "counter-" prefix is the same one found in words like "counteract" and "counterweight", and it carries the idea of opposition throughout. "Pose" comes from the Old French "poser", meaning to place or put, so "counterpose" literally means to place something in opposition. The meaning stays close to that physical sense of setting one object against another, which is why the word still suggests a deliberate act of balancing rather than simple conflict.

Synonyms: contrast, oppose, juxtapose