ballance
B2Formal, Semi-formal, and Technical
Definition
Meaning
A state where opposing forces or influences are equal or in the correct proportions, resulting in stability.
To offset or compare different items; to keep or put something in a steady position; a psychological or aesthetic sense of harmony; the remainder or difference in an account.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The concept is polysemous, spanning physical stability, financial accounting, psychological well-being, and general fairness. As a verb, it often implies a conscious effort to achieve or maintain equilibrium.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling is identical. The noun 'balance' is used slightly more frequently in AmE financial contexts (e.g., 'checking account balance'). No significant usage differences.
Connotations
Similar connotations in both varieties, associated with stability, fairness, and health.
Frequency
Very high frequency in both varieties, with near-identical usage patterns.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
balance A against Bbalance on somethingbalance the budgetbalance outVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “on balance”
- “off balance”
- “tip the balance”
- “balance of probabilities”
- “balance of trade”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to the difference between credits and debits in an account, or the overall state of finances (e.g., 'year-end balance').
Academic
Used in discussions of theoretical equilibrium, statistical parity, or fair representation (e.g., 'balance in the research design').
Everyday
Commonly refers to physical stability, a harmonious lifestyle, or a fair situation (e.g., 'keep your balance on the ice').
Technical
In engineering/physics, a state where all forces sum to zero; in chemistry, a state of equilibrium in a reaction.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She tried to balance the teacup on her knee.
- The council must balance the needs of residents against budget constraints.
American English
- He struggled to balance on the skateboard.
- The bill aims to balance economic growth with environmental protection.
adverb
British English
- Not used as an adverb.
American English
- Not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- Not typically used as a pure adjective. Participial 'balanced' is used (e.g., 'a balanced diet').
American English
- Not typically used as a pure adjective. Participial 'balanced' is used (e.g., 'a balanced budget').
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The little girl can balance on one foot.
- My bank balance is very low.
- It's important to find a balance between work and free time.
- He lost his balance and fell off the ladder.
- The judge must balance the rights of the individual against the public interest.
- On balance, the advantages of the new system outweigh the disadvantages.
- The geopolitical balance of power in the region is shifting dramatically.
- The accountant is working to balance the company's complex ledgers before the audit.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a BALANCE scale with two pans. Both sides have an equal number of LANCEs (spears), creating a perfect, stable BALANCE.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A BALANCING ACT; FAIRNESS IS A BALANCED SCALE; MENTAL HEALTH IS EQUILIBRIUM.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'балланс' (a rare or incorrect spelling). The primary Russian equivalent is 'баланс', but beware of false friends like 'равновесие' (more for physical balance) and 'остаток' (for a remaining sum).
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'ballance' (double 'l'). Using 'balance' as a countable noun where uncountable is needed (e.g., 'a good balance' is fine, but 'a balance' for physical stability is less common).
Practice
Quiz
In the idiom 'hang in the balance', what does 'balance' metaphorically represent?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the correct spelling is 'balance' with a single 'l'. 'Ballance' is a common misspelling.
In financial contexts, they can be synonyms (e.g., account balance/remainder). However, 'balance' implies a calculated difference between credits and debits, while 'remainder' is more general for what is left over. 'Balance' has many other meanings (stability, fairness) that 'remainder' does not.
Yes, very commonly. It means to keep or put something in a steady position, or to offset or compare different elements (e.g., 'balance your budget', 'balance work and life').
It refers to the ideal equilibrium between the time and effort dedicated to one's job and the time dedicated to personal life, family, health, and leisure.