Balance
WordNet
noun
(1) A scale for weighing; depends on pull of gravity
(2) 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
(3) A weight that balances another weight
(4) (mathematics) an attribute of a shape or relation; exact reflection of form on opposite sides of a dividing line or plane
(5) 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"- John Ruskin
(6) The seventh sign of the zodiac; the sun is in this sign from about September 23 to October 22
(7) (astrology) a person who is born while the sun is in Libra
(8) Equality between the totals of the credit and debit sides of an account
(9) The difference between the totals of the credit and debit sides of an account
(10) Something left after other parts have been taken away
"There was no remainder"
"He threw away the rest"
"He took what he wanted and I got the balance"
(11) Equality of distribution
(12) A state of equilibrium
verb
(13) Hold or carry in equilibrium
(14) Compute credits and debits of an account
(15) Bring into balance or equilibrium
"She has to balance work and her domestic duties"
"Balance the two weights"
(16) Be in equilibrium
"He was balancing on one foot"
WiktionaryText
English
Etymology
From , from }, from (accusative form of) , from + .
Noun
- A pair of scales.
- Libra.
- A device used to regulate the speed of a watch, clock etc.
- A weight placed on a scale to provide equilibrium; something of equal importance or value.
- Blair thought he could provide a useful balance to Bush's policies.
- Equilibrium; a state in which opposing forces cancel each other out.
- Mental equilibrium; calmness, a state of remaining clear-headed and unperturbed.
- Support for both viewpoints, substances etc or neither; neutrality.
- Apparent harmony in arts, design etc. between differing colours, sounds, etc.
- The overall result of conflicting forces, opinions etc.; the influence which ultimately "weighs" more than others.
- 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.
- A list accounting for the debits on one side, and for the credits on the other.
- The result of such a procedure; the difference between credit and debit of an account.
- I just need to nip to a bank and check my balance.
Synonyms
- (scales): pair of scales, scales, weighing machine, weighbridge (for vehicles)
- (equilibrium): equilibrium
- (support for both viewpoints): disinterest, even-handedness, fairness, impartiality, neutrality, non-partisanship
- (list of credits and debits): account
Antonyms
- (equilibrium): non-equilibrium, imbalance, unbalance
- (support for both viewpoints): bias, favor/favour, partiality, partisanship, prejudice, unfairness
Verb
- to make (items) weigh up.
- (figurative) to make (concepts) agree.
- to hold (an object or objects) precariously.
- to make the credits and debits of (an account) correspond.
- to be in equilibrium.
- to have matching credits and debits.