balance

/ˈbæləns/
verb
  1. To keep something steady or in a stable position.
    • She balanced a book on her head while walking across the room.
    • The waiter balanced a tray of drinks on one hand.
    • He tried to balance the broom on his finger, but it kept falling.
  2. To give equal importance, time, or weight to different things.
    • She balances her time between studying and playing sports.
    • The company tries to balance profit with environmental responsibility.
    • Parents must balance their children's needs with their own.
  3. To calculate the difference between credits and debits in an account.
    • I need to balance my checkbook at the end of the month.
    • The accountant balanced the company's books for the quarter.
    • She balanced her budget by cutting unnecessary expenses.
noun
  1. A state in which different things occur in equal or proper amounts; stability or harmony.
    • The artist used a balance of light and dark colors in the painting.
    • A healthy diet requires a good balance of fruits, vegetables, and protein.
    • It is important to find a balance between work and family life.
  2. The ability to remain steady and not fall, especially when standing or moving.
    • Yoga helps improve your balance and flexibility.
    • He lost his balance and nearly fell off the ladder.
    • The gymnast showed excellent balance while standing on one hand.
  3. The amount of money in a bank account or still owed on a loan.
    • After paying the deposit, the remaining balance is $500.
    • The balance on my credit card is due at the end of the month.
    • She checked her bank balance online to see if she had enough money.
  4. A device used for weighing things, consisting of two pans hanging from a beam.
    • In the old market, goods were weighed on a balance with brass weights.
    • The jeweler placed the gold on the balance to check its weight.
    • The scientist used a balance to measure the chemicals precisely.