Macmillan Dictionary

Did you know?

Click any word in a definition or example to find the entry for that word

balance

 - definition
 
 
 
Close

What are red words?

90% of the time, speakers of English use just 7,500 words in speech and writing. These words appear in red, and are graded with stars. One-star words are frequent, two-star words are more frequent, and three-star words are the most frequent.

Close

Thesaurus

The thesaurus of synonyms and related words is fully integrated into the dictionary entries. Click on the T button in an entry to review the synonyms and related words for that meaning.

more
noun American English pronunciation: balance /ˈbæləns/ 
Word Forms
Close
singularbalance
pluralbalances
Other entries for this word
 
  1. 1
    [uncountable] the ability to remain steady in an upright position

    An ear infection is affecting his balance.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of balance
    1. a.
      a position in which your body remains steady and upright
      lose your balance:

      He lost his balance and tipped backward in the chair.

      keep your balance:

      She grabbed at him to keep her balance.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of balance
  2. 2
    [countable/uncountable] a situation in which different aspects or features are treated equally or exist in the correct relationship to each other
    balance between:

    It can be hard to find the right balance between advising your children and controlling them.

    balance of:

    A healthy diet is about getting the correct balance of a variety of foods.

    strike a balance (=achieve a good balance):

    We're trying to strike a balance between fun and learning.

    upset/alter the balance:

    These creatures have upset the delicate ecological balance in the lake.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of balance
    1. a.
      [singular] a force, influence, or idea that is completely different from another but combines well with it
      balance to:

      His conservatism is the perfect balance to her outgoing personality.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of balance
    See also  redress1
  3. 3
    [uncountable] mental or emotional calm

    She quickly recovered her balance after the outburst.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of balance
  4. 4
    [countable] the amount of money you have in your bank account

    The current balance in your checking account is $1,182.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of balance
    1. a.
      [singular] the amount of money that you owe after paying part of the cost of something

      You pay a deposit now and the balance in 12 months.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of balance
  5. 5
    [singular] the amount of something that remains after part has been used
    balance of:

    You can use the balance of the time to finish the assignment.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of balance
  6. 6
    [singular] the majority of information, opinions, or facts

    The balance of public opinion was against the proposal.

    tilt/shift the balance:

    The balance has shifted in favor of the president.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of balance
    See also  tip2

phrases

This is the American English definition of balance. View British English definition of balance.

Change your default dictionary and thesaurus to British English.

View the pronunciation for balance.

 

cyberloafing

using the Internet where you work, during working hours, for activities which are not work-related

BuzzWord Article

Word of the Day

dark matter

a substance that scientists think exists out in space, but for which they have no direct proof

Open Dictionary

show a bit of ankle

… to reveal a small part of your intentions in order to attract support, without actually committing yourself to doing anything

add a word

Blog

A must for anyone with an interest in the changing face of language. The Macmillan Dictionary blog explores English as it is spoken around the world today.

global English and language change from our blog