balance in English
- balance⇄adj. balanceable.
- balance⇄balance, noun, verb, -anced,-ancing.
- Balance⇄Balance, noun. Libra.
- balance⇄expr. in the balance, with its outcome undecided; uncertain.
Ex. The outcome of the baseball game was in the balance until the last inning. - balance⇄expr. on balance, taking everything into consideration; in the main.
Ex. On balance, there is substantial expectation on Capitol Hill that the railroads will agree to one more delay (New York Times). - balance⇄expr. strike a balance, to find the difference between the credit and debit sides of an account.
Ex. ... not to run long accounts, but to strike clear balances at certain set seasons (John S. Blackie). - balance⇄noun 1. an instrument for weighing. A common kind of balance consists of a horizontal beam or lever poised to move freely on a central support, with a scale or pan suspended at each end.
(SYN) scale, scales.
2. the condition of being equal - balance⇄v.i. 1. to be equal or equivalent in weight, amount, force, effect, or parts; be evenly adjusted.
Ex. These scales balance.
2. to keep a steady condition or position.
Ex. to balance on one foot.
3. to be equal on the debit and c - balance⇄v.t. 1. to weigh two things against each other on scales or in one's hands.
Ex. He balanced the two rocks in his hands and dropped the heavier one.
2. to make or be equal to in weight, amount, force, effect, or parts.
Ex. (Figurative.)
balance in Kashmiri कॉशुर
balance in Malayalam മലയാളം
balance in Marathi मराठी
balance in Tamil தமிழ்
Balance
Part of Speech
Noun, Verb
Pronunciation
/ˈbæləns/
Definitions
- Balance (noun): The condition in which different elements are equal or in the correct proportions.
- Balance (noun): A state of being stable and not falling over, as in physical equilibrium.
- Balance (verb): To keep or put (something) in a steady position so that it does not fall.
- Balance (verb): To offset or counteract the effects of something, maintaining stability.
Usage Examples
- "She maintained a perfect balance between work and leisure."
- "The tightrope walker carefully balanced on the thin rope."
- "It's important to balance your diet to ensure good health."
Etymology
The word "balance" comes from the Old French word "balance," meaning "scales" or "weighing device," derived from the Latin "bilancia," meaning "two scales." The term originally referred to a device for weighing and later expanded to refer to the state of evenness or stability in various contexts.
Synonyms
- Equilibrium
- Stability
- Symmetry
- Proportion
- Counterbalance
Antonyms
- Imbalance
- Instability
- Unsteadiness
- Disproportion
- Unevenness
Translations
| Language | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Spanish | Equilibrio | /eˈki.li.bɾjo/ |
| French | Équilibre | /ek.li.bʁ/ |
| German | Gleichgewicht | /ˈɡlaɪ̯çɡəvɪçt/ |
| Italian | Equilibrio | /ekwiliˈbrio/ |
| Portuguese | Equilíbrio | /ekiˈlibɾju/ |
| Chinese (Mandarin) | 平衡 | /pínghéng/ |
| Russian | Баланс | /bɐˈlans/ |
| Arabic | توازن | /tawāzun/ |
| Hindi | संतुलन | /səntʊlən/ |
| Japanese | バランス | /baransu/ |
| Greek | Ισορροπία | /isɔˈro.pi.a/ |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
The word "balance" is generally pronounced the same across English-speaking regions, with slight variations depending on accent. In American English, the pronunciation may emphasize the second syllable more, while in British English, the first syllable is often stressed more evenly.
Historical Usage
Historically, "balance" was most often associated with weighing scales and the practice of balancing weights. Over time, the concept was expanded to various fields such as philosophy, physics, economics, and health, where balance was viewed as essential for harmony and stability in life, systems, and nature.
Cultural Nuances
The idea of balance is deeply ingrained in many cultures. In Eastern philosophy, especially in Chinese and Indian traditions, balance is often linked to the concept of duality, such as Yin and Yang or the equilibrium between mind, body, and spirit. In Western thought, balance is often associated with reason, fairness, and the maintenance of harmony in social and personal contexts.
More Information
Balance plays a crucial role in many aspects of life. Whether it's physical balance, like in sports or yoga; mental balance, which is key to emotional health and well-being; or social balance, which is important for harmony in communities, maintaining balance is often seen as essential for leading a fulfilling life. In modern usage, balance also applies to more abstract concepts like work-life balance, economic balance, and ecological balance, where it is crucial to find stability and sustainability in an ever-changing world.