Balance BAL'ANCE, n. [L.bilanx, bis, twice, and lanz, a dish, the double dish.]
1. A pair of scales, for weighing commodities. It consists of a beam or lever suspended exactly in the middle, with a scale or basin hung to each extremity, of precisely equal weight.
The Roman balance, our steel-yard, consists of a lever or beam, movable on a center, and suspended near one of its extremities. Hence,
2. One of the simple powers in mechanics, used for determining the equality or difference of weight in heavy bodies,and consequently their masses or quantity of matter.
3. Figuratively, an impartial state of the mind, in deliberating; or a just estimate of the reasons and arguments on
both sides of a question, which gives to each its due weight, or force and importance.
4. As balance signifies equal weight, or equality, it is by custom used for the weight or sum necessary to make two unequal weights or sums equal; that which is necessary to bring them to a balance or equipoise. Hence, in accounts, balance is the difference of two sums; as upon an adjustment of accounts, a balance was found against A, in favor of B. Hence, to pay a balance, is to pay the difference and make the two accounts equal.
5. Balance of trade is an equal exportation of domestic productions, and importation of foreign. But, usually, the term is applied to the difference between the amount or value of the commodities exported and imported. Hence the common expression, the balance of trade is against or in favor of a country.
6. Equipoise, or an equal state of power between nations; as the "balance of power."
7. Equipoise, or an equal state of the passions.
The balance of the mind.
8. That which renders weight or authority equal.
The only balance attempted against the ancient kings, was a body of nobles.
9. The part of a clock or watch which regulates the beats.
10. In astronomy, a sign in the zodiac, called in Latin Libra, which the sun enters at the equinox in September.
The hydrostatic balance is an instrument to determine the specific gravity of fluid and solid bodies.
The assay balance is one which is used in docimastic operations, to determine the weight of minute bodies.
BAL'ANCE, v.t. To adjust the weights in the scales of a balance so as to bring them to an equipoise. Hence,
2. To weigh reasons; to compare, by estimating the relative force, importance, or value of different things; as, to balance good and evil.
3. To regulate different powers, so as to keep them in a state of just proportion; as, to balance Europe, or the powers of Europe.
4. To counterpoise; to make of equal weight or force; to make equipollent; as, one species of attraction balances another.
One expression in the letter check and balance another.
5. To settle and adjust, as an account; to find the difference of two accounts, and to pay the balance, or difference, and make them equal.
6. In seamanship, to contract a sail, by rolling up a small part of it at one corner.
BAL'ANCE, v.i. To have on each side equal weight; to be on a poise.
2. To hesitate; to fluctuate between motives which appear of equal force, as a balance plays when poised by equal weights.
Between right and wrong, never balance a moment.

balance n 1: a state of equilibrium [ant: imbalance, instability, unbalance] 2: equality between the totals of the credit and debit sides of an account 3: harmonious arrangement or relation of parts or elements within a whole (as in a design); "in all perfectly beautiful objects there is found the opposition of one part to another and a reciprocal balance"- John Ruskin [syn: proportion, proportionality, balance] 4: equality of distribution [syn: balance, equilibrium, equipoise, counterbalance] 5: something left after other parts have been taken away; "there was no remainder"; "he threw away the rest"; "he took what he wanted and I got the balance" [syn: remainder, balance, residual, residue, residuum, rest] 6: the difference between the totals of the credit and debit sides of an account 7: (astrology) a person who is born while the sun is in Libra [syn: Libra, Balance] 8: the seventh sign of the zodiac; the sun is in this sign from about September 23 to October 22 [syn: Libra, Libra the Balance}, Balance, Libra the Scales] 9: (mathematics) an attribute of a shape or relation; exact reflection of form on opposite sides of a dividing line or plane [syn: symmetry, symmetricalness, correspondence, balance] [ant: asymmetry, dissymmetry, imbalance] 10: a weight that balances another weight [syn: counterweight, counterbalance, counterpoise, balance, equalizer, equaliser] 11: a wheel that regulates the rate of movement in a machine; especially a wheel oscillating against the hairspring of a timepiece to regulate its beat [syn: balance wheel, balance] 12: a scale for weighing; depends on pull of gravity v 1: bring into balance or equilibrium; "She has to balance work and her domestic duties"; "balance the two weights" [syn: balance, equilibrate, equilibrize, equilibrise] [ant: unbalance] 2: compute credits and debits of an account 3: hold or carry in equilibrium [syn: poise, balance] 4: be in equilibrium; "He was balancing on one foot"

