Balance Definition and Meaning
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on March 5, 2024
"Balance" refers to a state of equilibrium or stability, either physically or in terms of equality between contrasting elements. e.g., She struggled to maintain her balance on the ice.
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Balance Definitions
Balance signifies the remaining amount in a financial account.
He checked his account to see the current balance.
Balance means to keep steady and not fall.
She balanced carefully while walking on the narrow path.
Balance implies the act of maintaining equilibrium in life or activities.
It's important to balance study and playtime.
Balance refers to the remaining part of something.
The balance of the day was spent relaxing.
See Libra.
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.
A state of equilibrium or parity characterized by cancellation of all forces by equal opposing forces.
The power or means to decide
Matters that fell outside the judge's balance.
A state of bodily equilibrium
Thrown off balance by a gust of wind.
The ability to maintain bodily equilibrium
Gymnasts must have good balance.
A harmonious or satisfying arrangement or proportion of parts or elements, as in a design.
An influence or force tending to produce equilibrium; counterpoise.
The difference in magnitude between opposing forces or influences.
Equality of totals in the debit and credit sides of an account.
The difference between such totals, either on the credit or the debit side.
Something that is left over; a remainder.
(Chemistry) Equality of mass and net electric charge of reacting species on each side of an equation.
(Mathematics) Equality with respect to the net number of reduced symbolic quantities on each side of an equation.
A balance wheel.
To determine the weight of (something) in a weighing device.
To consider and compare or assess
Balanced the pros and cons before making a choice.
To bring into or maintain in a state of equilibrium.
To act as an equalizing weight or force to; counterbalance.
To compute the difference between the debits and credits of (an account).
To reconcile or equalize the sums of the debits and credits of (an account).
To settle (an account, for example) by paying what is owed.
To bring into or keep in equal or satisfying proportion or harmony.
Mathematics & Chemistry To bring (an equation) into balance.
To move toward and then away from (a dance partner).
To be in or come into equilibrium.
To be equal or equivalent.
To sway or waver as if losing or regaining equilibrium.
To move toward and then away from a dance partner.
(uncountable) A state in which opposing forces harmonise; equilibrium.
(uncountable) Mental equilibrium; mental health; calmness, a state of remaining clear-headed and unperturbed.
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.
A pair of scales.
(uncountable) Awareness of both viewpoints or matters; neutrality; rationality; objectivity.
(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.
(uncountable) Apparent harmony in art (between differing colours, sounds, etc.).
(accounting) A list accounting for the debits on one side, and for the credits on the other.
(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.
(watchmaking) A device used to regulate the speed of a watch, clock etc.
The remainder.
The balance of the agreement remains in effect.
The invoice said he had only paid $50. The balance was $220.
Libra.
(transitive) To bring (items) to an equipoise, as the scales of a balance by adjusting the weights.
To make (concepts) agree.
(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.
(transitive) To compare in relative force, importance, value, etc.; to estimate.
To move toward, and then back from, reciprocally.
To balance partners
(nautical) To contract, as a sail, into a narrower compass.
To balance the boom mainsail
(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
(intransitive) To be in equilibrium.
(intransitive) To have matching credits and debits.
To weigh in a balance.
To hesitate or fluctuate.
An apparatus for weighing.
Act of weighing mentally; comparison; estimate.
A fair balance of the advantages on either side.
Equipoise between the weights in opposite scales.
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.
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.
A balance wheel, as of a watch, or clock. See Balance wheel (in the Vocabulary).
The constellation Libra.
To bring to an equipoise, as the scales of a balance by adjusting the weights; to weigh in a 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.
To equal in number, weight, force, or proportion; to counterpoise, counterbalance, counteract, or neutralize.
One expression . . . must check and balance another.
To compare in relative force, importance, value, etc.; to estimate.
Balance the good and evil of things.
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.
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.
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.
To move toward, and then back from, reciprocally; as, to balance partners.
To contract, as a sail, into a narrower compass; as, to balance the boom mainsail.
To have equal weight on each side; to be in equipoise; as, the scales 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.
To move toward a person or couple, and then back.
