Language Research

balance · noun

/ˈbæl.əns/Full view

balance (WEIGHT)

B2 U when the weight of someone or something is spread in such a way that they do not fall over

Dictionary examples:

I lost my balance and fell off the bike.

She had to hold onto the railings to keep her balance.

Learner example:

I began to go downstairs to the kitchen, [with] two hands on the wall to keep my balance. (First Certificate in English; B2; Swedish)

balance (EQUAL IMPORTANCE)

B2 U or no plural when the correct amount of importance is given to each thing so that a situation is successful

Dictionary examples:

We must strike a balance between police powers and the protection of citizens.

He was concerned that taking on three more men could upset the gender balance in the department.

Learner example:

It is not easy to find [the] right balance in our lives. (First Certificate in English; B2; Spanish)

balance (MONEY)

B2 C the amount of money that you still have to pay, or that you have left to use

Dictionary example:

I always pay off the balance on my credit card.

Learner example:

Sometimes you [are] surprise[d] when you check the balance of your bank account and then need to cut down your expenses for 2 months. (First Certificate in English; B2; Spanish)

on balance

B2 used to give your opinion after you have considered all the facts about something

Dictionary example:

I think that on balance, I'd prefer to come straight home.

Learner example:

On balance, I feel that this annual festival can be even better next year. (First Certificate in English; B2; Japanese)

lose your balance

C1 to fall because you are leaning too much to one side

Dictionary example:

He lost his balance and fell down the stairs.

Learner example:

The most exciting part was when we accidently hit a rock and I lost my balance and fell into the cold water. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Greek)

strike a balance

C1 to give two things the same amount of attention

Dictionary example:

It's important to strike a balance between spending and saving.

Learner example:

Everything has good and bad sides, the most important thing is to strike a balance. (International English Language Testing System; C1; Chinese)

hang in the balance

C2 If something is or hangs in the balance, nobody knows if it will continue to exist in the future or what will happen to it.

Dictionary example:

The game hung in the balance until the last seconds.

Learner example:

It is my firm belief, that unless we make a step towards the development of our town, its future will hang in the balance and we will ultimately pay the price of our short sightedness. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Greek)

balance · verb

/ˈbæl.əns/

balance (NOT FALLING)

B2 I or T to be in a position where you will not fall to either side, or to put something in this position

Dictionary examples:

She was trying to balance a book on her head.

The flamingoes balanced gracefully on one leg.

Learner example:

If you have to take many things with you, it will be better to carry th[em] in your car, [rather] than balanc[ing] them on your bicycle. (First Certificate in English; B2; German)

balance (EQUAL IMPORTANCE)

B2 T to give several things equal amounts of importance, time or money so that a situation is successful

Dictionary example:

I struggle to balance work and family commitments.

Learner example:

In life we need to balance all the areas included in human behavior. (First Certificate in English; B2; Portuguese)