balance

bal·ance / ˈbaləns/ • n. 1. an even distribution of weight enabling someone or something to remain upright and steady: slipping in the mud but keeping their balance. ∎  stability of one's mind or feelings: the way to some kind of peace and personal balance. 2. a condition in which different elements are equal or in the correct proportions: overseas investments can add balance to an investment portfolio. ∎  Art harmony of design and proportion. ∎  [in sing.] the relative volume of various sources of sound: the balance of the voices is good. 3. an apparatus for weighing, esp. one with a central pivot, beam, and a pair of scales. 4. a counteracting weight or force. ∎  (also balance wheel) the regulating device in a mechanical clock or watch. 5. a predominating weight or amount; the majority: the balance of opinion was that work was more important than leisure. 6. a figure representing the difference between credits and debits in an account; the amount of money held in an account: he accumulated a healthy balance with the savings bank. ∎  the difference between an amount due and an amount paid: unpaid credit-card balances. ∎  [in sing.] an amount left over. • v. [tr.] 1. keep or put (something) in a steady position so that it does not fall: a mug that she balanced on her knee. ∎  [intr.] remain in a steady position without falling: Richard balanced on the ball of one foot. 2. offset or compare the value of (one thing) with another: the cost of obtaining such information needs to be balanced against its benefits. ∎  counteract, equal, or neutralize the weight or importance of: he balanced his radical remarks with more familiar declarations. ∎  establish equal or appropriate proportions of elements in: balancing work and family life. 3. compare debits and credits in (an account), typically to ensure that they are equal: the law requires the council to balance its books each year. ∎  [intr.] (of an account) have credits and debits equal. PHRASES: balance of payments the difference in total value between payments into and out of a country over a period. balance of power 1. a situation in which nations of the world have roughly equal power. 2. the power held by a small group when larger groups are of equal strength. balance of trade the difference in value between a country's imports and exports. in the balance uncertain; at a critical stage: his survival hung in the balance for days. on balance with all things considered: but on balance he was pleased.DERIVATIVES: bal·anc·er n.