A state of equilibrium
A scale for weighing; depends on pull of gravity
Equality between the totals of the credit and debit sides of an account
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
Equality of distribution
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
The difference between the totals of the credit and debit sides of an account
(astrology) a person who is born while the sun in in Libra
The seventh sign of the zodiac; the sun is in this sign from about September 23 to October 22
(mathematics) an attribute of a shape or relation; exact correspondence of form on opposite sides of a dividing line or plane
An equivalent counterbalancing weight
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
Bring into balance or equilibrium;
She has to balance work and her domestic duties
Balance the two weights
Compute credits and debits of an account
Hold or carry in equilibrium
Be in equilibrium;
He was balancing on one foot
Balance means an even distribution of weight enabling stability.
The gymnast kept perfect balance on the beam.
Balance refers to the harmony between different parts or aspects.
They found a good balance between work and leisure.
Balance involves equalizing contrasting forces or elements.
The recipe needed balance in flavors.
Balance denotes a scale for weighing.
She used a balance to measure the flour.
Balance can mean the fairness in judgment or decision making.
The judge sought balance in the courtroom.
Balance signifies a state of mental or emotional steadiness.
Yoga helps him maintain his mental balance.
Balance Snonyms
Poise
Graceful and elegant bearing in a person; composure and dignity of manner.
She moved with poise and elegance.
Harmony
A consistent, orderly, or pleasing arrangement of parts; congruity.
The design achieved a beautiful balance of harmony and contrast.
Counterbalance
A weight that balances another weight; to balance or offset.
The weights were used to counterbalance each other.
Equilibrium
A state in which opposing forces or influences are balanced.
The ecosystem maintains a delicate equilibrium.
Proportion
A part, share, or number considered in comparative relation to a whole.
The room's furniture was in perfect proportion to its size.
Stability
The state of being stable; not easily changed or upset.
Economic stability is crucial for the country's growth.
Equipoise
Equal distribution of weight; even balance; equilibrium.
The tightrope walker maintained his equipoise with skill.
Symmetry
The quality of being made up of exactly similar parts facing each other or around an axis.
The building is known for its perfect symmetry.
Stasis
A period or state of inactivity or equilibrium.
The political stasis was broken by a sudden coup.
Equity
The quality of being fair and impartial.
The company strives for equity in its hiring practices.
Balance Idioms & Phrases
Strike a balance
To find a compromise between two contrasting things or issues.
She tried to strike a balance between work and her personal life.
Balance of power
A situation where power is distributed among various groups equally, preventing dominance by any one group.
The balance of power in the organization prevented any one department from becoming too influential.
Balance the books
To ensure that all money that has been spent is accounted for and totals match income.
Every month, the accountant would balance the books to ensure the company's finances were in order.
In the balance
In a state of uncertainty.
The future of the project was in the balance awaiting the CEO's decision.
Tip the balance
To cause a change in a situation by adding a factor or influence that was not previously there.
His impressive presentation tipped the balance in favor of his team winning the contract.
Off balance
Not in a stable or steady state; unprepared or caught by surprise.
The sudden change in the project plan caught him off balance.
On the balance of things
Considering all aspects or influences of a situation.
On the balance of things, they decided moving to a new city was the best decision.
Hang in the balance
To be in an undecided state.
His career hung in the balance after the merger of the two firms.
Lose one's balance
To become unstable, either physically or emotionally.
He lost his balance when he heard the shocking news.
Balance of opinion
The majority view among a group of people.
The balance of opinion in the committee was that the event should be postponed.
A balancing act
A situation in which someone tries to give attention to two or more activities at the same time.
Managing her full-time job and her studies was a real balancing act.
Redress the balance
To make a situation fairer and more equal.
The new policy was introduced to redress the balance between experienced and new employees.
Fine balance
A delicate or precise state of equilibrium.
It's a fine balance between being assertive and being aggressive.
Balance of probabilities
The likelihood of one event happening over another, used especially in legal contexts.
On the balance of probabilities, the jury found the defendant not guilty.
Balance of trade
The difference in value between a country's imports and exports.
Economists were concerned about the country's worsening balance of trade.
