balance
- 01 B1 Intermediate
n.the ability to stay upright and steady without falling over.
n.the state of physical equilibrium or the ability to maintain the body's centre of mass over its base of support.
Simple“He lost his balance on the icy pavement and nearly fell.”
In context“The gymnast demonstrated incredible balance as she performed a series of complex flips on the narrow wooden beam.”
SynonymsAntonyms - 02 B1 Intermediate
n.a situation where different things exist in equal or correct amounts.
n.a state in which different elements are equal or in the correct proportions.
Simple“It is important to have a healthy balance between work and your private life.”
In context“The architect sought a perfect balance between modern glass surfaces and traditional stone masonry to ensure the building fit the historic district.”
Synonyms - 03 B1 Intermediate
n.the amount of money you have in your bank account at a specific time.
n.the difference between the total debits and total credits in an account; the remaining amount of money.
Simple“I need to check my bank balance before I buy these expensive shoes.”
In context“After the final mortgage payment was processed, the remaining balance on the loan was officially zero.”
- 04 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.an instrument used for weighing things, usually with two pans.
n.a weighing device consisting of a horizontal beam with a support in the centre and pans at each end.
Simple“The chemist used a precise balance to measure the powder for the experiment.”
In context“In the laboratory, the analytical balance must be kept in a glass case to prevent air currents from affecting the measurement.”
Synonyms - 05 B1 Intermediate
v.to keep yourself or an object in a steady position so it does not fall.
v.to keep in a state of equilibrium; to support an object on a narrow base.
Simple“She managed to balance the tray of drinks on one hand while opening the door.”
In context“The performer balanced a spinning plate on the tip of a thin cane, much to the delight of the gathered crowd.”
- 06 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to give the same amount of attention or importance to two different things.
v.to offset or compare different influences or factors to reach a state of harmony or neutrality.
Simple“The government is trying to balance the needs of the environment with the needs of the economy.”
In context“The editor worked hard to balance the political viewpoints in the article to avoid accusations of bias from the readers.”
Synonyms
Usage balance sheets · alter balance · maintain balance
Calque of Latin Libra.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.