balance ˈbæləns See: HANG IN THE BALANCE, OFF BALANCE.

balance I. noun Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Vulgar Latin *bilancia, from Late Latin bilanc-, bilanx having two scalepans, from Latin bi- + lanc-, lanx plate Date: 13th century 1. an instrument for weighing: as a. a beam that is supported freely in the center and has two pans of equal weight suspended from its ends b. a device that uses the elasticity of a spiral spring for measuring weight or force 2. a means of judging or deciding 3. a counterbalancing weight, force, or influence 4. an oscillating wheel operating with a hairspring to regulate the movement of a timepiece 5. a. stability produced by even distribution of weight on each side of the vertical axis b. equipoise between contrasting, opposing, or interacting elements c. equality between the totals of the two sides of an account 6. a. an aesthetically pleasing integration of elements b. the juxtaposition in writing of syntactically parallel constructions containing similar or contrasting ideas 7. a. physical equilibrium b. the ability to retain one's balance 8. a. weight or force of one side in excess of another b. something left over ; remainder c. an amount in excess especially on the credit side of an account 9. mental and emotional steadiness • balanced adjective II. verb (balanced; balancing) Date: 1588 transitive verb 1. a. (1) to compute the difference between the debits and credits of (an account) (2) to pay the amount due on ; settle b. (1) to arrange so that one set of elements exactly equals another <balance a mathematical equation> (2) to complete (a chemical equation) so that the same number of atoms and electric charges of each kind appears on each side 2. a. counterbalance, offset b. to equal or equalize in weight, number, or proportion 3. to weigh in or as if in a balance 4. a. to bring to a state or position of equipoise b. to poise in or as if in balance c. to bring into harmony or proportion intransitive verb 1. to become balanced or established in balance 2. to be an equal counterpoise 3. waver 1 <balances and temporizes on matters that demand action>

balance
n. & v.
--n.
1 an apparatus for weighing, esp. one with a central pivot, beam, and two scales.
2 a a counteracting weight or force. b (in full balance-wheel) the regulating device in a clock etc.
3 a an even distribution of weight or amount. b stability of body or mind (regained his balance).
4 a preponderating weight or amount (the balance of opinion).
5 a an agreement between or the difference between credits and debits in an account. b the difference between an amount due and an amount paid (will pay the balance next week). c an amount left over; the rest.
6 a Art harmony of design and proportion. b Mus. the relative volume of various sources of sound (bad balance between violins and trumpets).
7 (the Balance) the zodiacal sign or constellation Libra.
--v.
1 tr. (foll. by with, against) offset or compare (one thing) with another (must balance the advantages with the disadvantages).
2 tr. counteract, equal, or neutralize the weight or importance of.
3 a tr. bring into or keep in equilibrium (balanced a book on her head). b intr. be in equilibrium (balanced on one leg).
4 tr. (usu. as balanced adj.) establish equal or appropriate proportions of elements in (a balanced diet; balanced opinion).
5 tr. weigh (arguments etc.) against each other.
6 a tr. compare and esp. equalize debits and credits of (an account). b intr. (of an account) have credits and debits equal.
Phrases and idioms:
balance of payments the difference in value between payments into and out of a country. balance of power
1 a situation in which the chief States 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 imports and exports. balance sheet a statement giving the balance of an account. in the balance uncertain; at a critical stage. on balance all things considered. strike a balance choose a moderate course or compromise.
Derivatives:
balanceable adj. balancer n.
Etymology: ME f. OF, ult. f. LL (libra) bilanx bilancis two-scaled (balance)

