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| bal·ance [ bállənss ] |
noun (plural bal·anc·es) |
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| Definition: |
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1. steady state on narrow base: a state in which a body or object remains reasonably steady in a particular position while resting on a base that is narrow or small relative to its other dimensions. For human beings, this most commonly involves remaining upright and steady on the feet.
  He lost his balance and fell from the beam.
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2. opposition of equal forces: a state in which two opposing forces or factors are of equal strength or importance so that they effectively cancel each other out and stability is maintained
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3. harmony: a state in which various parts form a satisfying and harmonious whole and nothing is out of proportion or unduly emphasized at the expense of the rest
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4. emotional stability: a state of emotional and mental stability in which somebody is calm and able to make rational decisions and judgments
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5. weighing machine: a simple mechanical device for weighing objects, often consisting of a pivoted horizontal beam with a pan suspended from each end. Material to be weighed is put in one pan and weights of a fixed value are gradually added to the other until the beam returns to the horizontal.
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6. counterweight: something that offsets or counters the weight or influence of another element
a system of checks and balances
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7. greater part: a significant or influential amount of something
The balance of evidence was in her favor.
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8. remainder: a remaining or outstanding amount, e.g. the amount remaining in a bank account after a withdrawal or the amount still to be paid to settle a bill
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9. accounting equal debit and credit: a position where the amounts on the debit and credit sides of an account are equal and cancel each other out
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10. accounting difference between debit and credit: the amount by which the debit and credit sides of an account differ
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11. mathematics chemistry equality of elements in equation: a state in which the elements of a mathematical or chemical equation are equal on both sides
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verb (past and past participle bal·anced, present participle bal·anc·ing, 3rd person present singular bal·anc·es) |
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| Definition: |
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1. transitive and intransitive verb remain in or give something equilibrium: to achieve or maintain, or cause somebody or something to achieve or maintain, a position of steadiness while resting on a narrow base
balanced precariously on a branch
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2. transitive and intransitive verb place in precarious position: to place an object in a position where it is or seems to be in imminent danger of falling, or to be in such a position
(
often passive
)
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3. transitive verb assess something: to compare the relative importance of different factors or alternatives before making a choice or decision
balanced the pros and cons of the plan before moving ahead with it
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4. transitive verb weigh something in balance: to weigh something in a balance or by an action or method that resembles the working of a balance
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5. transitive and intransitive verb equal or cancel out: to be equal to something in force, weight, or importance, or cancel it out
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6. transitive verb arts bring elements into harmony: to arrange the different parts of something so that they form a harmonious and well-proportioned whole
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7. transitive verb mathematics chemistry bring equation into equality: to bring the elements of a chemical or mathematical equation into a state of equality
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8. transitive verb accounting assess account: to assess the relative positions of the debit and credit sides of an account
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9. transitive verb accounting equalize account: to make the debit and credit sides of an account equal
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| [13th century. Via Old French< Latin (libra) bilanx "(scales) with two pans" < lanx "plate, pan"] |
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| bal·ance·a·ble adjective |
| bal·anc·er noun |
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hang in the balance to be in a critical situation in which two diametrically opposed outcomes are possible and the possibility of an unfavorable one is real and greatly feared
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hold the balance
1. to have the power to decide in which way a situation will develop or which of two opposing sides will prevail
2. to control the key to maintaining an existing state of equilibrium between two opposing forces
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on balance having taken all the relevant factors into consideration and assessed their relative significance
The situation, on balance, is relatively hopeful.
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strike a balance to reach a compromise between two extremes
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throw somebody off balance to surprise or confuse somebody
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