balance
A state in which opposing forces harmonise; equilibrium.
Noun 4 meanings
A state in which opposing forces harmonise; equilibrium.
Mental equilibrium; mental health; calmness, a state of remaining clear-headed and unperturbed.
Something of equal weight used to provide equilibrium; counterweight.
“These weights are used as a balance for the overhanging verandah.”
A pair of scales.
Verb 4 meanings
To bring (items) to an equipoise, as the scales of a balance by adjusting the weights.
To make (concepts) agree.
To hold (an object or objects) precariously; to support on a narrow base, so as to keep from falling.
“I balanced my mug of coffee on my knee.”
To compare in relative force, importance, value, etc.; to estimate.
Etymology
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”).
Similar and opposite words
BALANCE at a glance
BALANCE has 7 letters and scores 11 points in Scrabble (B 3 + A 1 + L 1 + A 1 + N 1 + C 3 + E 1) and 15 in Words With Friends, before board bonuses. It ranks #1,736 by how often it appears in everyday English. It is valid in ENABLE, NWL2023, Collins/SOWPODS.
Rhymes with balance
All rhymes- SINCE7
- ONCE6
- EXPERIENCE21
- CHANCE13
- PERFORMANCE20
- EVIDENCE14
- SCIENCE11
- CONFERENCE17
- DIFFERENCE19
- INSURANCE11
- DANCE8
- DISTANCE11
One letter away
- VALANCE12
Keep going
Related lists
Looking for a different word?
Type the letters you have and the Finder shows every word that fits.