Reading Theme:
Work-Life Balance: Definition, Examples & Tips
Meaning 1：Balance of work and personal life (work-life balance)
work-life balance
/ˌwɜːrk laɪf ˈbæləns/
n.
A healthy state where you have enough time for both your job and your personal interests, family, and rest.
Balance of work and personal life
➕
/ˈbæl.əns əv wɜːrk ænd ˈpɜːr.sən.əl laɪf/
n.
The state in which a person manages to allocate sufficient time and energy to both professional responsibilities and personal activities, such as family, hobbies, and rest, without excessive stress.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
A compound noun combining 'work' (job), 'life' (personal existence), and 'balance' (equilibrium).
💡 Mnemonic
Picture a seesaw with 'work' on one end and 'life' on the other, perfectly level.
📖 Example
My new job offers flexible hours, which helps me maintain a good work-life balance.
My new job offers flexible hours, which helps me maintain a good work-life balance.
🔗 Collocations
achieve work-life balance – Successfully maintain a healthy balance between work and personal life
improve work-life balance – Make the balance between work and personal life better
healthy work-life balance – A good state of equilibrium between work and personal life
🔄 Synonyms
work-life harmony (n.) – A harmonious integration of work and personal life, often implying synergy rather than strict separation
life balance (n.) – The state of balancing different aspects of life including work, family, and leisure
well-being (n.) – The overall state of being comfortable, healthy, and happy, often supported by good work-life balance
🚫 Antonyms
work overload (n.) – Excessive work demands that prevent sufficient time for personal life
burnout (n.) – A state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress, often from overwork
imbalance (n.) – Lack of proportion or equilibrium between work and personal life, typically with one domain dominating
📖 Cultural Story
The term 'work-life balance' gained prominence in the 1970s with the rise of dual-career families and workplace flexibility movements, reflecting a cultural shift toward valuing personal time.
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