Balance vs. Harmony — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 6, 2024
Balance often refers to equal distribution or stability, such as in weight or elements, while harmony emphasizes a pleasing or congruent arrangement, particularly in music or design.
Difference Between Balance and Harmony
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Balance is about achieving stability through equal distribution of elements, whether it's in physical weights, emotions, or design. Whereas, harmony involves the arrangement of these elements in a way that is aesthetically pleasing or functional.
In physical contexts, balance can be seen in the way objects are positioned to prevent tipping or falling. On the other hand, harmony in this context would relate to how elements like colors, shapes, and sizes are used together to create a cohesive look.
In personal wellness, balance refers to maintaining an equilibrium in various aspects of life such as work, health, and relationships. While harmony in this area focuses on how these aspects interact smoothly to foster a peaceful and fulfilling life.
In art and design, balance is achieved through techniques like symmetry or asymmetry to create visual stability. Whereas, harmony is sought through the use of complementary colors, proportions, and themes that please the eye.
Musically, balance might refer to the equal distribution of sound between different instruments or vocals to achieve a clear and controlled audio experience. On the other hand, harmony specifically refers to the concordant combination of pitches, which includes chords and melody lines that are pleasant to hear.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Stability achieved through equal distribution.
Congruence and pleasing arrangement in elements.
In Design
Focus on visual or structural stability.
Emphasis on aesthetically pleasing combinations.
In Wellness
Equilibrium in various life aspects.
Smooth interaction between life aspects.
In Music
Distribution of sound for clarity and control.
Concordant combination of pitches for pleasant sound.
Psychological
Pertains to mental or emotional steadiness.
Relates to peaceful and synergistic states of being.
Compare with Definitions
Balance
Mental or emotional stability.
Meditation helps in maintaining balance amidst chaos.
Harmony
Combination of different musical notes to produce a pleasing effect.
The choir achieved perfect harmony in their performance.
Balance
A condition in which different elements are equal or in correct proportions.
Finding balance between work and leisure can be challenging.
Harmony
Agreement or concord.
The treaty was signed in a spirit of harmony.
Balance
Equal distribution in weight or importance.
Achieving balance in a seesaw requires equal weight on both sides.
Harmony
Pleasing arrangement of parts.
The room’s decor was in harmony with its historic setting.
Balance
The ability to remain upright and steady.
Gymnasts display incredible balance during routines.
Harmony
Compatibility in opinion and action.
The team worked in harmony to complete the project.
Balance
Balancing act, an effort to remain stable in challenging situations.
Balancing work and school is a tough balancing act.
Harmony
The quality of forming a pleasing and consistent whole.
The new sofa adds to the harmony of the living room decor.
Balance
See Libra.
Harmony
Harmony, in music, is the process by which the composition of individual sounds, or superpositions of sounds, is analysed by hearing. Usually, this means simultaneously occurring frequencies, pitches (tones, notes), or chords.Harmony is a perceptual property of music, and along with melody, one of the building blocks of Western music.
Balance
A weighing device, especially one consisting of a rigid beam horizontally suspended by a low-friction support at its center, with identical weighing pans hung at either end, one of which holds an unknown weight while the effective weight in the other is increased by known amounts until the beam is level and motionless. Also called scale.
Harmony
An orderly or pleasing combination of elements in a whole
Color harmony.
The order and harmony of the universe.
Balance
A state of equilibrium or parity characterized by cancellation of all forces by equal opposing forces.
Harmony
A relationship in which various components exist together without destroying one another
Different kinds of fish living in harmony.
Balance
The power or means to decide
Matters that fell outside the judge's balance.
Harmony
A relationship characterized by a lack of conflict or by agreement, as of opinion or interest
Family harmony.
Balance
A state of bodily equilibrium
Thrown off balance by a gust of wind.
Harmony
The study of the structure, progression, and relation of chords.
Balance
The ability to maintain bodily equilibrium
Gymnasts must have good balance.
Harmony
Simultaneous combination of notes in a chord.
Balance
A harmonious or satisfying arrangement or proportion of parts or elements, as in a design.
Harmony
The structure of a work or passage as considered from the point of view of its chordal characteristics and relationships.
Balance
An influence or force tending to produce equilibrium; counterpoise.
Harmony
A combination of sounds considered pleasing to the ear.
Balance
The difference in magnitude between opposing forces or influences.
Harmony
A musical line that harmonically complements the melody
You sing the lead part, and I'll sing the harmony.
Balance
Equality of totals in the debit and credit sides of an account.
Harmony
A collation of parallel passages, especially from the Gospels, with a commentary demonstrating their consonance and explaining their discrepancies.
Balance
The difference between such totals, either on the credit or the debit side.
Harmony
Agreement or accord.
Balance
Something that is left over; a remainder.
