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A1 noun #19 le plus courant 13 min de lecture

balance

Top 19

At the A1 level, 'balance' is a simple but important word. It means that things are equal or steady. Imagine a seesaw at a playground. If two children of the same weight sit on both ends, the seesaw is in balance. It stays flat and does not tip over. In art, we use this word to talk about how a picture looks. If a picture has a big red house on the left and nothing on the right, it might look 'heavy' on one side. We say it needs more balance. You can add a tree or a person on the right side to make it look better. Balance makes a picture feel 'safe' and 'finished.' You can also use 'balance' to talk about your body. When you stand on one leg, you are trying to keep your balance so you do not fall down. It is a very useful word for beginners because it describes a feeling we all understand—the feeling of being steady and not falling.

At the A2 level, you can start using 'balance' in more everyday situations. You might talk about a 'balanced diet,' which means eating many different kinds of healthy food like fruit, meat, and bread, rather than just eating one thing. This helps your body stay strong. You can also talk about 'work-life balance.' This is very common for adults. It means having enough time for your job but also enough time for your family, friends, and hobbies. If you work too much, your life is 'out of balance.' In art, you might learn about 'symmetrical balance,' where both sides of a drawing are the same, like a mirror. This is a more specific way to use the word. You are now moving from just feeling balance to describing how you create it in your daily life and your school projects.

By the B1 level, 'balance' becomes a tool for more complex descriptions. You can use it to talk about abstract ideas, like the 'balance of power' in a story or a history lesson. This means that no single person or group has too much control. In your writing, you might discuss the 'balance of an argument,' showing that you have looked at both the good and bad sides of a topic. In art, you will learn about 'asymmetrical balance.' This is when a painting looks balanced even though the two sides are different. For example, a large light-colored shape on one side can be balanced by a small, very dark shape on the other side. This requires more thought and skill to understand. You are now using 'balance' to describe not just what you see, but how different forces or ideas interact with each other to create a stable situation.

At the B2 level, 'balance' is used in professional and technical contexts. In finance, you will talk about 'bank balances' and 'balancing the books,' which means making sure all the money coming in and going out is accounted for. In science, you might study 'ecological balance,' which is how plants and animals in an environment depend on each other to survive. If one species disappears, the balance is destroyed. In art and design, you use 'balance' to discuss the 'visual weight' of elements like texture and space. You might say, 'The rough texture of the foreground provides a necessary balance to the smooth, empty sky.' You are expected to use the word with more precision, often combining it with specific adjectives and verbs to explain complex systems and sophisticated artistic compositions.

At the C1 level, 'balance' is a nuanced concept used in critical analysis. You might discuss the 'delicate balance' between freedom and security in a political essay, or the 'precarious balance' of a character's mental state in a novel. In art criticism, you use 'balance' to evaluate the success of a work. You might analyze how an artist deliberately creates 'disequilibrium' or a 'lack of balance' to make the viewer feel uncomfortable or anxious, which can be a powerful artistic choice. You understand that balance is not always the goal; sometimes, the absence of balance is what makes a piece of art meaningful. You can use the word metaphorically and across many different disciplines, from philosophy to advanced economics, with a high degree of accuracy and stylistic flair.

At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of the word 'balance' and all its connotations. You can use it to discuss the most profound philosophical questions, such as the 'ontological balance' of the universe or the 'cosmic equilibrium' in ancient mythologies. You are comfortable using rare related terms like 'counterpoise' or 'stasis' to add variety to your language. In professional art theory, you might write about the 'perceptual balance' of non-objective art, exploring how the human brain seeks order in chaotic patterns. You can use the word with subtle irony or deep metaphorical resonance. Your understanding of 'balance' is no longer just about stability; it is about the fundamental way that all things in the world—physical, mental, and social—relate to one another in a complex, ever-changing dance of forces.

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

balance en 30 secondes

Balance is a core principle of art that ensures visual stability by distributing the weight of elements like color and shape evenly across a composition.
It can be achieved through symmetry (identical sides), asymmetry (different but equal weight), or radial patterns (radiating from a center point) to guide the eye.
Beyond art, balance refers to physical stability, financial remainders, and the healthy distribution of time and energy in one's personal and professional life.
Understanding balance helps creators make professional-looking designs and helps viewers analyze why certain works of art feel harmonious and complete.

