Definition

1. Noun:

   • A state of equilibrium or stability: A condition where different elements are equal or in correct proportions.
   • An instrument for weighing: A device that compares masses, typically using a beam and pans.
   • A remainder or amount left over: The part that remains after other parts have been accounted for.
   • Harmonious arrangement: A pleasing or coherent proportion of parts within a whole.
   • A difference in an account: The difference between the credit and debit totals.

2. Verb:

   • To keep or put something in a steady position: To hold something so it does not fall.
   • To offset or compare the value of one thing against another: To consider different factors to achieve fairness or stability.
   • To be equal in value, weight, or force: To be in a state where opposing forces or elements are matched.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • She lost her balance and fell on the ice. (She became unsteady and fell.)
  • The chemist used a precision balance to measure the powder. (The chemist used a weighing instrument.)
  • You can keep the balance of the payment. (You can keep the remaining amount.)

• Verb:

  • The gymnast can balance on the beam for a full minute. (The gymnast can maintain a steady position.)
  • It's difficult to balance the demands of work and family. (It's hard to manage different demands fairly.)
  • The two sides of the equation balance perfectly. (The two sides are equal.)

Advanced Usage

• "To be/hang in the balance": To be in an uncertain or undecided state.
  • The future of the project hangs in the balance. (The project's future is uncertain.)
• "To strike a balance": To find a good compromise between two things.
  • We need to strike a balance between cost and quality. (We need to find a good middle point.)
• "On balance": After considering all factors.
  • On balance, the benefits outweigh the risks. (Overall, considering everything.)

Variants and Related Words

• Balanced (adj): Being in a state of balance; sensible and fair.
  • She gave a balanced opinion on the issue.
• Balancing act (n): A difficult situation requiring careful management of opposing needs.
  • Managing the budget is a real balancing act.
• Counterbalance (n/v): A weight or force that balances another.
  • The dark color acts as a counterbalance to the bright ones.

Synonyms

• Equilibrium (n): A state of physical balance.
• Stability (n): The quality of being steady and not changing.
• Remainder (n): The part that is left over.
• Weigh (v): To assess the value or importance of something.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Balance out: To become equal or to make things equal.
  • The extra costs in one area balance out the savings in another.
• Balance against: To compare or contrast one thing with another.
  • The advantages must be balanced against the potential disadvantages.

Related Idioms

• Tip/throw the balance: To be the factor that decides something.
  • His final argument tipped the balance in their favor.
• Off balance: In an unsteady position; surprised or confused.
  • The sudden question caught him off balance.

Noun

1. a scale for weighing; depends on pull of gravity
2. 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
3. a weight that balances another weight
4. (mathematics) an attribute of a shape or relation; exact reflection of form on opposite sides of a dividing line or plane
5. the seventh sign of the zodiac; the sun is in this sign from about September 23 to October 22
6. (astrology) a person who is born while the sun is in Libra
7. the difference between the totals of the credit and debit sides of an account
8. 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
9. equality of distribution
10. 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- John Ruskin
11. equality between the totals of the credit and debit sides of an account
12. a state of equilibrium

Verb

1. be in equilibrium
   • He was balancing on one foot
2. hold or carry in equilibrium
3. compute credits and debits of an account
4. bring into balance or equilibrium
   • She has to balance work and her domestic duties
   • balance the two weights