balance (balances, balancing, balanced) Frequency: The word is one of the 1500 most common words in English. 1. If you balance something somewhere, or if it balances there, it remains steady and does not fall. I balanced on the ledge... He balanced a football on his head. VERB: V prep/adv, V n prep/adv 2. Balance is the ability to remain steady when you are standing up. The medicines you are currently taking could be affecting your balance. N-UNCOUNT 3. If you balance one thing with something different, each of the things has the same strength or importance. Balance spicy dishes with mild ones... The state has got to find some way to balance these two needs... Supply and demand on the currency market will generally balance. V-RECIP: V n with n, V pl-n, pl-n V, also V with n • balanced This book is a well balanced biography. ADJ: usu adv ADJ 4. A balance is a situation in which all the different parts are equal in strength or importance. Their marriage is a delicate balance between traditional and contemporary values... ...the ecological balance of the forest. N-SING: with supp, oft N between pl-n 5. If you say that the balance tips in your favour, you start winning or succeeding, especially in a conflict or contest. ...a powerful new gun which could tip the balance of the war in their favour... N-SING: the N 6. If you balance one thing against another, you consider its importance in relation to the other one. She carefully tried to balance religious sensitivities against democratic freedom. VERB: V n against n 7. If someone balances their budget or if a government balances the economy of a country, they make sure that the amount of money that is spent is not greater than the amount that is received. He balanced his budgets by rigid control over public expenditure. VERB: V n 8. If you balance your books or make them balance, you prove by calculation that the amount of money you have received is equal to the amount that you have spent. ...teaching them to balance the books... To make the books balance, spending must fall and taxes must rise. VERB: V n, V 9. The balance in your bank account is the amount of money you have in it. I'd like to check the balance in my account please. N-COUNT: usu with supp 10. The balance of an amount of money is what remains to be paid for something or what remains when part of the amount has been spent. They were due to pay the balance on delivery. = remainder N-SING: the N 11. see also bank balance 12. If something hangs in the balance, it is uncertain whether it will happen or continue. The fate of a project which could revolutionise the use of computers in hospitals hangs in the balance. PHRASE: PHR after v, v-link PHR 13. If you keep your balance, for example when standing in a moving vehicle, you remain steady and do not fall over. If you lose your balance, you become unsteady and fall over. PHRASE: V inflects 14. If you are off balance, you are in an unsteady position and about to fall. A gust of wind knocked him off balance and he fell face down in the mud. PHRASE: PHR after v, v-link PHR 15. If you are thrown off balance by something, you are surprised or confused by it. She was trying to behave as if his visit hadn't thrown her off balance. PHRASE: PHR after v 16. You can say on balance to indicate that you are stating an opinion after considering all the relevant facts or arguments. On balance he agreed with Christine. PHRASE: PHR with cl

balance ˈbæləns n. & v. --n. 1 an apparatus for weighing, esp. one with a central pivot, beam, and two scales. 2 a a counteracting weight or force. b (in full balance-wheel) the regulating device in a clock etc. 3 a an even distribution of weight or amount. b stability of body or mind (regained his balance). 4 a preponderating weight or amount (the balance of opinion). 5 a an agreement between or the difference between credits and debits in an account. b the difference between an amount due and an amount paid (will pay the balance next week). c an amount left over; the rest. 6 a Art harmony of design and proportion. b Mus. the relative volume of various sources of sound (bad balance between violins and trumpets). 7 (the Balance) the zodiacal sign or constellation Libra. --v. 1 tr. (foll. by with, against) offset or compare (one thing) with another (must balance the advantages with the disadvantages). 2 tr. counteract, equal, or neutralize the weight or importance of. 3 a tr. bring into or keep in equilibrium (balanced a book on her head). b intr. be in equilibrium (balanced on one leg). 4 tr. (usu. as balanced adj.) establish equal or appropriate proportions of elements in (a balanced diet; balanced opinion). 5 tr. weigh (arguments etc.) against each other. 6 a tr. compare and esp. equalize debits and credits of (an account). b intr. (of an account) have credits and debits equal. øbalance of payments the difference in value between payments into and out of a country. balance of power 1 a situation in which the chief States 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 imports and exports. balance sheet a statement giving the balance of an account. in the balance uncertain; at a critical stage. on balance all things considered. strike a balance choose a moderate course or compromise. øøbalanceable adj. balancer n. [ME f. OF, ult. f. LL (libra) bilanx bilancis two-scaled (balance)]

