balance
Looking for the meaning of balance? Explore definitions, parts of speech, and usage examples below.
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A state in which opposing forces harmonise; equilibrium.
Mental equilibrium; mental health; calmness, a state of remaining clear-headed and unperturbed.
Something of equal weight used to provide equilibrium; counterweight.
“Blair thought he could provide a useful balance to Bush's policies.”
A pair of scales.
Awareness of both viewpoints or matters; neutrality; rationality; objectivity.
The overall result of conflicting forces, opinions etc.; the influence which ultimately "weighs" more than others.
“I think the balance of opinion is that we should get out while we're ahead.”
Apparent harmony in art (between differing colours, sounds, etc.).
A list accounting for the debits on one side, and for the credits on the other.
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.”
A device used to regulate the speed of a watch, clock etc.
The remainder.
“The balance of the agreement remains in effect.”
Libra.
To bring (items) to an equipoise, as the scales of a balance by adjusting the weights.
To make (concepts) agree.
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.”
To compare in relative force, importance, value, etc.; to estimate.
(dancing) To move toward, and then back from, reciprocally.
“to balance partners”
To contract, as a sail, into a narrower compass.
“to balance the boom mainsail”
To make the credits and debits of (an account) correspond.
“This final payment, or credit, balances the account.”
To be in equilibrium.
To have matching credits and debits.
To weigh in a balance.
To hesitate or fluctuate.
Understanding "balance"
The word **"balance"** is a **noun** in the English language. It is phonetically pronounced as **/ˈbæləns/**. Explore the detailed meaning, morphological structure, and usage examples for **"balance"** in our dictionary below.
The English language is incredibly vast, and diving into the definition of the word "balance" provides a perfect example of its linguistic depth. Categorized primarily as a noun, the term "balance" holds specific syntactical roles within a sentence, allowing speakers and writers to convey precise meaning. Understanding how this word functions is an excellent step towards mastering advanced English vocabulary and improving overall reading comprehension.
For those looking to perfect their spoken English, noting the phonetic pronunciation of "balance" is crucial. It is typically transcribed as /ˈbæləns/. Proper enunciation ensures that your intended message is received clearly, preventing miscommunication in both formal and casual settings. Linguistic scholars often track the phonological evolution of words like "balance" to understand broader historical shifts in dialects and accents across different English-speaking populations.
When deciding how to use "balance" in everyday communication, it helps to look at exactly how it operates as a noun. In professional writing, academic essays, and creative literature, choosing the perfect vocabulary word can drastically elevate the tone of the text. Because "balance" carries its own unique connotations and denotations, swapping it for a simpler synonym might dilute the impact of your sentence.
Our comprehensive dictionary tool is designed to provide immediate, reliable definitions for thousands of terms, including "balance". By consistently exploring the nuances of vocabulary—including phonetics (/ˈbæləns/), part of speech (noun), and usage examples—you can significantly expand your linguistic repertoire. Bookmark this page as a quick reference tool whenever you encounter "balance" in reading materials or wish to incorporate it into your active vocabulary.
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How do I use balance in a sentence?
Refer to the usage examples above to see how "balance" can be used in academic and casual conversations.