Overbalance Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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overbalance
[oʊvərˈbæləns ]
Definitions
physical movement
To overbalance means to lose one's balance, typically due to an excessive weight or an awkward position. This action can occur while walking, standing, or engaging in other physical activities. When someone overbalances, they may fall or tip over as they cannot maintain an upright position. The term can also apply to situations in which one factor exceeds another, leading to an imbalance.
Synonyms
lose balance, tip over, topple.
Examples of usage
- He overbalanced while attempting to dance.
- The shelves overbalanced when too many books were added.
- In the wind, the cyclist overbalanced and fell off his bike.
state of balance
Overbalance can also refer to a condition where one element or side outweighs or exceeds another, causing instability. This term is often used in discussions about weight distribution, equilibrium, or in a metaphorical sense to describe situations where one opinion or influence dominates others. In systems of balance, achieving harmony is crucial, and overbalance can lead to failure in maintaining it.
Synonyms
disproportion, excess, imbalance.
Examples of usage
- The overbalance in opinions led to a divisive discussion.
- Managing overbalance in the budget is crucial for the project's success.
- An overbalance of power can lead to authoritarian regimes.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Physics
- In physics, balance is achieved when forces are equal, and overbalancing occurs when one force exceeds the other.
- The concept of balance is crucial in mechanics, helping to understand how structures and systems maintain stability.
- Even tiny changes in weight on one side can lead to overbalance, demonstrating how sensitive systems can be.
Sports
- In gymnastics, overbalancing can lead to falls; practitioners focus on techniques to maintain equilibrium.
- Many sports require athletes to find the balance between speed and control to avoid overbalancing during performance.
- Yoga practices often emphasize balance, and overbalancing can offer insights into personal limits and strength.
Psychology
- The term can also apply to emotional or psychological states, where someone might lose balance due to stress or pressure.
- Overbalancing can refer to being overly focused on one aspect of life, neglecting others, leading to distress.
- Achieving mental balance often involves recognizing when you might be overbalancing in thoughts and feelings.
Literature
- In literature, characters may experience overbalance metaphorically, leading to dramatic consequences.
- Many classic stories explore the theme of overbalancing in moral or ethical dilemmas, leading to conflict.
- Authors often use the imagery of balance to represent harmony or chaos in narrative arcs.
Origin of 'overbalance'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the prefix 'over-', meaning too much, and 'balance,' which refers to evenness or steadiness.
- It emerged in English during the late 16th century as a combination of these concepts.
- The idea of balancing is found in various languages, often with similar roots connected to stability.
The word 'overbalance' emerges from the combination of 'over' and 'balance.' The prefix 'over-' stems from Old English 'ofer,' meaning 'over,' 'above,' or 'beyond,' often indicating excess or superiority. The word 'balance' comes from Middle English 'balance,' which in turn has roots in Latin 'bilanx,' translating to 'having two scales.' This connection reflects the concept of weighing options or counteracting forces. Initially, 'balance' referred to the physical act of keeping steady when comparing weights, but it has branched out to cover metaphorical uses in discussions about equilibrium in various fields, including economics, availability of resources, and even social influence. The earliest recorded use of 'overbalance' dates back to the mid-19th century, evolving through language use alongside the growing emphasis on stability and balance in both physical and abstract contexts. As our understanding of balance has expanded to include emotional and social dimensions, the term 'overbalance' has continued to be relevant in contemporary discourse.