balance
wæge

To turn one's coat, to change one's uniform or colors; to go over to the opposite party. To turn one's goods or money, and the like, to exchange in the course of trade; to keep in lively exchange or circulation; to gain or increase in trade. To turn one's hand to, to adapt or apply one's self to; to engage in. To turn out. (a) To drive out; to expel; as, to turn a family out of doors; to turn a man out of office. I'll turn you out of my kingdom. -- Shak. (b) to put to pasture, as cattle or horses. (c) To produce, as the result of labor, or any process of manufacture; to furnish in a completed state. (d) To reverse, as a pocket, bag, etc., so as to bring the inside to the outside; hence, to produce. (e) To cause to cease, or to put out, by turning a stopcock, valve, or the like; as, to turn out the lights. To turn over. (a) To change or reverse the position of; to overset; to overturn; to cause to roll over. (b) To transfer; as, to turn over business to another hand. (c) To read or examine, as a book, while, turning the leaves. ``We turned o'er many books together.'' --Shak. (d) To handle in business; to do business to the amount of; as, he turns over millions a year. [Colloq.] To turn over a new leaf. See under Leaf. To turn tail, to run away; to retreat ignominiously. To turn the back, to flee; to retreat. To turn the back on or upon, to treat with contempt; to reject or refuse unceremoniously. To turn the corner, to pass the critical stage; to get by the worst point; hence, to begin to improve, or to succeed. To turn the die or dice, to change fortune. To turn the edge or point of, to bend over the edge or point of so as to make dull; to blunt. To turn the head or brain of, to make giddy, wild, insane, or the like; to infatuate; to overthrow the reason or judgment of; as, a little success turned his head. To turn the scale or balance, to change the preponderance; to decide or determine something doubtful. To turn the stomach of, to nauseate; to sicken. To turn the tables, to reverse the chances or conditions of success or superiority; to give the advantage to the person or side previously at a disadvantage. To turn tippet, to make a change. [Obs.] --B. Jonson. To turn to profit, advantage, etc., to make profitable or advantageous. To turn up. (a) To turn so as to bring the bottom side on top; as, to turn up the trump. (b) To bring from beneath to the surface, as in plowing, digging, etc. (c) To give an upward curve to; to tilt; as, to turn up the nose. To turn upon, to retort; to throw back; as, to turn the arguments of an opponent upon himself. To turn upside down, to confuse by putting things awry; to throw into disorder. This house is turned upside down since Robin Ostler died. --Shak.

