WordGarden.iobalance
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /bˈæləns/
US
- /ˈbæləns/
Meanings
Noun
the ability to stay steady and upright without falling
a fair or suitable relationship between different things or demands
the amount of money in an account or still owed
Verb
to keep or put something in a steady position so it does not fall
to offset or weigh different things so they stay even or workable together
Beyond the definition
Balance isn't just about standing on one foot! It's about keeping things in the right proportion—whether that's a scale that tips just right, a healthy routine with work and play, or emotional steadiness during stressful weeks. A gymnast needs body control to stay upright, while a community leader works toward fairness between different groups. You might watch your account balance (hopefully!) or try to keep your career and family life from crowding each other out.
Think of it like a seesaw: too much weight on one side throws everything off. Finding balance means finding that sweet spot where things feel stable, harmonious, and just right. Sometimes, taking a considered risk is part of keeping life steady and constructive.
Balance refers to a condition where different elements are proportionate, creating stability and harmony. It works as a physical idea, a mental idea, a social idea, and a practical one. Think of a perfectly balanced equation in math or the delicate balance of an ecosystem.
Physically, it is your ability to stay upright and coordinate movement; a gymnast or surfer can demonstrate this beautifully. It can also describe emotional steadiness: "She struggled to find her rhythm after the loss of her job," meaning she was trying to regain composure and direction.
It can also refer to a distribution of power, influence, or resources—an equality that avoids one side overwhelming another. "The treaty aimed to restore the balance of power in the region." It can describe a blend of traits, too: "He maintained a good balance between ambition and compassion."
In accounting, it is the remaining amount in an account after transactions, and in nutrition it means consuming the right proportions of nutrients. Artistic composition relies on it as well—visually distributing elements in a frame so the image feels intentional and pleasing.
So whether it's physical stability, emotional resilience, social harmony, or financial responsibility—this word is about finding that point of equilibrium where parts work together without one side dominating. It is the art of keeping things from tipping over.
Examples
- 1
Physical stability
She lost her balance on the icy steps and grabbed the railing.
- 2
Body control
He stood on one foot, trying to keep his balance.
- 3
Work and family
The job gives her a better balance between work and family life.
- Patternbalance between A and B
the right relationship between two things
- 4
Time management
It's hard to balance a full-time job with evening classes.
- Patternbalance A with B
manage both things at the same time
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Decision making
We need to balance speed against safety when we make this decision.
- Patternbalance A against B
compare two things carefully before choosing
- 6
Budget planning
The company is trying to balance its budget by cutting travel costs.
- 7
Banking
I checked my account balance before I paid the bill.
- Phraseaccount balance
the amount of money in an account at that time
- 8
Emotional reaction
His rude comment threw me off balance for the rest of the meeting.
- Phrasethrow someone off balance
make someone feel less calm, confident, or prepared
- 9
Uncertain outcome
The future of the project still hangs in the balance.
- Phrasehang in the balance
still be uncertain
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- keep your balance
- lose your balance
- strike a balance
- sense of balance
Word family
Explore
- coordination
- equipoise
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- balancenounverb
Forms
- balancedpast tenseverbnoun
- balancing-ing formverbnoun
- balancespluralnounverb