balance

²balance

verb

bal·ancedbal·anc·ing

Definition of BALANCE

transitive verb

1

a (1) : to compute the difference between the debits and credits of (an account) (2) : to pay the amount due on : settle b (1) : to arrange so that one set of elements exactly equals another <balance a mathematical equation> (2) : to complete (a chemical equation) so that the same number of atoms and electric charges of each kind appears on each side

2

a : counterbalance, offset b : to equal or equalize in weight, number, or proportion

3

: to weigh in or as if in a balance

4

a : to bring to a state or position of equipoise b : to poise in or as if in balance c : to bring into harmony or proportion

intransitive verb

1

: to become balanced or established in balance

2

: to be an equal counterpoise

3

: waver 1 <balances and temporizes on matters that demand action>

Examples of BALANCE

1. I find it difficult to balance on one foot.
2. He had trouble balancing on his skis.
3. He helped his daughter balance on her bicycle before she started peddling.
4. The legislature is still trying to balance the state's budget.
5. He balances his checkbook every month.
6. Something's wrong: the books don't balance.

First Known Use of BALANCE

1588

Related to BALANCE

Synonyms: equalize, equate, even, level

Antonyms: dive (in), plunge (in)

Related Words: equilibrate, equipoise; accommodate, adjust, compensate, fit; counterbalance; homogenize, normalize, regularize, standardize; democratize

Near Antonyms: disequilibrate

see all synonyms and antonyms

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