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Definition of counterpose

counterpose

/ˈkaʊn.tɚˌpoʊz/
coun · ter · pose
Past Simple:counterposed
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Past Participle:counterposed
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Present Participle:counterposing
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counterpose Lexical Profile

counterpose Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To place or set in opposition or contrast to something else.

Example

"In her essay, the historian chose to counterpose traditional agrarian values with the rapid rise of industrial capitalism."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for counterpose
Antonyms
View all antonyms for counterpose

Word Nuance & Usage

Do not confuse with 'counterpoise', which specifically means to balance or act as an equal counterweight to something, whereas 'counterpose' means to set two things in opposition or contrast.

• Nearby Words

counterpart
counterplan
counterpoint
counterpose
counterproductive
counterproductively
counterproductiveness

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the late 18th century from the prefix 'counter-' (against) and 'pose' (to place), modeled after French 'contreposer' and Latin 'opponere'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Counterpose. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/counterpose
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