balance
Balance (noun) means a state in which opposing weights, forces, or elements are evenly matched; stability. Example: “She lost her balance on the icy pavement and nearly fell.”
How to use balance
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBeing evenly weighted or steady — physically, financially, emotionally, or in a decision.
Word forms
balanced past tense, balances plural, balance plural, balanced plural, balances singular, balance singular, balanced singular, balancest singular, balancedst singular, balanceth singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She lost her _____ on the icy pavement and nearly fell.
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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