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balance

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noun American English pronunciation: balance /ˈbæləns/ 
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singularbalance
pluralbalances
 
  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  balanceThesaurus 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  balanceThesaurus 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  balanceThesaurus 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  balanceThesaurus entry for this meaning of balance
    See also  redress
  3. 3
    [uncountable] mental or emotional calm

    She quickly recovered her balance after the outburst.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  balanceThesaurus 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  balanceThesaurus 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  balanceThesaurus 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  balanceThesaurus 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  balanceThesaurus entry for this meaning of balance
    See also  tip

phrases

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

Change your default dictionary and thesaurus to British English.

 

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