The concept of balance in the world of art and design is a fundamental principle that dictates how visual elements are distributed within a composition. At its most basic level, balance refers to the distribution of the visual weight of objects, colors, texture, and space. If the design was a physical scale, these elements should be arranged to make the design feel stable. This does not necessarily mean that everything must be perfectly symmetrical; rather, it means that the 'heaviness' or 'lightness' of different parts of the work should complement each other so that the viewer's eye is not pulled uncomfortably to one side or the other. When a piece of art lacks balance, it can feel 'lopsided' or unfinished, creating a sense of unease in the viewer. Conversely, a well-balanced piece feels harmonious and 'right,' even if the elements are varied and complex.

Symmetrical Balance: This occurs when both sides of an artwork are identical or very similar. It is often used to convey a sense of formality, elegance, and stability. Think of a butterfly or a classical building like the Parthenon.

The artist achieved perfect balance by placing identical statues on either side of the grand entrance.

Asymmetrical Balance: This is more complex and involves arranging different elements that have equal visual weight. For example, one large shape on one side might be balanced by several smaller shapes or a bright color on the other side. It feels more dynamic and modern.

In modern painting, balance is often found through the careful placement of contrasting colors rather than matching shapes.

Beyond art, balance is a word we use to describe a state of equilibrium in many aspects of life. We talk about 'work-life balance,' which refers to the way we divide our time and energy between our jobs and our personal lives. In science, balance might refer to the state of a chemical reaction or the stability of an ecosystem. In finance, your 'account balance' is the amount of money you have left after all transactions. However, in the context of CEFR A1 art studies, we focus on the visual stability of a piece. Understanding balance helps students analyze why certain posters look professional while others look messy. It teaches us to look at the 'negative space' (the empty areas) as being just as important as the 'positive space' (the objects themselves). By mastering balance, an artist can guide the viewer's eye through the work in a specific order, creating a narrative or emphasizing a particular message.

Radial Balance: This is when elements radiate out from a central point, like the petals of a flower or the spokes of a wheel. It creates a strong focal point in the middle of the composition.

The mandala is a classic example of radial balance, where every pattern leads back to the center.

The graphic designer used a large block of text to provide balance against the vibrant illustration on the left.

Without proper balance, the sculpture looked like it might tip over at any moment.

Using the word balance correctly involves understanding its role as both a noun and a verb, though here we focus on its noun form in art. In a sentence, 'balance' often acts as the subject or the direct object, describing the state of a composition. For instance, you might say, 'The balance of the painting is perfect,' where 'balance' is the subject. Or, 'The artist created balance by using light colors,' where 'balance' is the object. It is also frequently used with adjectives like 'symmetrical,' 'asymmetrical,' 'visual,' or 'perfect.' When writing about art, it is helpful to specify *how* the balance is achieved. Is it through color? Is it through the placement of shapes? Is it through the use of light and shadow? By being specific, you make your descriptions much more vivid and professional.

Describing Composition: Use 'balance' to explain why a photo or drawing feels stable. Example: 'The photographer used the rule of thirds to find a natural balance in the landscape.'

The dark shadows on the right provide a necessary balance to the bright sunlight on the left.

Discussing Design: In graphic design, balance is about the layout of text and images. Example: 'The logo has a great balance between the icon and the company name.'

You need to find a balance between empty space and detailed patterns in your drawing.

Furthermore, 'balance' can be used in a more metaphorical sense within art criticism. One might speak of the 'balance of power' in a dramatic painting depicting a battle, or the 'balance of emotions' in a portrait. In these cases, the word transcends simple visual weight and begins to describe the thematic weight of the piece. For A1 learners, sticking to the physical and visual descriptions is best. Focus on words like 'left,' 'right,' 'top,' and 'bottom' to describe where the balance is happening. For example: 'The large tree on the left is in balance with the small house on the right.' This simple structure helps build confidence in using the word accurately while describing complex visual scenes. As you progress, you can start using verbs like 'counterbalance' or 'offset' to describe the action of creating balance.

