balances

Noun

balance (countable and uncountable, plural balances)

1. (uncountable) A state in which opposing forces harmonise; equilibrium.
   • But civilized man is quite a different animal, and when he wipes out an entire city or levels a forest, he is no longer working within the natural balance of things.1981, William Irwin Thompson, The Time Falling Bodies Take to Light: Mythology, Sexuality and the Origins of Culture, London: Rider/Hutchinson & Co., page 196

   Synonyms:

   equilibrium

2. (uncountable) Mental equilibrium; mental health; calmness, a state of remaining clear-headed and unperturbed.
3. (figuratively, literally) Something of equal weight used to provide equilibrium; counterweight.
   • These weights are used as a balance for the overhanging verandah.
4. A pair of scales.

   Synonyms:

   pair of scales, set of scales, scales, weighing machine, weighbridge

5. (uncountable) Awareness of both viewpoints or matters; neutrality; rationality; objectivity.

   Synonyms:

   disinterest, even-handedness, fairness, impartiality, neutrality, nonpartisanship

6. (uncountable) The overall result of conflicting forces, opinions etc.; the influence which ultimately "weighs" more than others.
   • The balance of power finally lay with the Royalist forces.

See all 25 meanings of balance