Balance of evidence
The greater weight of evidence provided in one direction over the other.
The judge made a decision based on the balance of evidence.
Find one's balance
To achieve stability or a sense of equilibrium in a situation.
After several attempts, she finally found her balance on the ice skates.
Upset the balance
To disturb the equilibrium or stability of a situation.
The sudden resignation of the director upset the balance within the company.
Throw off balance
To cause confusion or disarray in someone's thinking or plans.
The unexpected question during the interview threw her off balance.
Balance Example Sentences
The balance of nature is delicate and important.
She managed to balance her job and hobbies.
They worked hard to balance the seesaw.
The balance in her savings account was growing.
She practiced yoga to improve her balance.
The balance between light and dark in the painting was stunning.
She learned to balance her time between assignments.
He tried to balance his budget each month.
She struggled to keep her balance on the slippery floor.
He aimed to balance the scales accurately.
The tightrope walker's balance amazed the crowd.
The balance of power shifted in the game.
Finding a balance in diet is crucial for health.
He checked his balance before making a purchase.
Common Curiosities
How many syllables are in balance?
There are 2 syllables in "balance."
How is balance used in a sentence?
Balance is used as a noun or verb, e.g., "She admired the balance of the design," or "He needs to balance his work and leisure."
What is the verb form of balance?
Balance itself is the base form of the verb.
Why is it called balance?
It is called balance because it comes from the Latin word "bilanx," meaning having two scales, referring to the equal distribution or equilibrium of elements.
How do we divide balance into syllables?
Balance is divided into syllables as bal-ance.
What is the first form of balance?
The first form is "balance" (present tense).
What is the root word of balance?
The root word of balance is the Latin word "bilanx," meaning having two scales.
What is a stressed syllable in balance?
In the word "balance," the first syllable "bal" is stressed.
What is the pronunciation of balance?
Balance is pronounced as /ˈbæləns/.
What is the singular form of balance?
The singular form is "balance."
What is another term for balance?
Another term for balance is "equilibrium."
Is balance a noun or adjective?
Balance can be a noun or a verb, but it is not an adjective.
Is balance an abstract noun?
As a noun, balance can be considered abstract as it represents a concept or state rather than a physical object.
What is the plural form of balance?
The plural form is "balances."
Is balance a collective noun?
No, balance is not a collective noun.
Is the word balance Gerund?
The gerund form of balance is "balancing."
What part of speech is balance?
Balance can be a noun or a verb, depending on its use in a sentence.
Is balance a vowel or consonant?
The word "balance" starts with a consonant.
Is balance a countable noun?
Yes, balance can be a countable noun, especially when referring to specific instances or types of balances.
Is the word balance imperative?
Balance can be used in the imperative form, e.g., "Balance the books."
Is the word “balance” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
"Balance" can serve as a direct object in a sentence, e.g., "He lost his balance."
Is balance a negative or positive word?
Balance is generally a neutral or positive word, often associated with harmony and stability.
Which vowel is used before balance?
When using an indefinite article before "balance," "a" is used because "balance" begins with a consonant sound, e.g., "a balance."
Which preposition is used with balance?
Prepositions used with "balance" vary based on context, like "in balance," "out of balance," or "balance between."
Which conjunction is used with balance?
Conjunctions are not specific to the word "balance" and depend on the sentence structure. Examples include "and," "but," or "or."
Which article is used with balance?
The indefinite article "a" is used with "balance" when it precedes a noun starting with a consonant sound, e.g., "a balance." "The" can be used when referring to a specific instance, e.g., "the balance of nature."
What is the second form of balance?
The second form is "balanced" (past tense).
What is the opposite of balance?
The opposite of balance can be "imbalance" or "disorder."
Is balance an adverb?
No, balance is not an adverb.
Is the balance term a metaphor?
The word "balance" can be used metaphorically to describe a harmonious or stable state in various contexts.
Which determiner is used with balance?
Determiners like "a," "an," "the," or possessives like "my," "your," etc., can be used with "balance" depending on the context, e.g., "a balance" or "the balance."
What is the third form of balance?
The third form is "balanced" (past participle).
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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.
