balance

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   A state in which different parts or forces are equal or steady, so nothing tips over or dominates.

   It's important to find a balance between work and rest.

2. 2
   verb

   To keep or put something in a steady position so it does not fall.

   She balanced the tray of glasses carefully as she walked.

3. 3
   verb

   To give equal importance or attention to different things.

   He has to balance his studies with a part-time job.

4. 4
   verb

   To check that the money going in and out of an account is equal.

   She balances her bank account at the end of every month.

Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *dwóh₁ Proto-Indo-European *dwi- Proto-Italic *dwi- Latin bi- Latin lanx Latin bilanx Vulgar Latin *bilancia Old French balancebor. Middle English balaunce English balance From Middle English balaunce, from Old French balance, from Late Latin *bilancia, from (accusative form of) Latin bilanx (“two-scaled”), from bi- + lanx (“plate, scale”). Displaced the word — Old English wǣġ akin to Modern English: wey from Proto-West Germanic *wāgu (“scales; weight”).

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