Balance

/ˈbæləns/ · noun

Meaning

(uncountable) A state in which opposing forces harmonise; equilibrium..

Definitions by Sense

1. (uncountable) A state in which opposing forces harmonise; equilibrium.
2. (uncountable) Mental equilibrium; mental health; calmness, a state of remaining clear-headed and unperturbed.
3. (literally or figuratively) Something of equal weight used to provide equilibrium; counterweight.
4. A pair of scales.
5. (uncountable) Awareness of both viewpoints or matters; neutrality; rationality; objectivity.
6. (uncountable) The overall result of conflicting forces, opinions etc.; the influence which ultimately "weighs" more than others.
7. (uncountable) Apparent harmony in art (between differing colours, sounds, etc.).
8. (accounting) A list accounting for the debits on one side, and for the credits on the other.

Example Sentences

But civilized man is quite a different animal, and when he wipes out an entire city or levels a forest, he is no longer working within the natural balance of things.

These weights are used as a balance for the overhanging verandah.

Blair thought he could provide a useful balance to Bush's policies.

The 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.

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.

I just need to nip to a bank and check my balance.

The balance of the agreement remains in effect.

Synonyms for balance

Antonyms for balance

Related Words

Word Forms

• balances
• balaunce
• balancing
• balanced
• no-table-tags
• glossary
• balance
• balancest
• balancedst
• balanceth
• -

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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