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Balance: meaning, definitions and examples

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balance

 

[ˈbæləns ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

banking

The amount of money in a bank account or the difference between credits and debits in an account.

Synonyms

total, sum, remainder.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
balance

Use when referring to the remaining amount in an account or the state where two opposing forces are equal.

  • She checked her bank balance online
  • The gymnast maintained perfect balance on the beam

Examples of usage

  • Make sure to check your balance regularly to avoid overdraft fees.
  • I always keep a minimum balance in my savings account.
Context #2 | Noun

physical

A state of equilibrium or equal distribution of weight.

Synonyms

stability, symmetry, harmony.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
balance

This is typically used to refer to a situation where different elements are in the correct proportions, often when talking about physical positioning, finances, or life situations.

  • She managed to find a balance between her work and personal life.
  • The balance on my bank account is lower than expected.

Examples of usage

  • The gymnast demonstrated perfect balance on the beam.
  • The artist balanced the composition of the painting with light and dark elements.
Context #3 | Verb

financial

To offset or compare the value of one thing with another.

Synonyms

offset, compare, equalize.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
balance

This word is often used to describe the condition where different elements are in the correct proportion or there is a sense of stability. It's commonly used in financial contexts, physical stability, and life management.

  • He needs to balance his expenses to save more money.
  • It's important to find a balance between work and personal life.

Examples of usage

  • We need to balance our budget to avoid deficits.
  • She balanced her checkbook to reconcile her expenses.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'bilanx', meaning 'having two scales', which refers to the idea of weighing things evenly.
  • In Middle English, 'balance' referred not just to scales but also to mental poise or equilibrium.

Science

  • In physics, balance refers to a state where all forces acting on an object are equal, making it stay still.
  • The concept of balance in biology includes maintaining homeostasis, where living organisms keep a stable internal environment.

Cultural Significance

  • Many cultures emphasize balance in life, such as the Chinese concept of Yin and Yang, which represents complementary opposite forces.
  • Balance is often seen as a virtue in various philosophies, suggesting that life should not lean too far in one direction, like work and play.

Psychology

  • In mental health, achieving balance between work, relationships, and self-care is crucial for overall well-being.
  • Cognitive balance theory suggests that people strive for harmony in their beliefs and attitudes, leading to more stable relationships.

Literature

  • Many literary works explore the theme of balance, such as in moral dilemmas where characters must weigh choices against their consequences.
  • The portrayal of protagonists often involves their journey towards finding balance in life, often involving conflicts between two opposing forces.

Translations

Translations of the word "balance" in other languages:

🇵🇹 equilíbrio

🇮🇳 संतुलन

🇩🇪 Gleichgewicht

🇮🇩 keseimbangan

🇺🇦 баланс

🇵🇱 równowaga

🇯🇵 バランス

🇫🇷 équilibre

🇪🇸 equilibrio

🇹🇷 denge

🇰🇷 균형 (gyunhyeong)

🇸🇦 توازن

🇨🇿 rovnováha

🇸🇰 rovnováha

🇨🇳 平衡 (pínghéng)

🇸🇮 ravnotežje

🇮🇸 jafnvægi

🇰🇿 теңдік

🇬🇪 ბალანსი

🇦🇿 tərəzi

🇲🇽 equilibrio

Word Frequency Rank

At #953 in the frequency ranking, this word is highly important for effective communication. It's commonly used in daily situations and should be prioritized in your vocabulary building.