An Encylopedia Britannica Company

balance

1 balance /ˈbæləns/ noun
plural balances
1 balance
/ˈbæləns/
noun
plural balances
Britannica Dictionary definition of BALANCE
[noncount]
: the state of having your weight spread equally so that you do not fall
◊ In figurative use, to knock/throw someone off balance or keep someone off balance is to make someone feel unsure about how to behave or what to expect.
: the ability to move or to remain in a position without losing control or falling
: a state in which different things occur in equal or proper amounts or have an equal or proper amount of importance
[singular]
[noncount]
[count] : the amount of money in a bank account
[count] : the amount of money that still needs to be paid
the balance : something that remains or is left over after other things have been done or used
[count] : a device that measures weight and shows how heavy things are : scale see also checks and balances

in the balance

◊ If something (such as your future) hangs in the balance or is in the balance, it is not certain but will soon be known or decided.

on balance

: with all things considered : in general

tip the balance

see 1tip
2 balance /ˈbæləns/ verb
balances; balanced; balancing
2 balance
/ˈbæləns/
verb
balances; balanced; balancing
Britannica Dictionary definition of BALANCE
: to make (something, such as a plate or your body) steady by keeping weight equal on all sides
[+ object]
usually + on
[no object]
see also balancing act at 1act
[+ object] : to adjust (an account or budget) so that the amount of money available is more than or equal to the amount of money that has been spent
: to check and make adjustments to financial records so that they are accurate
[+ object]
[no object]
[+ object] : to make (different or opposite things) equal in strength or importance
see also balance out 2 (below)
[+ object] : to make (a different or opposite thing) less powerful, noticeable, etc.
see also balance out 1 (below)
[+ object] : to think about (different things) and decide which is better or more important usually + against or with

balance out

[phrasal verb]
balance out (something) or balance (something) out : to make (a different or opposite thing) less powerful, noticeable, etc.
see also 2balance 4 (above)
: to be or become equal or even
see also 2balance 3 (above)