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balance

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noun

/ˈbæləns/

singular	balance
plural	balances

Other entries for this word

Related dictionary definitions

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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 backwards in the chair.
  keep your balance:
  She grabbed at him to keep her balance.
  Thesaurus entry for this meaning of balance
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 redress²
Collocations: balance
Collocations
balance2
▪ achieve, alter, find, keep, maintain, preserve, redress, strike, upset
3
[countable] the amount of money you have in your bank account
The current balance in your 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
4
[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 favour of the president.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of balance
See also tip²
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
[uncountable] mental or emotional calm
She quickly recovered her balance after the outburst.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of balance
7
[countable] a piece of equipment used for weighing things, consisting of a bar with a small dish at each end
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of balance

phrases

be/hang in the balance
if something is in the balance, you do not know whether it will succeed or fail
Jack's career is hanging in the balance while they consider what to do.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of balance
off balance
1. 1
  not steady or upright, for example because more weight is on one side
  That wheel is off balance.
  throw/knock someone/something off balance:
  He kept pulling my arm, throwing me off balance.
  Thesaurus entry for this meaning of balance
2. 2
  surprised, upset, or confused by something
  knock/catch someone off balance:
  I was thrown completely off balance by Anna's reply.
  Thesaurus entry for this meaning of balance
  See also throw¹ (sense 6)
on balance
after considering all the relevant facts
On balance, I think we made the right decision.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of balance

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

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View the pronunciation for balance.

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