balance

¹bal·ance

noun \ˈba-lən(t)s\

Definition of BALANCE

1

: an instrument for weighing: as a : a beam that is supported freely in the center and has two pans of equal weight suspended from its ends b : a device that uses the elasticity of a spiral spring for measuring weight or force

2

: a means of judging or deciding

3

: a counterbalancing weight, force, or influence

4

: an oscillating wheel operating with a hairspring to regulate the movement of a timepiece

5

a : stability produced by even distribution of weight on each side of the vertical axis b : equipoise between contrasting, opposing, or interacting elements c : equality between the totals of the two sides of an account

6

a : an aesthetically pleasing integration of elements b : the juxtaposition in writing of syntactically parallel constructions containing similar or contrasting ideas

7

a : physical equilibrium b : the ability to retain one's balance

8

a : weight or force of one side in excess of another b : something left over : remainder c : an amount in excess especially on the credit side of an account

9

: mental and emotional steadiness

— bal·anced \-lən(t)st\ adjective

— in the balance or in balance

: with the fate or outcome about to be determined <our future hangs in the balance as we await his decision>

— on balance

: with all things considered <the meeting went well on balance>

Examples of BALANCE

1. She had trouble keeping her balance as the boat rocked back and forth.
2. The skater suddenly lost his balance and fell.
3. Another skater bumped into him and knocked him off balance.
4. Gymnasts need flexibility and balance.
5. She has a good sense of balance.
6. To provide balance in her news story, she interviewed members of both political parties.
7. Temperature changes could upset the delicate balance of life in the forest.
8. To lose weight you need the proper balance of diet and exercise.
9. The food had a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors.
10. It's important to keep your life in balance.

Origin of BALANCE

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Vulgar Latin *bilancia, from Late Latin bilanc-, bilanx having two scalepans, from Latin bi- + lanc-, lanx plate

First Known Use: 13th century

Related to BALANCE

Synonyms: counterpoise, equilibration, equilibrium, equipoise, poise, stasis

Antonyms: disequilibration, disequilibrium, imbalance, nonequilibrium, unbalance

Related Words: counterbalance, offset; firmness, fixedness, security, stability, steadiness

Near Antonyms: changeability, fluctuation, inconstancy, insecurity, instability, mutability, precariousness, shakiness, unsteadiness, volatility

see all synonyms and antonyms

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