Harmony
A pleasing combination of elements, or arrangement of sounds.
Balance
(Chemistry) Equality of mass and net electric charge of reacting species on each side of an equation.
Harmony
(music) The academic study of chords.
Balance
(Mathematics) Equality with respect to the net number of reduced symbolic quantities on each side of an equation.
Harmony
(music) Two or more notes played simultaneously to produce a chord.
Balance
A balance wheel.
Harmony
(music) The relationship between two distinct musical pitches (musical pitches being frequencies of vibration which produce audible sound) played simultaneously.
Balance
To determine the weight of (something) in a weighing device.
Harmony
A literary work which brings together or arranges systematically parallel passages of historians respecting the same events, and shows their agreement or consistency.
A harmony of the Gospels
Balance
To consider and compare or assess
Balanced the pros and cons before making a choice.
Harmony
The just adaptation of parts to each other, in any system or combination of things, or in things intended to form a connected whole; such an agreement between the different parts of a design or composition as to produce unity of effect; as, the harmony of the universe.
Balance
To bring into or maintain in a state of equilibrium.
Harmony
Concord or agreement in facts, opinions, manners, interests, etc.; good correspondence; peace and friendship; as, good citizens live in harmony.
Balance
To act as an equalizing weight or force to; counterbalance.
Harmony
A literary work which brings together or arranges systematically parallel passages of historians respecting the same events, and shows their agreement or consistency; as, a harmony of the Gospels.
Balance
To compute the difference between the debits and credits of (an account).
Harmony
A succession of chords according to the rules of progression and modulation.
Ten thousand harps, that tunedAngelic harmonies.
Balance
To reconcile or equalize the sums of the debits and credits of (an account).
Harmony
See Harmonic suture, under Harmonic.
Balance
To settle (an account, for example) by paying what is owed.
Harmony
Compatibility in opinion and action
Balance
To bring into or keep in equal or satisfying proportion or harmony.
Harmony
The structure of music with respect to the composition and progression of chords
Balance
Mathematics & Chemistry To bring (an equation) into balance.
Harmony
A harmonious state of things in general and of their properties (as of colors and sounds); congruity of parts with one another and with the whole
Balance
To move toward and then away from (a dance partner).
Harmony
Agreement of opinions
Balance
To be in or come into equilibrium.
Harmony
An agreeable sound property
Balance
To be equal or equivalent.
Balance
To sway or waver as if losing or regaining equilibrium.
Balance
To move toward and then away from a dance partner.
Balance
(uncountable) A state in which opposing forces harmonise; equilibrium.
Balance
(uncountable) Mental equilibrium; mental health; calmness, a state of remaining clear-headed and unperturbed.
Balance
Something of equal weight used to provide equilibrium; counterweight.
These weights are used as a balance for the overhanging verandah
Blair thought he could provide a useful balance to Bush's policies.
Balance
A pair of scales.
Balance
(uncountable) Awareness of both viewpoints or matters; neutrality; rationality; objectivity.
Balance
(uncountable) The overall result of conflicting forces, opinions etc.; the influence which ultimately "weighs" more than others.
The balance of power finally lay with the Royalist forces.
I think the balance of opinion is that we should get out while we're ahead.
Balance
(uncountable) Apparent harmony in art (between differing colours, sounds, etc.).
Balance
(accounting) A list accounting for the debits on one side, and for the credits on the other.
Balance
(accounting) The result of such a procedure; the difference between credit and debit of an account.
I just need to nip to a bank and check my balance.
Balance
(watchmaking) A device used to regulate the speed of a watch, clock etc.
Balance
The remainder.
The balance of the agreement remains in effect.
The invoice said he had only paid $50. The balance was $220.
Balance
Libra.
Balance
(transitive) To bring (items) to an equipoise, as the scales of a balance by adjusting the weights.
Balance
To make (concepts) agree.
Balance
(transitive) To hold (an object or objects) precariously; to support on a narrow base, so as to keep from falling.
I balanced my mug of coffee on my knee.
The circus performer balances a plate on the end of a baton.
Balance
(transitive) To compare in relative force, importance, value, etc.; to estimate.
Balance
To move toward, and then back from, reciprocally.
To balance partners
Balance
(nautical) To contract, as a sail, into a narrower compass.
To balance the boom mainsail
Balance
(transitive) To make the credits and debits of (an account) correspond.
This final payment, or credit, balances the account.
To balance a set of books
Balance
(intransitive) To be in equilibrium.
Balance
(intransitive) To have matching credits and debits.
Balance
To weigh in a balance.
Balance
To hesitate or fluctuate.
Balance
An apparatus for weighing.
Balance
Act of weighing mentally; comparison; estimate.
A fair balance of the advantages on either side.
Balance
Equipoise between the weights in opposite scales.