Balance \Bal"ance\, n. [OE. balaunce, F. balance, fr. L. bilan?, bilancis, having two scales; bis twice (akin to E. two) + lanx plate, scale.] 1. An apparatus for weighing. Note: In its simplest form, a balance consists of a beam or lever supported exactly in the middle, having two scales or basins of equal weight suspended from its extremities. Another form is that of the Roman balance, our steelyard, consisting of a lever or beam, suspended near one of its extremities, on the longer arm of which a counterpoise slides. The name is also given to other forms of apparatus for weighing bodies, as to the combinations of levers making up platform scales; and even to devices for weighing by the elasticity of a spring. 2. Act of weighing mentally; comparison; estimate. A fair balance of the advantages on either side. --Atterbury. 3. Equipoise between the weights in opposite scales. 4. The state of being in equipoise; equilibrium; even adjustment; steadiness. And hung a bottle on each side To make his balance true. --Cowper. The order and balance of the country were destroyed. --Buckle. English workmen completely lose their balance. --J. S. Mill. 5. An equality between the sums total of the two sides of an account; as, to bring one's accounts to a balance; -- also, the excess on either side; as, the balance of an account. `` A balance at the banker's. '' --Thackeray. I still think the balance of probabilities leans towards the account given in the text. --J. Peile. 6. (Horol.) A balance wheel, as of a watch, or clock. See Balance wheel (in the Vocabulary). 7. (Astron.) (a) The constellation Libra. (b) The seventh sign in the Zodiac, called Libra, which the sun enters at the equinox in September. 8. A movement in dancing. See Balance, v. i., S. Balance electrometer, a kind of balance, with a poised beam, which indicates, by weights suspended from one arm, the mutual attraction of oppositely electrified surfaces. --Knight. Balance fish. (Zo["o]l) See Hammerhead. Balance knife, a carving or table knife the handle of which overbalances the blade, and so keeps it from contact with the table. Balance of power. (Politics), such an adjustment of power among sovereign states that no one state is in a position to interfere with the independence of the others; international equilibrium; also, the ability ( of a state or a third party within a state) to control the relations between sovereign states or between dominant parties in a state. Balance sheet (Bookkeeping), a paper showing the balances of the open accounts of a business, the debit and credit balances footing up equally, if the system of accounts be complete and the balances correctly taken. Balance thermometer, a thermometer mounted as a balance so that the movement of the mercurial column changes the indication of the tube. With the aid of electrical or mechanical devices adapted to it, it is used for the automatic regulation of the temperature of rooms warmed artificially, and as a fire alarm. Balance of torsion. See Torsion Balance. Balance of trade (Pol. Econ.), an equilibrium between the money values of the exports and imports of a country; or more commonly, the amount required on one side or the other to make such an equilibrium. Balance valve, a valve whose surfaces are so arranged that the fluid pressure tending to seat, and that tending to unseat the valve, are nearly in equilibrium; esp., a puppet valve which is made to operate easily by the admission of steam to both sides. See Puppet valve. Hydrostatic balance. See under Hydrostatic. To lay in balance, to put up as a pledge or security. [Obs.] --Chaucer. To strike a balance, to find out the difference between the debit and credit sides of an account.

Balance \Bal"ance\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Balanced (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Balancing (?).] [From Balance, n.: cf. F. balancer. ] 1. To bring to an equipoise, as the scales of a balance by adjusting the weights; to weigh in a balance. 2. To support on a narrow base, so as to keep from falling; as, to balance a plate on the end of a cane; to balance one's self on a tight rope. 3. To equal in number, weight, force, or proportion; to counterpoise, counterbalance, counteract, or neutralize. One expression . . . must check and balance another. --Kent. 4. To compare in relative force, importance, value, etc.; to estimate. Balance the good and evil of things. --L'Estrange. 5. To settle and adjust, as an account; to make two accounts equal by paying the difference between them. I am very well satisfied that it is not in my power to balance accounts with my Maker. --Addison. 6. To make the sums of the debits and credits of an account equal; -- said of an item; as, this payment, or credit, balances the account. 7. To arrange accounts in such a way that the sum total of the debits is equal to the sum total of the credits; as, to balance a set of books. 8. (Dancing) To move toward, and then back from, reciprocally; as, to balance partners. 9. (Naut.) To contract, as a sail, into a narrower compass; as, to balance the boom mainsail. Balanced valve. See Balance valve, under Balance, n. Syn: To poise; weigh; adjust; counteract; neutralize; equalize.

Balance \Bal"ance\, v. i. 1. To have equal weight on each side; to be in equipoise; as, the scales balance. 2. To fluctuate between motives which appear of equal force; to waver; to hesitate. He would not balance or err in the determination of his choice. --Locke. 3. (Dancing) To move toward a person or couple, and then back.

