Meaning & use
counterworks
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“counterworks” is a form of “counterwork”.
Meaning
verbtransitiveformal
Works against or opposes something, often by using similar methods.
Grammar: Takes an object: The new policy counterworks the old rules. It is not used without an object.
Patterns
- counterwork something
- counterwork against something
The company's new strategy counterworks the competitor's pricing.
His efforts counterwork the negative effects of the change.
The drug counterworks the toxins in the body.
Word forms
| third person singular | counterworks |
|---|---|
| past tense | counterworked |
| past participle | counterworked |
| -ing form | counterworking |
Common combinations
- counterwork a plan
- They tried to counterwork the enemy's plan.
- counterwork the effects
- The medicine counterworks the effects of the poison.
- counterwork against
- The new measures counterwork against inflation.
Synonyms and how they differ
- counteract
- More common and often used for physical or chemical effects; 'counterwork' is more literary or strategic.
- oppose
- A general word for being against something; 'counterwork' implies active, often clever opposition.
- undermine
- Suggests weakening something gradually, while 'counterwork' focuses on direct opposition.
Opposites
Word family
- counterwork noun
- Rare; something that works against another thing.
- counterworking noun
- The act of working against something.
Commonly confused: counterworks or counteract?
counterworks vs counteract
Often confused because both mean to work against something, but 'counteract' is more common and usually used for neutralising effects, not strategic opposition.
Practice
Choose the correct sentence:
Choose one answer.
'Counterwork' is transitive and takes a direct object without a preposition. 'Counterwork against' is possible but less common and would need a different structure.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “counterworks”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.