Comparative Usage: Use 'balance' to compare two different works. Example: 'This painting has a more formal balance than the abstract one we saw earlier.'

The sculptor carefully adjusted the base to ensure the physical balance of the heavy marble piece.

A good balance of colors can make a simple sketch look like a finished masterpiece.

The interior designer sought a balance between modern furniture and antique decorations.

You will encounter the word balance in a wide variety of professional and everyday settings. In an art gallery or museum, tour guides and curators use it to explain why a particular masterpiece is so effective. They might point out how a Renaissance painter used symmetrical balance to create a sense of divine order. In a classroom, an art teacher might tell a student, 'Your drawing is great, but it needs more balance on the left side.' This feedback is crucial for students learning to compose their own images. Beyond the art world, you'll hear it in yoga and fitness classes, where 'balance' refers to the physical ability to stay upright while performing difficult poses. In these contexts, balance is both a physical state and a mental focus.

In Professional Design: Web designers talk about the balance of a webpage—ensuring that buttons, images, and text are distributed so the user isn't overwhelmed.

The creative director asked for a better balance between the white space and the product photos.

In Daily Life: Parents often talk about a 'balanced diet,' meaning a healthy mix of different types of food like vegetables, proteins, and grains.

I am trying to find a better balance between my studies and my social life this semester.

In the news, you might hear about the 'balance of trade' between countries or the 'balance of power' in a political election. These uses are more abstract but still rely on the core idea of two or more forces being equal or stable. In literature and film, critics might discuss the 'balance of tone,' such as how a movie balances humor with serious drama. Even in cooking, a chef might talk about the 'balance of flavors'—making sure a dish isn't too salty, sweet, or sour. This universal application makes 'balance' one of the most versatile and important words in the English language. For an A1 learner, recognizing that 'balance' always implies some kind of 'evenness' or 'stability' will help you understand its meaning across all these different fields. Whether it's a painting, a bank account, or a meal, balance is about making sure all the parts work together perfectly.

In Science and Nature: Biologists talk about the 'balance of nature,' referring to how predators and prey keep each other's populations in check.

Climate change is threatening the delicate balance of the Arctic ecosystem.

The gymnast showed incredible balance as she walked across the narrow beam.

The accountant checked the balance sheet to ensure all the numbers were correct.

One of the most common mistakes learners make with the word balance is assuming it only means 'perfect symmetry.' While symmetry is a *type* of balance, it is not the only one. Many students feel that if a painting isn't identical on both sides, it lacks balance. This is incorrect. Asymmetrical balance is a very common and effective technique where different elements (like a small dark circle and a large light square) balance each other out through their visual weight. Another mistake is confusing the noun 'balance' with the verb 'to balance.' While they are related, the noun describes the *state* of being stable, while the verb describes the *action* of making something stable. For example, 'The balance is good' (noun) vs. 'I need to balance the scales' (verb).

Balance vs. Equality: In art, balance doesn't mean everything is equal in size. It means everything is equal in 'interest' or 'weight.' A tiny bright red dot can balance a huge dull grey wall.

Incorrect: The painting has no balance because the left side is different from the right side.

Confusing Noun and Verb: Learners sometimes say 'I am balance the book' instead of 'I am balancing the book' or 'The book is in balance.'

Correct: She lost her balance and fell, but she is balancing her budget now.

Additionally, learners often struggle with the preposition used with 'balance.' We usually say something is 'in balance' or 'out of balance.' Using 'on balance' or 'with balance' in the wrong context can sound unnatural. For example, 'The colors are in balance' is correct, but 'The colors are with balance' is not. In financial contexts, 'the balance of' is common, but in art, we usually talk about the 'balance between' two things. For instance, 'the balance between light and dark.' Misunderstanding these small words can change the meaning of your sentence. Finally, remember that 'balance' can be an uncountable noun when referring to the general concept (e.g., 'Balance is important in art') but can also be countable in specific financial or scientific contexts (e.g., 'Check your bank balances'). For A1 art students, treat it as an uncountable concept of stability.

Preposition Pitfalls: Always use 'in' or 'out of' when describing the state of a composition. 'The design is out of balance' means it looks wrong.

