countervail

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. verb compensate for or counterbalance
  2. verb oppose and mitigate the effects of by contrary actions

Etymology

From Anglo-Norman countrevaloir (Old French contrevaloir), from Latin contrā valēre (“to be strong against”).

In classic literature

Synonyms

offset

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