Balance wheel \Bal"ance wheel`\ 1. (Horology) (a) A wheel which regulates the beats or pulses of a watch or chronometer, answering to the pendulum of a clock; -- often called simply a balance. (b) A ratchet-shaped scape wheel, which in some watches is acted upon by the axis of the balance wheel proper (in those watches called a balance). 2. (Mach.) A wheel which imparts regularity to the movements of any engine or machine; a fly wheel.

BALANCE bal'-ans The English word "balance" is from the Latin bilanx = "having two scales" (bi = "two" and lanx = "plate," or "scale"). It is used to render three Hebrew words: (1) mo'znayim (Le 19:36; Job 6:2; Ps 62:9; Pr 11:1; Isa 40:12,15; Jer 32:10, etc.); (2) qaneh (Isa 46:6), and (3) pelec (Pr 16:11). It is found in the sing., e.g. "a just balance" (Pr 16:11); "a pair of balances" (Re 6:5, etc.), as well as in the plur., e.g. "just balances" (Le 19:36), "weighed in the balances" (Da 5:27, etc.). 1. Balances among the Ancient Hebrews; the Parts, etc.: (1) The "balances" of the ancient Hebrews differed little, if at all, from those used by the Egyptians (Wilkinson, Anc. Egypt (1878), II, 246 f). They consisted, probably, of a horizontal bar, either pivoted on a perpendicular rod (see Erman, Aegypten, I, 615 for similar Egyptian balances), or suspended from a cord and held in the hand, the more primitive form. At the ends of the bar were pans, or hooks, from which the things to be weighed were suspended, sometimes in bags. A good description of the more developed and final form is this: A beam with its fulcrum in the middle and its arms precisely equal. From the ends of the arms were suspended two scales, the one to receive the object to be weighed, the other the counterpoise, or weight. (2) The weights were of stone at first and are so named in De 25:13 King James Version, margin. A pair of scales (the King James Version "a pair of balances") is used in Re 6:5 by a figure of speech for the balance as a whole; only once is the beam so used, in Isa 46:6, literally, "weigh silver in the beam." Abraham, we are told (Ge 23:16), "weighed the silver." 2. Probably of Babylonian Origin: The basis and fountain-head of all systems of weights and measurements is to be traced, it is now thought, to Babylonia; but the primitive instruments and systems were subject to many modifications as they entered other regions and passed into the derivative systems. The Roman "balance" is the same as our steelyard (vulgarly called "stillyards"). Compare the Chinese, Danish, etc. 3. The System of Weighing Liable to Fraud: Though the "balances" in ancient times were rudely constructed, the weighing could be done quite accurately, as may be seen in the use of equally primitive balances in the East today. But the system was liable to fraud. A "false balance" might be literally one so constructed that the arms were of unequal length, when the longer arm would be intended, of course, for the article to be weighed. The system was liable, however, to various other subtle abuses then as now; hence the importance in God's sight of "true weights" and a "just balance" is enforced again and again (see Le 19:36; Pr 11:1; 16:11; 20:23; Am 8:5; Mic 6:11, etc.). 4. "Wicked Balances" Condemned: "A false balance is an abomination to Yahweh" (Pr 11:1; compare Pr 20:23), and "a just balance and scales are Yahweh's" (Pr 16:11). Ho 12:7 condemns "the balances of deceit" in the hand of the wicked; Am 8:5 (the King James Version) cries out upon "falsifying the balances by deceit," and Mic 6:11 denounces "wicked balances." Indeed, the righteousness of a just balance and true weights, and the iniquity of false ones are everywhere emphasized by the lawmakers, prophets and moral teachers of Israel, and the preacher or teacher who would expose and denounce such things in God's name today need be at no loss for texts and precedents. See WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. LITERATURE. Wilkinson, Ancient Egypt; Erman, Egypt; Lepsius, Denkmaler; and articles on "Balance." etc., in Smith, DB, EB, Jewish Encyclopedia, HDB, etc. George B. Eager