The student struggled to keep the composition in balance after adding too many details.

It is a common mistake to think that balance requires everything to be the same size.

The chef warned that a lack of balance between salt and acid would ruin the soup.

While balance is a very specific term in art, there are several other words you can use to describe similar concepts. Understanding these synonyms will help you describe art more precisely and avoid repeating the same word too often. 'Equilibrium' is perhaps the closest synonym, often used in scientific or formal contexts to describe a state where opposing forces are perfectly balanced. In art, 'stability' is another great alternative, especially when describing a work that feels solid and grounded. On the other hand, if you want to describe a work that is balanced but in a more active, exciting way, you might use the word 'harmony.' Harmony implies that all the different parts of the work are cooperating to create a pleasing whole, which is often the result of good balance.

Balance vs. Equilibrium: Balance is often visual or physical. Equilibrium is more technical and often implies that forces have reached a point where they no longer change.

The painting's visual balance creates a sense of peaceful equilibrium for the viewer.

Balance vs. Proportion: Balance is about weight distribution. Proportion is about the size relationship between different parts of a whole (like the size of a head compared to a body).

While the balance of the sculpture was perfect, the proportions of the limbs seemed slightly off.

Other useful words include 'symmetry' and 'asymmetry,' which describe the *type* of balance being used. 'Uniformity' suggests that everything is the same, which is a very simple form of balance. 'Counterpoise' is a more advanced word used in sculpture to describe a figure standing with most of its weight on one foot, creating a natural, balanced curve in the body. For A1 learners, focusing on 'stability,' 'evenness,' and 'harmony' will provide a solid foundation. If a work feels 'unbalanced,' you can use words like 'lopsided,' 'uneven,' or 'unstable.' These antonyms help highlight why balance is so important—without it, the work feels 'off' or 'wrong.' By learning these related terms, you can move from saying 'I like the balance' to 'I love the harmony and stability of this composition,' which sounds much more sophisticated.

Balance vs. Symmetry: All symmetry is balanced, but not all balance is symmetrical. Symmetry is a specific tool used to achieve balance.

The architect used balance to ensure the building felt stable despite its unusual, asymmetrical shape.

The graphic designer preferred balance over perfect symmetry to keep the layout interesting.

Finding the right balance of light and shadow is the key to a realistic portrait.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

Neutre

Informel

Child friendly

Argot

Le savais-tu ?

The zodiac sign Libra is represented by the scales of balance. In ancient Egypt, it was believed that after death, a person's heart was weighed on a balance against a feather to determine their worthiness for the afterlife.

Guide de prononciation

UK /ˈbæləns/

US /ˈbæləns/

The stress is on the first syllable: BAL-ance.

Rime avec

talons gallons valance challenge (near rhyme) silence (near rhyme) reliance (near rhyme) compliance (near rhyme) defiance (near rhyme)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing the 'a' like 'ay' (bay-lance).
Putting the stress on the second syllable (ba-LANCE).
Making the 'c' sound like a 'k' (bal-ank).
Forgetting the 'n' sound (bal-ace).
Pronouncing the 'e' at the end (bal-an-see).

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

The word is easy to recognize but has many different meanings depending on the context.

Écriture 3/5

Spelling 'balance' correctly and using the right prepositions (in, of, between) can be tricky.

Expression orale 2/5

The pronunciation is straightforward for most learners.

Écoute 2/5

It is a common word that is usually pronounced clearly in most dialects.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

equal same heavy light side

Apprends ensuite

composition symmetry asymmetry harmony proportion

Avancé

equilibrium homeostasis counterpoise stasis disequilibrium

Grammaire à connaître

Using 'balance' as an uncountable noun for concepts.

Balance is essential for a good design.

Using 'balance' as a countable noun for financial amounts.

He has three different bank balances.

The difference between 'balanced' (adjective) and 'balancing' (participle).

A balanced meal vs. a balancing act.

Prepositional phrases with 'balance' (in, out of, on).

The system is in balance.

Using 'balance' as a transitive verb.

She balanced the tray on her hand.

Exemples par niveau

The boy tried to keep his balance on the bike.

