Ask Difference

Balanced vs. Balance — What's the Difference?

Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 16, 2024
Balanced refers to being in a state of equilibrium, while balance is the condition of stability or harmony.
Balanced vs. Balance — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Balanced and Balance

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Key Differences

Balanced describes a state where elements are in equilibrium or proportionate, indicating stability and even distribution. For instance, a balanced diet includes appropriate amounts of all food groups. Balance, on the other hand, refers to the condition of being stable or the act of maintaining stability. A person with good balance can walk a tightrope without falling.
Balanced often implies the result of achieving balance, such as a balanced workload ensuring no one is overwhelmed. Balance can be both a noun and a verb, signifying the condition of stability or the act of stabilizing something. For example, balance can refer to the ability to remain upright or the act of balancing a budget.
In terms of physical activities, balanced might describe a well-coordinated athlete, while balance refers to their ability to maintain posture and avoid falling. Balanced is an adjective describing the quality of being evenly distributed, while balance as a noun refers to the state of stability and as a verb to the action of achieving stability.
Financially, balanced can describe a well-managed budget, whereas balance refers to the amount of money available in an account. In a broader sense, balanced implies the outcome of an evenly managed system, while balance is the condition or process of managing it.

Comparison Chart

Definition

Being in a state of equilibrium
The condition of stability or harmony
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Part of Speech

Adjective
Noun and Verb

Usage Context

Describing a state achieved
Refers to the state or act of maintaining stability

Example in Physical Activities

A balanced gymnast
A gymnast's balance

Financial Context

A balanced budget
Account balance or balancing a budget

General Connotation

Result of achieving stability
The condition or process of stability

Compare with Definitions

Balanced

Being in a state of equilibrium.
She has a balanced lifestyle that includes work, exercise, and relaxation.

Balance

The condition of being stable.
He maintained his balance on the slippery ice.

Balanced

Stable and not likely to change or fall.
The balanced scale shows equal weights on both sides.

Balance

The amount of money available in an account.
She checked her account balance before making a purchase.

Balanced

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.

Balance

Harmony between different elements.
Finding a balance between work and leisure is important.

Balanced

A state of equilibrium or parity characterized by cancellation of all forces by equal opposing forces.

Balance

Equality in amount, weight, value, or importance.
The balance of power shifted after the election.

Balanced

The power or means to decide
Matters that fell outside the judge's balance.

Balance

See Libra.

Balanced

A state of bodily equilibrium
Thrown off balance by a gust of wind.

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.

Balanced

The ability to maintain bodily equilibrium
Gymnasts must have good balance.

Balance

A state of equilibrium or parity characterized by cancellation of all forces by equal opposing forces.

Balanced

A harmonious or satisfying arrangement or proportion of parts or elements, as in a design.

Balance

The power or means to decide
Matters that fell outside the judge's balance.

Balanced

An influence or force tending to produce equilibrium; counterpoise.

Balance

A state of bodily equilibrium
Thrown off balance by a gust of wind.

Balanced

The difference in magnitude between opposing forces or influences.

Balance

The ability to maintain bodily equilibrium
Gymnasts must have good balance.

Balanced

Equality of totals in the debit and credit sides of an account.

Balance

A harmonious or satisfying arrangement or proportion of parts or elements, as in a design.

Balanced

The difference between such totals, either on the credit or the debit side.

Balance

An influence or force tending to produce equilibrium; counterpoise.

Balanced

Something that is left over; a remainder.

Balance

The difference in magnitude between opposing forces or influences.

Balanced

(Chemistry) Equality of mass and net electric charge of reacting species on each side of an equation.

Balance

Equality of totals in the debit and credit sides of an account.

Balanced

(Mathematics) Equality with respect to the net number of reduced symbolic quantities on each side of an equation.

Balance

The difference between such totals, either on the credit or the debit side.

Balanced

A balance wheel.

Balance

Something that is left over; a remainder.

Balanced

To determine the weight of (something) in a weighing device.

Balance

(Chemistry) Equality of mass and net electric charge of reacting species on each side of an equation.

Balanced

To consider and compare or assess
Balanced the pros and cons before making a choice.

Balance

(Mathematics) Equality with respect to the net number of reduced symbolic quantities on each side of an equation.

