noun / verb · neutral

balance

/ˈbæləns/BAL·ance

Band 5-6speakingtask2

the ability to keep steady or to keep different things in the correct proportions

Examples

Yoga helps improve balance and core strength.

It's important to balance study with relaxation to avoid burnout.

She balanced the books and the baby on her hip as she walked.

Band 8 sentence

To perform well academically and socially, students must strike a balance between study time and leisure activities.

Collocations

  • maintain balance
  • strike a balance
  • lose your balance

Word family

balance nounbalance verbbalanced adjectivebalancing verb/gerund

Common mistakes

keep balancemaintain balance / keep one's balance

a balance lifea balanced life / a well-balanced life

Say it for a higher band

5stability6equilibrium7+balance

Synonyms

stability

equilibrium

Easily confused

stability

The stability of the building was tested after the earthquake.

equilibrium

The ecosystem reached a new equilibrium after the changes.

Related words

Learn this word with the rest of its set, and get reminded at the right time.

In Sport & Exercise

Learn it with its set