1 [mass noun] an even distribution of weight enabling someone or something to remain upright and steady:she lost her balance and fell
Sailing the ability of a boat to stay on course without adjustment of the rudder.
2 [mass noun] a situation in which different elements are equal or in the correct proportions:the obligations of political balance in broadcasting [in singular]:try to keep a balance between work and relaxation
mental or emotional stability:the way to some kind of peace and personal balance
the relative volume of various sources of sound:the balance of the voices is good
Art harmony of design and proportion.
3an apparatus for weighing, especially one with a central pivot, beam, and two scales.
(the Balance) the zodiacal sign or constellation Libra.
4a counteracting weight or force.
(also balance wheel) the regulating device in a clock or watch.
5 [mass noun] a predominating amount; a preponderance:the balance of opinion was that work was more important than leisure
6a figure representing the difference between credits and debits in an account; the amount of money held in an account:he accumulated a healthy balance with the savings bank
the difference between an amount due and an amount paid:the holiday balance must be paid by 8 weeks before departure
[in singular] an amount left over.
ზმნა
Universal
1put (something) in a steady position so that it does not fall:a mug that she balanced on her knee
[no object] remain in a steady position without falling:Richard balanced on the ball of one foot
2offset or compare the value of (one thing) with another:the cost of obtaining such information needs to be balanced against its benefits
counteract or equal the effect or importance of:he balanced his radical remarks with more familiar declarations
establish equal or appropriate proportions of elements in:policies that help women balance work and family life
3compare debits and credits in (an account) so as to ensure that they are equal:the law requires the council to balance its books each year
[no object] (of an account) have credits and debits equal:a surplus on the capital account to make the account balance
balance of payments
the difference in total value between payments into and out of a country over a period: [as modifier]:a balance-of-payments deficit
balance of power
1a situation in which states of the world have roughly equal power.
2the power held by a small group when larger groups are of equal strength.
balance of trade
the difference in value between a country’s imports and exports:a country with a worsening balance of trade in manufactured products
in the balance
in an uncertain or critical state:his survival hung in the balance for days
on balance
when all factors are taken into consideration:on balance, he was pleased with how things had gone
strike a balance
choose a moderate course:she’s decided to strike a balance between fashionable and accessible
