balance

(noun, verb)

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