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Balance Definition, Usage, and Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：keep steady (balance)
balance
/ˈbæləns/
n./vt.
It means staying steady and not falling over, either for your body or for an object.
keep steady
➕
/kiːp ˈstedi/
n./vt.
To maintain a stable position so that you do not fall or wobble, either for your body or an object.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'bilanx' (two pans), from 'bi-' (two) and 'lanx' (plate).
💡 Mnemonic
Two pans of a scale: equal weights = balance.
📖 Example
To improve her core strength, she practices yoga poses that require her to balance on one leg for a full minute.
To improve her core strength, she practices yoga poses that require her to balance on one leg for a full minute.
🔗 Collocations
lose balance – to become unsteady and fall or stagger
keep balance – to remain steady and upright
sense of balance – the ability to maintain equilibrium, especially in the inner ear
🔄 Synonyms
stability (n.) – the state of being firmly fixed or not likely to move
equilibrium (n.) – a state of physical balance where forces are equal
poise (n.) – graceful and controlled steadiness of the body
🚫 Antonyms
imbalance (n.) – lack of proportion or stability
instability (n.) – the state of being likely to change or fall
unsteadiness (n.) – lack of firmness or stability
🌱 Derivatives
📖 Cultural Story
Balance originates from the Latin 'bilanx', a weighing scale with two pans. In ancient Rome, fair trade relied on balanced scales. The concept later expanded to describe harmony in life, work, and emotions.
Meaning 2：achieve equilibrium (balance)
balance
/ˈbæləns/
n./vt.
It means having the different parts of something in the right or equal amounts so that everything works well together.
achieve equilibrium
➕
/əˈtʃiːv ˌiːkwɪˈlɪbriəm/
n./vt.
To have different elements or parts in the correct or equal proportions so that everything works well together.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
Finding a good balance between study time and social activities is key to enjoying university life.
Finding a good balance between study time and social activities is key to enjoying university life.
🔗 Collocations
work-life balance – the division of time between work and personal life in a healthy way
balance of power – a situation in which countries or groups have equal strength
sense of balance – an ability to judge what is reasonable or fair
🔄 Synonyms
harmony (n.) – a pleasing arrangement of different parts
symmetry (n.) – the quality of being made up of exactly similar parts facing each other
proportion (n.) – the relationship of one thing to another in terms of size, amount, or importance
🚫 Antonyms
imbalance (n.) – a lack of equality or proportion
disparity (n.) – a great difference between things
inequality (n.) – the state of not being equal, especially in status or opportunity
🌱 Derivatives
balanced (adj.) – taking everything into account; fair and sensible
balancing (adj.) – designed to create a balance
unbalanced (adj.) – not having an equal distribution or being mentally unstable
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