Balance Definition
băləns
balanced, balances, balancing
noun
balances
A weighing device, especially one consisting of a rigid beam horizontally suspended by a low-friction support at its center, with identical weighing pans hung at either end, one of which holds an unknown weight while the effective weight in the other is increased by known amounts until the beam is level and motionless.
American Heritage
An instrument for weighing, esp. one that opposes equal weights, as in two matched shallow pans hanging from either end of a lever supported exactly in the middle; scales.
Webster's New World
A state of equilibrium or parity characterized by cancellation of all forces by equal opposing forces.
American Heritage
The imaginary scales of fortune or fate, as an emblem of justice or the power to decide.
Webster's New World
The power or means to decide.
Matters that fell outside the judge's balance.
American Heritage
Synonyms:
- proportion
- proportionality
- scales
- spring balance
- steelyard
- available funds
- cash on hand
- profit
- dividend
- surplus
- credit balance
- correspondence
- symmetricalness
- symmetry
- equaliser
Antonyms:
verb
balanced, balances, balancing
To determine the weight of (something) in a weighing device.
American Heritage
To weigh in or as in a balance.
Webster's New World
To be in equilibrium.
Webster's New World
To consider and compare or assess.
Balanced the pros and cons before making a choice.
American Heritage
To compare as to relative importance, value, etc.
Webster's New World
Synonyms:
idiom
in the balance
- In an undetermined and often critical position:
Our plans were left hanging in the balance. Resolution of that item is still in the balance.
American Heritage
on balance
- Taking everything into consideration; all in all.
American Heritage
in the balance
- in a critical, undecided state
Webster's New World
off balance
- while in an awkward or unbalanced position
to throw a ball off balance
- not proportional or harmonious; not in equilibrium
Webster's New World
on balance
- considering everything; all in all
Webster's New World
Idioms, Phrasal Verbs Related to Balance
- in the balance
- on balance
- in the balance
- off balance
- on balance
- the Balance
Origin of Balance
-
Middle English balaunce from Old French from Vulgar Latin bilancia having two scale pans from Latin bilānx bi- two dwo- in Indo-European roots lānx scale
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
-
From Middle French balance, from Late Latin *bilancia, from (accusative form of) Latin bilanx (“two-scaled”), from bi- + lanx (“plate, scale”).
From Wiktionary
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