noun

balance

BA-luhns

noun

A state in which opposing weights, forces, or elements are evenly matched; stability.

"She lost her balance on the icy pavement and nearly fell."

"Good design is about balance between form and function."

The amount of money left in an account after deposits and withdrawals, or the difference between credits and debits.

"He checked his bank balance before deciding whether to buy the tickets."

verb

To bring something into a state of equilibrium, or to keep it steady without falling.

"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 notes

In 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

Word Forms

balanced past tense, balances plural, balance plural, balanced plural, balances singular, balance singular, balanced singular, balancest singular, balancedst singular, balanceth singular

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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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counterbalance equilibrate equilibrize equipoise poise

Antonyms

nonequilibrium imbalance unbalance bias favor partiality favour partisanship

Related Words

offset choose gift advantage bias favor favour entirety

Rhymes for balance

lance dance Nance rance Vance chance nuance trance stance glance prance fiance

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