balance
noun
1. a state of equilibrium
Definition categories: state, equilibrium
2. equality between the totals of the credit and debit sides of an account
Definition categories: possession, equality
3. harmonious arrangement or relation of parts or elements within a whole (as in a design)
- in all perfectly beautiful objects there is found the opposition of one part to another and a reciprocal balance
Similar word(s): proportion, proportionality
Definition categories: attribute, arrangement, placement
4. equality of distribution
Similar word(s): counterbalance, equilibrium, equipoise
Definition categories: shape, construction, structure
5. something left after other parts have been taken away
- he took what he wanted and I got the balance
Similar word(s): remainder, residual, residue, residuum, rest
Definition categories: link, component, constituent, part, portion
6. the difference between the totals of the credit and debit sides of an account
Definition categories: possession, difference, remainder
7. (astrology) a person who is born while the sun is in Libra
Similar word(s): libra
Definition categories: person, individual, mortal, somebody, someone, soul
8. the seventh sign of the zodiac; the sun is in this sign from about September 23 to October 22
Similar word(s): libra
Definition categories: location
9. (mathematics) an attribute of a shape or relation; exact reflection of form on opposite sides of a dividing line or plane
Similar word(s): correspondence, symmetricalness, symmetry
Definition categories: attribute, spatiality
10. a weight that balances another weight
Similar word(s): counterbalance, counterpoise, counterweight, equaliser, equalizer
Definition categories: man–made, weight
11. a wheel that regulates the rate of movement in a machine; especially a wheel oscillating against the hairspring of a timepiece to regulate its beat
Definition categories: man–made, wheel
12. a scale for weighing; depends on pull of gravity
Definition categories: man–made, scale
Sentences with balance as a noun:
- These weights are used as a balance for the overhanging verandah.
- Blair thought he could provide a useful balance to Bush's policies.
- The balance of power finally lay with the Royalist forces.
- I think the balance of opinion is that we should get out while we're ahead.
- I just need to nip to a bank and check my balance.
- The balance of the agreement remains in effect.
verb
1. bring into balance or equilibrium
- She has to balance work and her domestic duties
- balance the two weights
Similar word(s): equilibrate, equilibrise, equilibrize
Definition categories: stative, fit, match
2. compute credits and debits of an account
Definition categories: possession, account, calculate
3. hold or carry in equilibrium
Similar word(s): poise
Definition categories: contact, bear, carry, hold
4. be in equilibrium
- He was balancing on one foot
Definition categories: stative, be
Sentences with balance as a verb:
- I balanced my mug of coffee on my knee.
- The circus performer balances a plate on the end of a baton.
- to balance partners
- to balance the boom mainsail
- This final payment, or credit, balances the account.
- to balance a set of books