balance Definition
- 1an even distribution of weight enabling someone or something to remain upright and steady
- 2a situation in which different elements are equal or in the correct proportions
- 3the difference between credits and debits in an account
Using balance: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "balance" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
She lost her balance and fell off the bike.
Example
The balance of power shifted after the war.
Example
I need to check my bank balance before making any purchases.
balance Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for balance
- equilibrium
- stability
- poise
- harmony
- proportion
Antonyms for balance
- imbalance
- instability
Idioms Using balance
hang in the balance
to be uncertain or undecided
Example
The outcome of the election hangs in the balance.
throw someone off balance
to cause someone to become confused or disoriented
Example
The unexpected question threw him off balance during the interview.
redress the balance
to make a situation fairer or more equal
Example
The new policy aims to redress the balance between employers and employees.
Phrases with balance
strike a balance
to find a compromise between two things
Example
It's important to strike a balance between work and personal life.
balance of probabilities
the standard of proof required in most civil cases
Example
The judge ruled in favor of the plaintiff on the balance of probabilities.
balance of nature
the idea that all living things are interdependent and in harmony with their environment
Example
Human activity has disrupted the balance of nature.
Origins of balance
from Old French 'balance' meaning 'scales, balance'
Summary: balance in Brief
The term 'balance' [ˈbæləns] refers to even distribution of weight, correct proportions, or the difference between credits and debits in an account. It can describe physical stability, as in 'She lost her balance and fell off the bike,' or abstract concepts like 'balance of power.' Phrases like 'strike a balance' and idioms like 'hang in the balance' demonstrate the importance of balance in decision-making and outcomes.
