vastapaino — meaning in English

English meaning

• balance noun A state in which opposing weights, forces, or elements are evenly matched; stability.
• counterbalance noun A weight placed opposite another so as to keep it level.
• counterweight noun A heavy weight, often metal or concrete, linked to a load so that raising and lowering it takes less effort, as in a lift or a bridge that swings open.

Senses

vastapaino is used for these senses in English:

• balance (literally, or, figuratively) Something of equal weight used to provide equilibrium; counterweight.
• counterbalance (literally) A weight that is put in opposition to an equal weight so it keeps that in balance.
• counterbalance (figuratively) A force or influence that balances, checks or limits an opposite one.
• counterweight A heavy mass of often iron or concrete, mechanically linked in opposition to a load which is to be raised and lowered, with the intent of reducing the amount of work which must be done to effect the raising and lowering. Counterweights are used, for example, in cable-hauled elevators and some kinds of movable bridges (e.g. a bascule bridge).

balance — full definition

1. noun A state in which opposing weights, forces, or elements are evenly matched; stability.
2. noun The amount of money left in an account after deposits and withdrawals, or the difference between credits and debits.
3. verb To bring something into a state of equilibrium, or to keep it steady without falling.

counterbalance — full definition

1. noun A weight placed opposite another so as to keep it level.
2. noun A force or influence that offsets or holds back an opposing one.

Related Finnish words