Balance occurs in Lev. 19:36 and Isa. 46:6, as the rendering of the Hebrew _kanch'_, which properly means "a reed" or "a cane," then a rod or beam of a balance. This same word is translated "measuring reed" in Ezek. 40:3,5; 42:16-18. There is another Hebrew word, _mozena'yim_, i.e., "two poisers", also so rendered (Dan. 5:27). The balances as represented on the most ancient Egyptian monuments resemble those now in use. A "pair of balances" is a symbol of justice and fair dealing (Job 31:6; Ps. 62:9; Prov. 11:1). The expression denotes great want and scarcity in Rev. 6:5.

balance I. n. 1. Pair of scales. 2. Equipoise, equilibrium, equality of weight. 3. Comparison, comparative estimate, weighing. 4. Excess, overplus, surplus, residue, remainder. (Correct only of accounts.) 5. Counterpoise, equalizing agency, equalizer. 6. Moral or mental equilibrium, equipoise, poise, self-control, self-possession, all-sidedness, good proportion. II. v. a. 1. Poise, keep in equipoise, hold in equilibrium. 2. Weigh (mentally), compare, estimate comparatively. 3. Counterpoise, counteract, neutralize, countervail, counterbalance, compensate, make up for. 4. (Com.) Equalize, make equal, square, adjust, clear. III. v. n. 1. Be in equipoise or equilibrium, counterpoise each other, neutralize each other. 2. Cast accounts, keep accounts, reckon, make balances.

balance ˈbæləns v. 1 weigh, estimate, ponder, consider, deliberate, assess, compare, evaluate: We need to balance the advantages and the disadvantages. 2 steady, poise; equalize, stabilize, level, match, even out or up: The see-saw will balance better if both of you get on the other end. 3 compensate (for), make up for, counterbalance, offset, match, equal; counterpoise: The column of mercury in the barometer balances the atmospheric pressure on the surface of the bowl. The total of expenses seems to balance the total of income. --n. 4 scale(s), steelyard: According to the balance, the package weighs two pounds. 5 control, command, authority, weight, preponderance: Britain held the balance of power during those decades. 6 equilibrium, stability, steadiness, footing; equiponderance; equality, harmony: The acrobat almost lost his balance on the high wire. It is important to maintain a balance between presentation and content. 7 remainder, residue, rest; excess, surplus, difference: You take these and I'll follow with the balance. My bank balance is down to zero.

