Language Research

balance · noun

/ˈbæl.ənts/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 try to get 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:

On balance, I'd prefer to come straight home.

Learner example:

On balance, no matter how important or useful computers may be, they will never replace the pleasure of re-reading familiar pages of your favourite books. (First Certificate in English; B2; Russian)

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)

be/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:

After a bad year, Judd's career hung in the balance.

Learner example:

And because of him it was really very much in the balance if she would accept this job or not. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; German)

balance · verb

/ˈbæl.ənts/

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 behavio[u]r. (First Certificate in English; B2; Portuguese)