Balance
The state of being in equipoise; equilibrium; even adjustment; steadiness.
And hung a bottle on each sideTo make his balance true.
The order and balance of the country were destroyed.
English workmen completely lose their balance.
Balance
An equality between the sums total of the two sides of an account; as, to bring one's accounts to a balance; - also, the excess on either side; as, the balance of an account.
I still think the balance of probabilities leans towards the account given in the text.
Balance
A balance wheel, as of a watch, or clock. See Balance wheel (in the Vocabulary).
Balance
The constellation Libra.
Balance
To bring to an equipoise, as the scales of a balance by adjusting the weights; to weigh in a balance.
Balance
To support on a narrow base, so as to keep from falling; as, to balance a plate on the end of a cane; to balance one's self on a tight rope.
Balance
To equal in number, weight, force, or proportion; to counterpoise, counterbalance, counteract, or neutralize.
One expression . . . must check and balance another.
Balance
To compare in relative force, importance, value, etc.; to estimate.
Balance the good and evil of things.
Balance
To settle and adjust, as an account; to make two accounts equal by paying the difference between them.
I am very well satisfied that it is not in my power to balance accounts with my Maker.
Balance
To make the sums of the debits and credits of an account equal; - said of an item; as, this payment, or credit, balances the account.
Balance
To arrange accounts in such a way that the sum total of the debits is equal to the sum total of the credits; as, to balance a set of books.
Balance
To move toward, and then back from, reciprocally; as, to balance partners.
Balance
To contract, as a sail, into a narrower compass; as, to balance the boom mainsail.
Balance
To have equal weight on each side; to be in equipoise; as, the scales balance.
Balance
To fluctuate between motives which appear of equal force; to waver; to hesitate.
He would not balance or err in the determination of his choice.
Balance
To move toward a person or couple, and then back.
Balance
A state of equilibrium
Balance
A scale for weighing; depends on pull of gravity
Balance
Equality between the totals of the credit and debit sides of an account
Balance
Harmonious arrangement or relation of parts or elements within a whole (as in a design);
In all perfectly beautiful objects there is found the opposition of one part to another and a reciprocal balance
Balance
Equality of distribution
Balance
Something left after other parts have been taken away;
There was no remainder
He threw away the rest
He took what he wanted and I got the balance
Balance
The difference between the totals of the credit and debit sides of an account
Balance
(astrology) a person who is born while the sun in in Libra
Balance
The seventh sign of the zodiac; the sun is in this sign from about September 23 to October 22
Balance
(mathematics) an attribute of a shape or relation; exact correspondence of form on opposite sides of a dividing line or plane
Balance
An equivalent counterbalancing weight
Balance
A wheel that regulates the rate of movement in a machine; especially a wheel oscillating against the hairspring of a timepiece to regulate its beat
Balance
Bring into balance or equilibrium;
She has to balance work and her domestic duties
Balance the two weights
Balance
Compute credits and debits of an account
Balance
Hold or carry in equilibrium
Balance
Be in equilibrium;
He was balancing on one foot
Common Curiosities
How does harmony differ from balance in music?
In music, balance refers to the proper leveling of audio elements, whereas harmony refers to the combination of notes to form chords.
What is the primary focus of balance?
The primary focus of balance is achieving stability and equal distribution among elements.
What does it mean to live in harmony with nature?
Living in harmony with nature involves actions that promote environmental sustainability and reduce harm.
How is harmony achieved in visual arts?
Harmony in visual arts is achieved through thoughtful arrangement of colors, textures, and forms.
How does balance affect relationship dynamics?
Balance in relationships involves equal give-and-take between the partners to maintain a healthy dynamic.
Is balance more important than harmony in design?
The importance varies; balance ensures stability, while harmony focuses on aesthetic appeal.
Why is balance important in financial planning?
Balance in financial planning helps in managing spending and saving to avoid financial instability.
Can a person achieve balance in their diet?
Yes, dietary balance involves consuming a variety of nutrients in appropriate proportions.
How can one improve harmony in a workspace?
Improving harmony in a workspace can involve enhancing communication and cooperation among team members.
Can harmony exist without balance?
Yes, harmony can exist without traditional balance, as it focuses on pleasing interactions rather than equal distribution.
How do balance and harmony contribute to wellness?
Balance contributes to maintaining equal attention to different life aspects, while harmony ensures these aspects work together peacefully.
What role does balance play in physical activities?
Balance is crucial for maintaining physical stability and preventing falls in activities.
What is an example of harmony in everyday life?
An example of harmony in everyday life could be a well-coordinated and supportive family environment.
What is a practical way to achieve balance in life?
A practical way to achieve balance is through time management and prioritizing different life activities.
Is balance necessary in technology?
In technology, balance can refer to the equilibrium between innovation and usability.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