Le garçon a essayé de garder son équilibre sur le vélo.

Here, 'balance' is a noun following the possessive 'his'.

This painting has a good balance of colors.

Ce tableau a un bon équilibre de couleurs.

'Balance of' is a common phrase to describe components.

I lost my balance and fell down.

J'ai perdu l'équilibre et je suis tombé.

'Lost my balance' is a standard idiom for falling.

The two sides of the drawing are in balance.

Les deux côtés du dessin sont en équilibre.

'In balance' describes a state of stability.

Can you stand on one leg and keep your balance?

Peux-tu te tenir sur une jambe et garder ton équilibre ?

'Keep your balance' is a common verb-noun collocation.

The cat has great balance on the fence.

Le chat a un excellent équilibre sur la clôture.

'Great balance' uses an adjective to modify the noun.

The artist wants to find a balance between light and dark.

L'artiste veut trouver un équilibre entre l'ombre et la lumière.

'Balance between' is used for comparing two things.

Please check the balance of your bank account.

Veuillez vérifier le solde de votre compte bancaire.

In finance, 'balance' means the amount of money remaining.

A balanced diet is important for your health.

Une alimentation équilibrée est importante pour votre santé.

'Balanced' here is an adjective derived from the noun.

She needs a better balance between work and play.

Elle a besoin d'un meilleur équilibre entre le travail et les loisirs.

Abstract use of balance in lifestyle contexts.

The gymnast showed amazing balance on the beam.

La gymnaste a montré un équilibre incroyable sur la poutre.

Physical balance in a sports context.

The scale is not in balance; one side is heavier.

La balance n'est pas à l'équilibre ; un côté est plus lourd.

Literal physical balance using a weighing tool.

He tried to balance the books on his head.

Il a essayé de faire tenir les livres en équilibre sur sa tête.

Note: 'balance' is used as a verb here for comparison.

The colors in this room have a nice balance.

Les couleurs de cette pièce ont un bel équilibre.

Interior design context for visual balance.

You must maintain your balance while skating.

Tu dois maintenir ton équilibre en patinant.

'Maintain your balance' is a more formal version of 'keep'.

The balance of the story was shifted by the new ending.

L'équilibre de l'histoire a été modifié par la nouvelle fin.

Metaphorical balance in narrative structure.

The architect achieved a perfect balance of form and function.

L'architecte a atteint un équilibre parfait entre la forme et la fonction.

Formal balance in design theory.

We need to strike a balance between speed and quality.

Nous devons trouver un juste milieu entre la rapidité et la qualité.

'Strike a balance' is a very common B1 idiom.

The ecological balance of the forest is very delicate.

L'équilibre écologique de la forêt est très délicat.

Scientific context for environmental stability.

The news report lacked balance and was very one-sided.

Le reportage manquait d'équilibre et était très partial.

'Lack balance' refers to bias in journalism.

The company's bank balance has grown significantly this year.

Le solde bancaire de l'entreprise a considérablement augmenté cette année.

Financial usage in a business context.

Yoga helps me find my inner balance and peace.

Le yoga m'aide à trouver mon équilibre intérieur et ma paix.

Spiritual/emotional use of balance.

The sculpture's weight is distributed to ensure balance.

Le poids de la sculpture est réparti pour assurer l'équilibre.

Technical description of physical art.

On balance, I think it was a successful project.

Tout bien considéré, je pense que c'était un projet réussi.

'On balance' is a phrase used to mean 'after considering everything'.

The central bank intervened to restore the balance of payments.

La banque centrale est intervenue pour rétablir la balance des paiements.

Technical economic term 'balance of payments'.

The artist used asymmetrical balance to create visual tension.

L'artiste a utilisé un équilibre asymétrique pour créer une tension visuelle.

Specific art terminology for B2 learners.

Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is a major challenge for many.

Maintenir un équilibre sain entre vie professionnelle et vie privée est un défi majeur pour beaucoup.

Compound noun 'work-life balance'.

The chemical equation must be in perfect balance.

L'équation chimique doit être en parfait équilibre.

Scientific usage in chemistry.

The judge had to balance the rights of the individual against the needs of society.

