balance
/ˈbæləns/ noun B1- A state in which opposing forces harmonise; equilibrium.
- Mental equilibrium; mental health; calmness, a state of remaining clear-headed and unperturbed.
- Something of equal weight used to provide equilibrium; counterweight. · These weights are used as a balance for the overhanging verandah.· Blair thought he could provide a useful balance to Bush's policies.
- A pair of scales.
- Awareness of both viewpoints or matters; neutrality; rationality; objectivity.
- The overall result of conflicting forces, opinions etc.; the influence which ultimately "weighs" more than others. · The balance of power finally lay with the Royalist forces.· I think the balance of opinion is that we should get out while we're ahead.
- Apparent harmony in art (between differing colours, sounds, etc.).
- A list accounting for the debits on one side, and for the credits on the other.
Plural balances
Phrasal verbs and expressions
From the library
When he had lifted one-third of himself clear of the ground, he stayed balancing to and fro exactly as a dandelion tuft balances in the wind, and he looked at Rikki-tikki with the wicked snake’s eyes that never change their expression, whatever the snake may be thinking of.
Then she swayed, lost her balance, stumbled, staggered, and fell, sliding down over the sun-baked roof and crashing off it through the tangle of Virginia creeper beneath--all before the dismayed circle below could give a simultaneous, terrified shriek.
No sooner had Villefort left the salon, than he assumed the grave air of a man who holds the balance of life and death in his hands.
This will be,” added Noirtier, with a smile, “one means by which you may a second time save me, if the political balance should some day take another turn, and cast you aloft while hurling me down.
Other matches
Learn balance in real texts
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