Balance
Pronunciation
- IPA: /ˈbæləns/
Alternative forms
- balaunce obsolete
Origin
From Middle French balance, from Late Latin *bilancia, from (accusative form of) Latin bilanx ("two-scaled"), from bi- + lanx ("plate, scale").
Full definition of balance
Noun
balance
(countable and uncountable; plural balances)- (uncountable) a state in which opposing forces harmonise; equilibrium
- (uncountable) mental equilibrium; mental health; calmness, a state of remaining clear-headed and unperturbed
- something of equal weight used to provide equilibrium (literally or figuratively); counterweightThese weights are used as a balance for the overhanging verandah.Blair thought he could provide a useful balance to Bush's policies.
- a pair of scales
- (uncountable) awareness of both viewpoints or matters; neutrality; rationality; objectivity
- (uncountable) the overall result of conflicting forces, opinions etc.; the influence which ultimately "weighs" more than othersThe balance of power finally lay with the Royalist forces.I think the balance of opinion is that we should get out while we're ahead.
- 2012, April 19, Josh Halliday, Free speech haven or lawless cesspool – can the internet be civilised?, The shift in the balance of power online has allowed anyone to publish to the world, from dispirited teenagers in south London to an anonymous cyber-dissident in a Middle East autocracy.
- (uncountable) apparent harmony in art (between differing colours, sounds, etc.)
- (accounting) a list accounting for the debits on one side, and for the credits on the other.
- (accounting) the result of such a procedure; the difference between credit and debit of an account.I just need to nip to a bank and check my balance.
- (watchmaking) a device used to regulate the speed of a watch, clock etc.
- (legal) the remainder.The balance of the agreement remains in effect.
- (obsolete, astrology) Libra
Synonyms
- (scales) pair of scales, scales, weighing machine, weighbridge (for vehicles)
- (equilibrium) equilibrium
- (support for both viewpoints) disinterest, even-handedness, fairness, impartiality, neutrality, nonpartisanship
- (list of credits and debits) account
Antonyms
- (equilibrium) nonequilibrium, imbalance, unbalance
- (support for both viewpoints) bias, favor/favour, partiality, partisanship, prejudice, unfairness
Derived terms
Verb
- (transitive) To bring to an equipoise, as the scales of a balance by adjusting the weights.
- (transitive) To make (items) weigh up.
- (transitive, figurative) To make (concepts) agree.
- KentOne expression ... must check and balance another.
- (transitive) To hold (an object or objects) precariously; to support on a narrow base, so as to keep from falling.I balanced my mug of coffee on my knee.The circus performer balances a plate on the end of a baton.
- (transitive) To compare in relative force, importance, value, etc.; to estimate.
- L'EstrangeBalance the good and evil of things.
- (transitive, dancing) To move toward, and then back from, reciprocally.to balance partners
- (nautical) To contract, as a sail, into a narrower compass.to balance the boom mainsail
- (transitive) To make the credits and debits of (an account) correspond.This final payment, or credit, balances the account.to balance a set of books
- AddisonI am very well satisfied that it is not in my power to balance accounts with my Maker.
- (intransitive) To be in equilibrium.
- (intransitive) To have matching credits and debits.