Le juge a dû peser les droits de l'individu par rapport aux besoins de la société.

Note: 'balance' is used as a verb here for comparison.

The delicate balance of power in the region was threatened by the coup.

L'équilibre délicat des pouvoirs dans la région a été menacé par le coup d'État.

Political science terminology.

The composition's balance is achieved through the use of negative space.

L'équilibre de la composition est atteint grâce à l'utilisation de l'espace négatif.

Advanced art criticism vocabulary.

The accountant spent all night balancing the books.

Le comptable a passé toute la nuit à équilibrer les comptes.

Idiomatic financial expression 'balancing the books'.

The precarious balance of the ecosystem was disrupted by invasive species.

L'équilibre précaire de l'écosystème a été perturbé par des espèces envahissantes.

Use of 'precarious' to modify balance.

His argument was a masterclass in balancing conflicting interests.

Son argument était une leçon magistrale sur l'équilibre des intérêts contradictoires.

Gerund 'balancing' used as a noun phrase.

The film strikes a perfect balance between tragedy and comedy.

Le film trouve un équilibre parfait entre tragédie et comédie.

Advanced cultural criticism.

The artist's late works show a shift toward a more dynamic balance.

Les œuvres tardives de l'artiste montrent un passage vers un équilibre plus dynamique.

Academic art history context.

The global economy is currently in a state of delicate balance.

L'économie mondiale est actuellement dans un état d'équilibre délicat.

Macroeconomic context.

She managed to balance her career and her PhD studies with remarkable poise.

Elle a réussi à concilier sa carrière et ses études de doctorat avec une aisance remarquable.

High-level personal achievement context.

The architect's use of cantilevered structures challenges our sense of balance.

L'utilisation par l'architecte de structures en porte-à-faux défie notre sens de l'équilibre.

Technical architectural analysis.

The poem's rhythmic balance is what makes it so memorable.

C'est l'équilibre rythmique du poème qui le rend si mémorable.

Literary analysis of meter and rhythm.

The philosopher argued that justice is the ultimate balance of the soul.

Le philosophe a soutenu que la justice est l'équilibre ultime de l'âme.

Abstract philosophical usage.

The symphony's structural balance is a testament to the composer's genius.

L'équilibre structurel de la symphonie témoigne du génie du compositeur.

Musicological critique.

The treaty sought to establish a new geopolitical balance of power.

Le traité visait à établir un nouvel équilibre géopolitique des pouvoirs.

High-level political discourse.

Her performance was a tightrope walk, a delicate balance of vulnerability and strength.

Sa performance était une marche sur la corde raide, un équilibre délicat entre vulnérabilité et force.

Metaphorical use in performance art.

The concept of homeostasis describes the body's internal balance.

Le concept d'homéostasie décrit l'équilibre interne du corps.

Advanced biological terminology.

The minimalist aesthetic relies on the precise balance of void and matter.

L'esthétique minimaliste repose sur l'équilibre précis du vide et de la matière.

Theoretical aesthetic analysis.

The market's equilibrium is a theoretical balance that is rarely achieved in reality.

L'équilibre du marché est un équilibre théorique qui est rarement atteint dans la réalité.

Economic theory at a high level.

To find balance in a chaotic world is the great human endeavor.

Trouver l'équilibre dans un monde chaotique est la grande entreprise humaine.

Existential/philosophical statement.

Synonymes

stability equilibrium symmetry proportion harmony evenness

Antonymes

imbalance instability disproportion

Collocations courantes

perfect balance

visual balance

work-life balance

bank balance

lose one's balance

strike a balance

delicate balance

symmetrical balance

maintain balance

restore balance

Phrases Courantes

in the balance

on balance

off balance

balance of power

balance of trade

keep one's balance

redress the balance

the balance of

out of balance

sense of balance

Souvent confondu avec

balance vs symmetry

Symmetry is a specific type of balance where sides are identical. Balance is the broader concept of stability.

balance vs equality

Equality means being the same size or amount. Balance means having the same visual or physical weight.

balance vs remainder

In finance, balance is the remainder. In general English, use 'remainder' or 'rest' for parts of a whole.

