balance
BA-luhns
Balance (noun) means a state in which opposing weights, forces, or elements are evenly matched; stability. Example: “Yoga helps older people improve their balance and avoid falling over.”
noun
1
A state in which opposing weights, forces, or elements are evenly matched; stability.
"Yoga helps older people improve their balance and avoid falling over."
"She lost her balance on the icy pavement and nearly fell."
"Good design is about balance between form and function."
2
The amount of money left in an account after deposits and withdrawals, or the difference between credits and debits.
"Your account balance is shown at the top of the app screen."
"I can't buy the laptop until the balance in my savings account is higher."
"He checked his bank balance before deciding whether to buy the tickets."
verb
1
To bring something into a state of equilibrium, or to keep it steady without falling.
"The gymnast balanced on one foot on the narrow wooden beam."
"She balanced the tray of drinks carefully as she crossed the room."
"The company is trying to balance profit with environmental responsibility."
How to use balance
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBeing evenly weighted or steady — physically, financially, emotionally, or in a decision.
Common pairings
strike a balance
account balance
balance of power
lose your balance
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Word forms
- Plural
- balances
- Third person singular
- balances
- Past tense
- balanced
- Archaic forms
- balancest, balancedst, balanceth
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Yoga helps older people improve their _____ and avoid falling over.
Etymology
From Old French balance, ultimately from Latin bilanx, "having two scales" — from bi- ("two") and lanx ("plate" or "scale").
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for balance
See all rhymes for balance →Frequently asked questions
What does “balance” mean?
The word “balance” means a state in which opposing weights, forces, or elements are evenly matched; stability. In plain terms, being evenly weighted or steady — physically, financially, emotionally, or in a decision.
How do you pronounce “balance”?
“Balance” is pronounced BA-luhns (/ˈbæləns/ in IPA).
How do you use “balance” in a sentence?
Here is “balance” used in a sentence: “She lost her balance on the icy pavement and nearly fell.”
What is another word for “balance”?
Words with a similar meaning to “balance” include counterbalance, equilibrate, equilibrize, equipoise and poise.
What is the opposite of “balance”?
The opposite of “balance” — its antonyms — are nonequilibrium, imbalance, unbalance, bias and favor.
What part of speech is “balance”?
Depending on how it is used, “balance” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “balance” come from?
The word “balance” comes from Latin. From Old French balance, ultimately from Latin bilanx, "having two scales" — from bi- ("two") and lanx ("plate" or "scale").
Is “balance” a common word?
“Balance” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between balance and stability?
Balance is the even matching of opposing weights or forces so nothing tips over. Stability is the resulting condition of being steady and hard to upset. In short, balance is the act of keeping forces evenly distributed, while stability is the firmness that good balance produces and sustains.
Can balance be improved?
Yes. Physical balance can be trained through exercises like standing on one leg, yoga, or core work, and it often sharpens with practice. In a wider sense, people work to improve balance between competing demands — such as work and home life — by managing time and setting priorities.
What are the different types of balance?
The word covers several kinds. Physical balance keeps the body upright; emotional or mental balance keeps feelings steady; work-life balance weighs job against personal time. In design, visual balance arranges elements evenly, and in finance a balance is the amount left in an account — a separate sense.
Why is balance important?
Balance matters because it prevents things from tipping into extremes. Physically, it keeps us upright and helps avoid falls; emotionally, it keeps us steady under pressure; in life, it stops any one demand from crowding out the rest. A balanced state is generally healthier and more sustainable than an uneven one.
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