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bal·ance

balance

 
 
pronunciation:
bae lns
parts of speech:
noun, transitive verb, intransitive verb
phrases:
hang in the balance, keep one's balance, lose one's balance
features:
Word History, Word Explorer
part of speech: noun
definition 1: a state in which opposing forces are equal.
It's a challenge to keep the demands of work and the demands of family in balance.
synonyms:
equilibrium, equipoise, parity
antonyms:
imbalance
similar words:
equivalence, equivalency, poise, symmetry
definition 2: physical or mental stability, or the capacity to reach stability when required.
The skier's balance was off in that last move, and it caused her to slide.It's been hard for him to regain his balance since the death of his wife.Good balance is a requirement for figure skating.
 
synonyms:
composure, equanimity, equilibrium, steadiness
antonyms:
instability
similar words:
aplomb, poise, prudence, rationality, reason, sanity, self-control, stability
definition 3: a device for weighing; scales.
 
synonyms:
scales
similar words:
measure, steelyard
definition 4: that which remains or is left over.
What is the balance in our checking account right now?I finally paid off the balance on our credit cards.
synonyms:
remainder, residue, residuum
similar words:
credit, excess, remnant, rest, surplus
phrase: hang in the balance, keep one's balance, lose one's balance
 
part of speech: transitive verb
inflections: balances, balancing, balanced
definition 1: to bring into or hold in a state of equilibrium.
The clown balanced several plates on his head while riding a unicycle.The acrobat appeared to be about to fall off the wire, but she easily balanced herself.
synonyms:
equilibrate, poise, stabilize
antonyms:
unbalance
similar words:
align, arrange, coordinate, equalize, harmonize, level, proportion, steady
definition 2: to weigh mentally by comparing.
She balanced the pros and cons in her mind.
synonyms:
weigh
similar words:
appraise, assess, compare, deliberate, estimate, evaluate, ponder, rate
definition 3: to calculate the difference between the credits and debits of (an account).
This chart makes it easy to balance your checking account.
similar words:
add up, calculate, compute, figure, reconcile, sum up, tally, total
 
part of speech: intransitive verb
definition: to be in or come into a state of balance.
The acrobats balanced on each other's shoulders.
synonyms:
equilibrate
similar words:
adapt, adjust, agree, correspond, countervail, match, neutralize, poise, settle, stabilize, steady, tally
Word History
Balance is from an early French word that means "having two plates or scales."
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  body, chemistry, measurement, mind, tool