Expressions idiomatiques

"hang in the balance"

To be in a very precarious or uncertain situation where the future is unknown.

The patient's life hung in the balance as the surgeons worked.

formal/dramatic

"strike a balance"

To find a middle ground between two different or opposing things.

It's hard to strike a balance between being firm and being kind.

neutral

"balance the books"

To make sure that the amount of money spent is not more than the amount earned.

The small business owner struggled to balance the books every month.

business/informal

"tip the balance"

To be the deciding factor that causes one side to win or a specific outcome to happen.

Her final vote was enough to tip the balance in favor of the project.

neutral

"weighed in the balance"

To be tested or judged to see if someone or something is good enough.

The candidate was weighed in the balance and found wanting.

literary/biblical

"catch someone off balance"

To surprise someone so that they do not know what to do or say.

The reporter's aggressive question caught the actor off balance.

informal

"keep a balance"

To maintain a steady state or a fair distribution of resources.

It is important to keep a balance between study and exercise.

neutral

"the balance of nature"

The natural system where all living things depend on each other for survival.

Hunting too many wolves can upset the balance of nature.

scientific/general

"on the balance of probabilities"

A legal standard where something is judged based on what is most likely to be true.

The jury decided the case on the balance of probabilities.

legal

"sink the balance"

An older way to say 'tip the balance,' meaning to make one side heavier or more likely to win.

This new evidence will surely sink the balance against the defendant.

archaic/formal

Facile à confondre

balance vs Ballance

Spelling error.

There is no word 'ballance' in English. It is always spelled with one 'l'.

Correct: balance. Incorrect: ballance.

balance vs Equilibrium

Similar meaning.

Equilibrium is more formal and often used in science or economics. Balance is used in everyday life and art.

The ice skater has balance; the chemical solution is in equilibrium.

balance vs Stability

Similar meaning.

Stability is the quality of being firm. Balance is the state of being even.

The table has stability because it has four legs; the drawing has balance because of the colors.

balance vs Scale

Related to the tool.

A scale is the physical tool. Balance is the state the scale achieves when weights are equal.

Put the gold on the scale to see if the balance is correct.

balance vs Proportion

Both are art principles.

Proportion is about size relationships. Balance is about weight distribution.

The giant's head is out of proportion, but the painting's balance is fine.

Structures de phrases

The [noun] has a good balance.

The photo has a good balance.

I need to find a balance between [A] and [B].

I need to find a balance between study and sleep.

The [noun] is in/out of balance.

The ecosystem is out of balance.

The artist achieved balance by [verb-ing].

The artist achieved balance by using dark colors.

On balance, it appears that [clause].

On balance, it appears that the strategy was effective.

The [adjective] balance of [abstract noun] is [adjective].

The delicate balance of power is precarious.

Keep your balance!

Keep your balance on the ice!

Strike a balance between [A] and [B].

Strike a balance between work and life.

Famille de mots

Noms

Verbes

Adjectifs

Apparenté

Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Very high in both spoken and written English.

Erreurs courantes

Using 'ballance' with two Ls. → balance
The word is derived from 'bilanx' and only contains one 'l' in English.
Saying 'The painting is balance.' → The painting is balanced. / The painting has balance.
You must use the adjective form 'balanced' or the noun form with 'has'.
Using 'balance' for 'rest' in non-money contexts. → I will eat the rest of the pizza.
'Balance' is specific to money or stability; 'rest' is for general remainders.
Confusing 'balance' with 'symmetry'. → The asymmetrical painting still has balance.
Symmetry is just one way to achieve balance; they are not the same thing.
Using the wrong preposition: 'balance on A and B'. → a balance between A and B
When comparing two things, 'between' is the standard preposition.

Astuces

Uncountable vs Countable

Remember that when talking about the general concept of stability in art, 'balance' is uncountable. You don't say 'an art has many balances.'

Visual Weight

In art, think of 'balance' as 'visual weight.' Dark colors, large shapes, and complex textures all have more 'weight' than light colors and empty space.

One L, not Two

A common mistake is spelling it 'ballance.' Just remember: you only need one 'L' to keep the word balanced!

Professional Tone

Using the phrase 'strike a balance' in business meetings makes you sound more diplomatic and thoughtful about different options.