538 Moby Thesaurus words for "balance": Swiss bank account, accommodate, accord, account, account current, account rendered, account stated, adjust, afterglow, afterimage, agree, amount to, analogize, analogousness, aplomb, arrangement, assess, assets, assimilate, assimilate to, assurance, atmosphere, atone for, attune, audit, authority, available means, average, back down, balance the books, balanced personality, ballast, bank account, be heavy, beauty, bilateral symmetry, bonus, book, bottom dollar, break even, bring into analogy, bring into comparison, brushwork, budget, butt, butt end, cancel, candle ends, capital, capital goods, capitalization, capitalize, carry, carry over, carry weight, cash account, cash reserves, cast up accounts, center, chaff, charge off, check, check out, checking account, close out, close the books, coequality, coextension, collectedness, color, come to, come up to, command, command of money, commensurability, common sense, communion, community, comparability, comparableness, comparativeness, compare, compare and contrast, compare with, compensate, compensate for, composition, composure, concinnity, confidence, conformity, confront, congruity, consider, consideration, consistency, constancy, contact with reality, contrast, control, control account, cool, cool head, coolheadedness, coolness, coolth, coordinate, corelation, correlation, correlativism, correlativity, correspond, correspondence, counteract, counterbalance, counterpoise, counterpose, countervail, counterweigh, counterweight, credit, damp, debate, debit, debris, deficit, deliberate, demonstrate, demur, design, detritus, difference, discrepancy, ditto, dividend, docket, double-check, draftsmanship, draw, draw a comparison, draw a parallel, due sense of, dynamic symmetry, end, enter, epact, equability, equal, equality, equalize, equanimity, equate, equation, equilibrium, equilibrize, equipoise, equipollence, equiponderance, equiponderate, equity, equivalence, equivalency, equivalent, estimate, euphony, eurythmics, eurythmy, evaluate, even, even off, even out, even up, evenness, excess, exchequer, extra, fag end, falter, fastness, fear, filings, finances, finish, firm, firm up, firmness, fit, flatten, footing, fossil, freeze, fund, funds, generality, give-and-take, golden mean, good sense, gratuity, grist, grouping, hang back, happy medium, harmonize, harmony, have weight, healthy mind, heel, heft, hem and haw, hesitate, hold, hold the scales, holdings, holdover, homeostasis, homogenize, horse sense, hover, hum and haw, husks, identity, immobilize, imperturbability, income account, integrate, invariability, inventory, inverse proportion, inverse ratio, inverse relationship, jib, journalize, juste-milieu, justice, keep, keep books, keep pace with, keeping, kitty, knot, lagniappe, leavings, leftover, leftovers, level, level head, levelheadedness, levelness, lie heavy, life savings, liken, liken to, likeness, line, liquid assets, log, lucid interval, lucidity, make an entry, make uniform, make up, make up for, makeweight, margin, match, match up with, mean, means, measure, measure against, measure up to, measuredness, median, mediocrity, medium, mental balance, mental equilibrium, mental health, mental hygiene, mental poise, metaphorize, middle, middle course, middle ground, middle point, middle position, middle state, middle-of-the-road, midpoint, minute, moneys, multilateral symmetry, mutuality, nail down, nerve, nest egg, net, norm, normal, normalcy, normality, normalize, normalness, note, odds and ends, offscourings, offset, oppose, order, orderedness, orts, outweigh, overage, overhaul, overmeasure, overplus, overrun, overset, overstock, oversupply, painterliness, par, parallel, parallelism, parings, parity, pause, pecuniary resources, perspective, pin down, place against, plain sense, plus, pocket, poise, polarity, ponder, pool, possession, post, post up, pourboire, practical mind, practical wisdom, practicality, preponderance, presence of mind, property, proportion, proportionability, proportionality, proportionate, prove, provision account, pull back, purse, quid pro quo, rags, ratio, rationality, reach, reason, reasonableness, reciprocality, reciprocation, reciprocity, reckoning, redeem, refuse, regularity, regularize, regulate, relate, relativity, reliability, relics, remainder, remains, remnant, repose, reserves, residual, residue, residuum, resource, resources, rest, restraint, retain, retreat, revenue account, rhythm, right mind, rival, roach, rootedness, rubbish, ruins, rule, rump, run, run a comparison, run abreast, run to, running account, sales account, sameness, sanemindedness, saneness, sang-froid, sangfroid, sanity, savings, savings account, sawdust, scales, score, scourings, scraps, scruple, secureness, security, self-assurance, self-command, self-confidence, self-control, self-possession, self-restraint, selling account, sense, senses, sensibleness, set in contrast, set in opposition, set off, set off against, set over against, setoff, shading, shadow, shapeliness, shavings, shilly-shally, shy, similarity, similize, smooth, sober senses, sober-mindedness, soberness, sobriety, solidity, something extra, something of value, sound mind, soundness, soundness of mind, spare, square, square up, stabilitate, stability, stabilize, stable state, stack up with, stagnancy, stagnation, standardize, stasis, steadfastness, steadiness, steady, steady nerves, steady state, stereotype, stick, stick at, stickle, stock account, stop to consider, straddle the fence, strain at, straw, strike a balance, stubble, stump, substance, substantiality, supply, surplus, surplusage, survival, suspense account, sweepings, sweetness, symmetricalness, symmetrize, symmetry, take stock, tally, technique, think twice about, tie, tip, tip the scales, tit for tat, tone, touch, trace, transfix, treasure, treatment, trilateral symmetry, tune, undeflectability, uniformity, uniformize, unregistered bank account, unshakable nerves, unshakableness, valuation account, values, verify, vestige, via media, view together, waste, weigh, weigh against, weigh heavy, weigh in, weigh out, weight, well-regulated mind, wherewithal, wholesomeness, withdraw, yield

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