balance
noun (countable)
UK/ˈbæl.əns/US/ˈbæl.əns/
a state in which different elements are in the correct proportions, or the condition of being steady and not falling over
Example Sentences
Good balance is essential when learning to ride a bicycle.
We try to maintain a balance between our work commitments and family responsibilities.
Artists often strive to achieve a visual balance in their paintings using color, shape, and space.
A strong core helps you keep your balance while playing sports like surfing or skateboarding.
His bank balance showed he had enough savings to travel for several months.
When pursuing personal goals, it’s crucial to seek balance in every aspect of life, ensuring that professional ambitions do not overshadow mental and emotional well-being.
Companies need to strike a balance between profitability and ethical responsibilities, as neglecting either aspect can compromise their long-term success and public image.
The gymnast demonstrated incredible balance on the beam, moving with confident steps and flawless precision.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
verb (transitive)
UK/ˈbæl.əns/US/ˈbæl.əns/
to keep or put something in a steady position so it does not fall, or to give equal importance to different things so that they work or exist together effectively
Example Sentences
Try to balance this book on your head to improve posture.
He found it challenging to balance his work life with family obligations.
We need to balance the interests of all stakeholders to ensure a fair outcome.
She balanced carefully on the narrow ledge, taking tiny steps to avoid falling.
Parents often struggle to balance freedom and discipline when raising children.
Balancing resources across multiple projects requires careful planning, ongoing communication, and the ability to adapt quickly when priorities shift.
He attempted to balance the coffee cup on the edge of his desk, but it wobbled precariously before he grabbed it at the last second.
The city planners must balance urban development with environmental conservation, ensuring that new infrastructure projects do not compromise wildlife habitats or water quality.
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Synonyms
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How to Use
The condition of having different elements arranged in equal or proper proportions to maintain stability or harmony.“Balance” serves primarily as both a noun and a verb, encompassing various meanings across different contexts. As a noun, it refers to a state where opposing forces or elements are equal or in proper proportions, resulting in stability or equilibrium. For example, “She maintained her balance on the tightrope,” or “There is a good balance between work and life in his schedule.” In finance, a “balance” signifies the amount of money available in an account or owed on a loan, such as “Check your bank balance” or “The credit card balance is high.”
As a verb, “balance” means to keep or put something in a steady position so that it does not fall, or to ensure that different elements are in equal or proper proportions. For instance, “He balanced the books” implies ensuring that financial records are accurate and equal, while “She balanced the tray carefully” indicates maintaining physical stability. Additionally, in a more abstract sense, “balance” can involve managing different aspects of life or responsibilities to maintain overall harmony, such as “Balancing work and family can be challenging.”
In physical contexts, balance is crucial for activities that require stability, like dancing, gymnastics, or everyday movements. In artistic and design fields, achieving visual balance involves arranging elements so that no single part overpowers others, creating a harmonious composition. In psychology, maintaining emotional balance refers to managing emotions to achieve mental well-being.
Overall, “balance” conveys the idea of equilibrium, whether it’s physical stability, financial accounting, aesthetic harmony, or personal well-being. It underscores the importance of proportion, steadiness, and careful management to achieve desired outcomes across various domains.
Alternatives
Depending on the context, synonyms for “balance” include “equilibrium,” “stability,” or “symmetry” when referring to physical or visual states. In financial contexts, alternatives might be “account balance” or “settlement.” For the verb form, “stabilize,” “even out,” or “equilibrate” can be used. In abstract senses, terms like “harmonize,” “manage,” or “coordinate” may substitute. However, “balance” remains the most versatile and widely understood term across its various applications, capturing both the act and state of achieving proportionality and steadiness.
Writing
When using “balance” in formal or academic writing, clearly specify the type of balance being discussed. For example, in a physics paper, describe the forces involved to achieve mechanical balance: “The beam maintains balance when the torques on either side are equal.” In a literary analysis, discuss thematic balance: “The author skillfully balances humor and tragedy to create a nuanced narrative.” In business or finance, outline how balance pertains to financial statements: “Maintaining a positive account balance is crucial for financial stability.” Providing context and examples ensures that the reader understands the specific aspect of balance being addressed, whether it’s physical, financial, aesthetic, or metaphorical.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, people use “balance” to talk about keeping things steady or managing multiple responsibilities. For example, “I need to find a better balance between work and fun,” or “She can’t seem to balance her checkbook.” Friends might discuss physical balance when playing sports or performing activities: “He’s really good at balancing on his skateboard.” In casual settings, “balance” can also refer to fairness or proportion, like “Let’s keep a balance in the conversation so everyone gets a chance to speak.” Additionally, phrases like “balance out” are common: “This dessert will balance out the spicy meal.” The term is versatile in casual speech, easily adapting to discussions about personal life, activities, and fairness.
Etymology
“Balance” originates from the Old French word “balance,” derived from the Latin “bilanx,” meaning “having two pans” (from “bi-” meaning “two” and “lanx” meaning “plate”). This Latin term referred to the double-pan scales used to measure weight, embodying the concept of equilibrium. Over time, the meaning expanded from the physical scales to encompass broader notions of equilibrium, stability, and proportionality. The word entered Middle English retaining its association with steadiness and equality, evolving to include both tangible and abstract applications. Today, “balance” retains its foundational idea of equal distribution and stability, applicable in numerous contexts from physical movement to financial accounting and personal well-being.
