balance
B1Neutral (used across formal, informal, technical, and everyday contexts)
Definition
Meaning
A state where all parts are in correct or equal proportion, creating stability or fairness.
The act of keeping something steady; the remainder left after deduction; a physical weighing device; a financial statement showing the difference between credits and debits.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word operates across concrete (scale, remainder) and abstract (harmony, equity) domains. Its meaning is heavily context-dependent.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minor. In finance, 'balance' as a statement is universal. 'Balance' as a verb meaning 'to compare' is slightly more common in UK usage (e.g., 'balance the options').
Connotations
Largely identical. Both associate it with stability, fairness, and health.
Frequency
Equally high frequency in both dialects across multiple domains (finance, health, mechanics, art).
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
NP balance NP (He balanced the books.)NP balance (The account balances.)NP balance between NP and NP (a balance between risk and reward)NP balance of NP (balance of power)NP be in balance (The outcome is in the balance.)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “On balance”
- “Strike a balance”
- “Balance of power”
- “Hang in the balance”
- “Throw someone off balance”
- “Redress the balance”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Financial statement of credits/debits (e.g., 'The Q3 balance shows a profit.'); managing aspects equally (e.g., 'balance portfolio risk').
Academic
Concept of equilibrium in systems (e.g., 'the balance of ecosystems'); impartiality in argument (e.g., 'a balanced critique').
Everyday
Physical steadiness (e.g., 'don't lose your balance'); managing time/energy (e.g., 'balance work and family').
Technical
Mechanical/electrical equilibrium (e.g., 'wheel balance', 'load balancing in servers').
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- You must balance your chequebook each month.
- She balanced the vase carefully on the shelf.
- The council must balance the needs of residents and businesses.
American English
- You need to balance your checkbook each month.
- He balanced the budget by cutting spending.
- The gymnast balanced perfectly on the beam.
adverb
British English
- Rarely used. Typically 'in a balanced way/manner'.
- The load was distributed balanceably (archaic/technical).
- Not standard in modern usage.
American English
- Rarely used. Typically 'in a balanced way/manner'.
- The funds were allocated balanceably (archaic/technical).
- Not standard in modern usage.
adjective
British English
- She gave a balanced account of the events.
- A balanced diet is key to good health.
- The committee reached a balanced decision.
American English
- We need a balanced approach to the problem.
- He is a very balanced individual.
- The report was fair and balanced.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I lost my balance and fell.
- Check your bank balance online.
- Eat a balanced breakfast.
- It's hard to balance work and family life.
- The balance of the bill is £20.
- The political balance in the country shifted.
- On balance, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.
- The treaty altered the balance of power in the region.
- The dancer's sense of balance was extraordinary.
- The prosecutor must balance the demands of justice with the possibility of rehabilitation.
- The ecosystem's delicate balance was disrupted by invasive species.
- Her argument was nuanced and beautifully balanced.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a BALANCE scale with two ANTS (bal-ants) on each side, perfectly equal and steady.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A BALANCING ACT; JUSTICE IS A SCALE; HEALTH IS EQUILIBRIUM.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not use 'баланс' for a physical 'scales' (use 'весы').
- The verb 'балансировать' is narrower than English 'balance' (which can mean 'to equalize', 'to settle', 'to compare').
- Avoid calquing 'on balance' as 'на балансе'; it means 'all things considered'.
- Russian 'остаток' is closer to 'remainder' than to 'balance' in financial contexts.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'balance' as a countable noun for a physical device incorrectly (e.g., 'a balance' is correct for the scale, but often called 'scales').
- Confusing 'balance' with 'remainder' in non-financial contexts.
- Incorrect preposition: 'balance of' (correct) vs. 'balance between' (also correct but for two items).
Practice
Quiz
In the idiom 'hang in the balance', what does 'balance' refer to?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is both. Uncountable: 'She has good balance.' Countable: 'We need to find a balance.' Financial remainder is countable: 'My balance is low.'
'Remainder' is more general for what is left. 'Balance' specifically implies what is left to be paid, settled, or is outstanding, especially in financial contexts.
Yes, as a participial adjective from the verb (e.g., 'a balanced view', 'balanced diet'). There is no base adjective form like 'balanceable' in common use.
It is a discourse marker meaning 'after considering all the factors' or 'all things considered' (e.g., 'On balance, it was a successful year.').
Collections
Part of a collection
Health and Wellness
B1 · 49 words · Physical and mental health vocabulary.