ENGLISH
REFERENCE

balances

v. · n.
US //ˈbæɫənsəz// UK //bˈælənsɪz// bal·ances
  1. 1 to keep steady (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to stay steady or keep something from falling over.

    to maintain physical equilibrium or to keep an object in a stable position.

    Example

    The gymnast balances on one leg for several seconds during her routine.

    Example

    The tightrope walker carefully balances his weight as he navigates the wire high above the city square.
    • steadies
    • stabilises
    • topples
    • unbalances
  2. 2 to give equal importance (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to give equal attention or importance to two different things.

    to offset or compare different factors to achieve a neutral or fair result.

    Example

    He balances his busy job with plenty of time for his family.

    Example

    The new policy balances the need for economic growth with the urgent requirement for environmental protection.
    • disproportionates
  3. 3 money in accounts (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    the amounts of money remaining in different bank accounts.

    the plural form referring to the remainders or differences between total debits and total credits in multiple accounts.

    Example

    She checked her bank balances online to see if she could afford the trip.

    Example

    The accountant reviewed the various ledger balances to ensure that the company's quarterly reports were accurate.
  4. 4 the constellation Libra (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Archaic Literary Science

    another name for the constellation and star sign Libra.

    a proper noun referring to the constellation Libra, often represented by a pair of scales.

    Example

    In old books, the constellation Libra is sometimes called the Balances.

    Example

    The ancient manuscript describes the sun entering the Balances at the time of the autumnal equinox.
Related words

Last updated June 20, 2026