n.
- an even distribution of weight ensuring stability.
▸Sailing the ability of a boat to stay on course without adjustment of the rudder.
- mental or emotional stability.
- a condition in which different elements are equal or in the correct proportions.
- an apparatus for weighing, especially one with a central pivot, beam, and two scales.
- a counteracting weight or force.
▸
(also balance wheel)
the regulating device in a clock or watch.
- a predominating amount; a preponderance:
the balance of opinion was that work was important.
- a figure representing the amount of money held in an account:
his bank balance.
▸the difference between an amount due and an amount paid.
v.
- be or put in a steady position.
- offset or compare the value of (one thing) with another.
▸
[
often as adj. balanced]
establish equal or appropriate proportions of elements in:
a balanced diet.
- compare debits and credits in (an account) to ensure that they are equal.
Phrase
- balance of payments
the difference in total value between payments into and out of a country over a period. - balance of power
- a situation in which states of the world have roughly equal power.
- the 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. - be
(or hang)
in the balance
be in an uncertain or critical state. - on balance
when all factors are taken into consideration. - throw
(or catch)
someone off balance
make someone unsteady or catch someone unawares.
Derivative
Etymology
ME: from OFr. balance (n.), balancer (v.), based on late L. (libra) bilanx ‘(balance) having two scale-pans’.