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 equilibrium
- 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
Origin:
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, balancing
- 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)