Balanced

To bring into or maintain in a state of equilibrium.

Balance

A balance wheel.

Balanced

To act as an equalizing weight or force to; counterbalance.

Balance

To determine the weight of (something) in a weighing device.

Balanced

To compute the difference between the debits and credits of (an account).

Balance

To consider and compare or assess
Balanced the pros and cons before making a choice.

Balanced

To reconcile or equalize the sums of the debits and credits of (an account).

Balance

To bring into or maintain in a state of equilibrium.

Balanced

To settle (an account, for example) by paying what is owed.

Balance

To act as an equalizing weight or force to; counterbalance.

Balanced

To bring into or keep in equal or satisfying proportion or harmony.

Balance

To compute the difference between the debits and credits of (an account).

Balanced

Mathematics & Chemistry To bring (an equation) into balance.

Balance

To reconcile or equalize the sums of the debits and credits of (an account).

Balanced

To move toward and then away from (a dance partner).

Balance

To settle (an account, for example) by paying what is owed.

Balanced

To be in or come into equilibrium.

Balance

To bring into or keep in equal or satisfying proportion or harmony.

Balanced

To be equal or equivalent.

Balance

Mathematics & Chemistry To bring (an equation) into balance.

Balanced

To sway or waver as if losing or regaining equilibrium.

Balance

To move toward and then away from (a dance partner).

Balanced

To move toward and then away from a dance partner.

Balance

To be in or come into equilibrium.

Balanced

Simple past tense and past participle of balance

Balance

To be equal or equivalent.

Balanced

Containing elements in appropriate proportion; proportionately weighted on all dimensions and therefore unlikely to tip over.
He believed he rarely got sick because of his balanced diet.

Balance

To sway or waver as if losing or regaining equilibrium.

Balanced

Being in a state of proper balance or equilibrium; - opposite of unbalanced.

Balance

To move toward and then away from a dance partner.

Balanced

Being in a state of proper balance or equilibrium;
The carefully balanced seesaw
A properly balanced symphony orchestra
A balanced assessment of intellectual and cultural history
A balanced blend of whiskeys
The educated man shows a balanced development of all his powers

Balance

(uncountable) A state in which opposing forces harmonise; equilibrium.

Balanced

Total debits and credits are equal;
The books looked balanced

Balance

(uncountable) Mental equilibrium; mental health; calmness, a state of remaining clear-headed and unperturbed.

Balanced

Having different elements in the correct proportions.
A balanced meal contains vegetables, proteins, and carbohydrates.

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.

Balanced

Fair and unbiased.
The report provided a balanced view of the issue.

Balance

A pair of scales.

Balanced

Symmetrical and proportionate.
The artist's composition was visually balanced.

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

Balance

The act of keeping or putting something in a steady position.
He tried to balance the stack of books on his head.

Common Curiosities

How is balance used in a sentence?

E.g., He lost his balance and fell off the bike.

How is balanced used in a sentence?

E.g., She follows a balanced diet to stay healthy.

What is financial balance?

Financial balance refers to the amount of money available in an account or managing income and expenses.

What does balance refer to?

Balance refers to the condition of stability or the act of maintaining stability.

Can balance be both a noun and a verb?

Yes, balance can describe a state of stability (noun) or the act of achieving it (verb).

What does balanced mean?

Balanced means being in a state of equilibrium or proportionate distribution.

What is a balanced diet?

A balanced diet includes appropriate amounts of all food groups for nutritional health.

What is physical balance?

Physical balance is the ability to maintain an upright and stable posture.

Can balance be a state of mind?

Yes, balance can refer to emotional or mental stability.

Can balanced describe a person?

Yes, a balanced person maintains emotional and mental stability.

What does it mean to balance a budget?

To balance a budget means to ensure that expenses do not exceed income.

Is balance important in sports?

Yes, athletes require good balance to perform effectively and avoid injuries.

How does one achieve balance in life?

By managing time and resources to ensure harmony between different aspects like work and personal life.

What is the difference between balanced and balance in finance?

Balanced describes a well-managed financial state, while balance refers to the available amount of money or the process of managing funds.

How does balanced relate to symmetry?

Balanced implies symmetrical and proportionate distribution.

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Author Spotlight

Written by
Fiza Rafique
Fiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Tayyaba 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.

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