Idiomatic Fluency

Use 'catch someone off balance' to describe a moment of surprise. It's a very natural-sounding idiom used by native speakers.

Avoid Repetition

If you've used 'balance' too many times in an essay, try 'equilibrium,' 'stability,' or 'harmony' to keep your writing interesting.

Yin and Yang

Understanding the Yin and Yang symbol is a great way to remember the concept of balance between opposing forces.

Balanced Diet

When people say 'balanced diet,' they mean variety. A balance of different food groups is the key to health.

Asymmetry is Cool

Don't be afraid of asymmetry! In modern design, asymmetrical balance is often considered more sophisticated than simple symmetry.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of a 'Ball on a Fence.' To keep the ball from falling, you need perfect balance. BALL + ANCE = BALANCE.

Association visuelle

Visualize a tightrope walker holding a long pole. The pole helps them distribute their weight so they don't fall off the thin wire.

Word Web

Symmetry Stability Weight Art Money Diet Yoga Scales

Défi

Try to draw a picture using only three shapes. Make sure the picture feels 'balanced' so that no side looks too empty or too full.

Origine du mot

The word 'balance' comes from the Old French word 'balance,' which itself is derived from the Vulgar Latin 'bilancia.' This Latin term comes from 'bilanx,' meaning 'having two scales.' The 'bi-' part means 'two' and 'lanx' means 'plate' or 'scale.' It originally referred to the physical tool used for weighing objects.

Sens originel : A weighing scale with two plates.

Indo-European (Latin -> French -> English)

Contexte culturel

Be careful when using 'unbalanced' to describe a person, as it can be a derogatory way to imply they have mental health issues.

In English-speaking countries, 'balance' is often associated with fairness and justice, as seen in the 'Scales of Justice' held by Lady Justice.

The Yin and Yang symbol (Taoism) The Vitruvian Man by Leonardo da Vinci The Scales of Justice (Legal systems)

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Art Class

visual balance
symmetrical balance
asymmetrical balance
weight distribution

Banking

account balance
check your balance
minimum balance
balance the books

Gymnastics/Yoga

keep your balance
lose your balance
balance beam
inner balance

Cooking

balance of flavors
balanced diet
too salty
sweet and sour

Workplace

work-life balance
strike a balance
balance priorities
time management

Amorces de conversation

"How do you maintain a good work-life balance during busy weeks?"

"What do you think is the most important element of balance in a painting?"

"Have you ever lost your balance in a funny or embarrassing way?"

"Do you prefer symmetrical or asymmetrical balance in home decor?"

"Why is a balanced diet so difficult for many people to maintain?"

Sujets d'écriture

Describe a time when you felt your life was out of balance. What did you do to fix it?

Look at a famous painting and describe how the artist used balance to guide your eyes.

Write about the importance of balance in nature and what happens when it is lost.

If you could have a 'perfect balance' of any three things in your life, what would they be?

How does the concept of balance apply to the way you spend your money each month?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

It can be both! As a noun, it means stability (e.g., 'The balance is good'). As a verb, it means to make something stable (e.g., 'I will balance the book on my head').

Asymmetrical balance is when two sides of a work are different but still feel equal in visual weight. For example, one large light shape balancing several small dark shapes.

Use it at the beginning or end of a sentence to show you have considered all sides of an issue. Example: 'On balance, I think we should buy the car.'

It refers to the healthy distribution of time between your professional job and your personal life, family, and hobbies.

It is better to say 'the rest of the cake' or 'the remainder of the cake.' 'Balance' is usually reserved for money or abstract stability.

Radial balance is when elements in a design radiate out from a central point, like a sunburst or a flower's petals.

'Imbalance' is a noun (e.g., 'There is an imbalance of power'). 'Unbalanced' is an adjective (e.g., 'The painting looks unbalanced').

It is pronounced BAL-uns. The stress is on the first syllable, and the 'a' is short like in 'apple'.

It means a situation is very uncertain and the final result could go either way, often in a life-or-death or very important context.

A balance sheet is a financial document that shows a company's assets, liabilities, and owners' equity at a specific point in time.