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balance Definition

bal·ance (bal′əns)

noun

  1. 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
  2. the imaginary scales of fortune or fate, as an emblem of justice or the power to decide
  3. the power or ability to decide
  4. a state of equilibrium or equipoise; equality in amount, weight, value, or importance, as between two things or the parts of a thing
  5. bodily equilibrium or stability he kept his balance on the tightrope
  6. mental or emotional stability
    1. the pleasing harmony of various elements in a design, painting, musical composition, etc.; harmonious proportion
    2. a setting of clauses, phrases, ideas, etc. in parallel constructions for rhetorical effect
  8. a weight, force, effect, etc. that counteracts another or causes equilibrium; counterpoise
  9. the point along an object's length at which there is equilibrium
    1. equality of debits and credits in an account
    2. the excess of credits over debits or of debits over credits
  11. the amount still owed after a partial settlement
  12. ☆ whatever is left over; remainder
  13. the act of balancing
  14. 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 -·anced, -·anc·ing

  1. to weigh in or as in a balance
  2. to compare as to relative importance, value, etc.
  3. to counterpoise or counteract; make up for; offset
  4. to bring into or keep in a state of equilibrium or equipoise; keep steady; poise to balance oneself on stilts
  5. to bring into proportion, harmony, etc.
  6. to make or be proportionate to; make or be equal to in weight, force, effect, etc.
    1. 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)
    2. to settle (an account) by paying debts
  8. Dancing to move toward and then back from (a partner)

intransitive verb

  1. to be in equilibrium
  2. to be equal in value, weight, etc.
  3. to have the credit and debit sides equal to each other
  4. to waver slightly; tilt and return to equilibrium
  5. Dancing to balance partners

balance Related Forms

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

balance Synonyms

balance

n.

  1. Whatever remains

    remainder, excess, surplus, amount due; see remainder.

  2. An equilibrium

    equipoise, poise, counterpoise, equilibrium, symmetry, antithesis, offset, equivalence, counterbalance, tension, equalization, equality of weight, parity; see also symmetry.

    Antonyms imbalance*, lopsidedness, topheaviness.

  3. An excess of credits over debits

    credit balance, surplus, dividend, profit, cash on hand, available funds.

  4. A balance scale

    steelyard, spring balance, scales; see scale 3.

  5. Judgment

    perspective, discretion, insight, steadiness; see judgment 1, stability 1, 2. See syn. study at remainder, symmetry.

in the balance

undetermined, undecided, critical; uncertain 2.

off balance

unbalanced, tipsy, eccentric; see irregular 1, 4, unsteady 1.

balance Synonyms

balance

v.

  1. To offset

    equipoise, counterpoise, counterbalance; see offset.

  2. To place in balance

    poise, oppose, place in equilibrium, steady, stabilize, neutralize, set, level, equalize, support, equilibrate, even, weigh, counteract, make equal, make level, make steady, compensate, tie, adjust, square, nullify, parallel, cancel, coordinate, readjust, equate, trim, match, level off, pair off, restore, attune, harmonize, tune, countervail, accord, correspond.

    Antonyms topple, upset*, turn over. *

  3. To demonstrate that debits and credits are in balance

    estimate, compare, account (for), count, compute, prove, adjust, settle, make up, strike a balance, take a trial balance, tell, audit, calculate, enumerate, equate, square, tally, total, reckon, take stock, sum up; see also check 3.

  4. To compare as to relative importance or value

    weigh, evaluate, ponder; see compare 1, consider 1, 3.

balance Law Definition

n

To determine the difference between the sum of the credits and the sum of the debits of an account.

v

The act of estimating, measuring, or weighing two things in comparison to each other. For example, the balancing of the risks and benefits of filing a lawsuit.

v

To offset or counteract.

v

To place or keep in equilibrium or proportion, such as balancing competing interests.

n

The result of balancing.

balance Usage Examples

Preposition: of

probability: We directed ourselves that we should make our findings of fact on the balance of probabilities.

Converse of object

  • redress: Managers may seek to redress the power balance by restricting access to the Internet.
  • strike: There is no question of striking a balance here.
  • restore: Today, we try to restore the balance a little.
  • achieve: Ongoing discussions with users will be an important part of achieving the correct balance.
  • upset: It is about creating tensions, upsetting the balance of power among different countries.
  • maintain: You must maintain a positive balance to keep your ranking.

Adjective modifier

  • delicate: Team: Cognition Game title: Environment This game engages the player in understanding the delicate balance of life in the rain forests.
  • outstanding: Credit losses remained low at 3 % of outstanding balances.
  • perfect: The forests of Central America are, like all rainforests, nature in perfect balance.
  • remaining: The remaining balance of the fees will be payable at enrollment.
  • work-life: A staff survey in April 2000 identified work-life balance as an area that employees thought could be improved upon.
  • healthy: This way you can incorporate them into the overall healthy balance of your diet.

Modifies a noun

  • sheet: Assess the effects of business activity on the balance sheet.
  • transfer: Click here to review credit card balance transfer offers.. .

Noun used with modifier

  • work-life: How does your organization ensure a good work-life balance?
  • work/life: Finally, the issue of achieving a better work/life balance is now a major theme in government policy.
  • gender: It was noted that further action needed to be taken to address the gender balance.
  • debit: Set-off interest is in addition to overdraft interest which will apply if there is a net debit balance.
  • bank: The bank balance at 31 December 1999 was £ 3.0 million.