balance
balance definition
bal·ance (bal′əns)
noun
- an instrument for weighing, esp. one that opposes equal weights, as in two matched shallow pans hanging from either end of a lever supported exactly in the middle; scales
- the imaginary scales of fortune or fate, as an emblem of justice or the power to decide
- the power or ability to decide
- a state of equilibrium or equipoise; equality in amount, weight, value, or importance, as between two things or the parts of a thing
- bodily equilibrium or stability he kept his balance on the tightrope
- mental or emotional stability
- the pleasing harmony of various elements in a design, painting, musical composition, etc.; harmonious proportion
- a setting of clauses, phrases, ideas, etc. in parallel constructions for rhetorical effect
- a weight, force, effect, etc. that counteracts another or causes equilibrium; counterpoise
- the point along an object's length at which there is equilibriumin full balance point
- equality of debits and credits in an account
- the excess of credits over debits or of debits over credits
- the amount still owed after a partial settlement
- ☆ whatever is left over; remainder
- the act of balancing
- balance wheel
Etymology: ME & OFr, prob. via ML < VL *bilancia < LL bilanx, having two scales < L bis, twice + lanx, a dish, scale < IE *elek-, extended stem of base *el-, to bend > elbow
transitive verb balanced -·anced, balancing -·anc·ing
- to weigh in or as in a balance
- to compare as to relative importance, value, etc.
- to counterpoise or counteract; make up for; offset
- to bring into or keep in a state of equilibrium or equipoise; keep steady; poise to balance oneself on stilts
- to bring into proportion, harmony, etc.
- to make or be proportionate to; make or be equal to in weight, force, effect, etc.
- to find any difference that may exist between the debit and credit sides of (an account); also, to equalize the debit and credit sides of (an account)
- to settle (an account) by paying debts
- Dancing to move toward and then back from (a partner)
intransitive verb
- to be in equilibrium
- to be equal in value, weight, etc.
- to have the credit and debit sides equal to each other
- to waver slightly; tilt and return to equilibrium
- Dancing to balance partners
Related Forms:
- balanceable bal′·ance·able adjective
balance Idioms
in the balance
in a critical, undecided state
on balance
considering everything; all in all
the Balance
Libra, the constellation and seventh sign of the zodiac
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