Meaning
To maintain a stable and harmonious state.
Cultural Background
The French 'droit à la déconnexion' is a legal manifestation of the desire to 'préserver l'équilibre'. In Quebec, the phrase is also common but you might hear 'conciliation travail-famille' as a related concept. In many West African contexts, 'équilibre' can refer to social harmony within a community or village. Often used in the context of 'neutrality' and political stability between cantons.
Use with 'fragile'
Pairing 'préserver' with 'un équilibre fragile' is a classic C1 move that sounds very native.
Avoid 'faire'
Never say 'faire l'équilibre' unless you are doing a handstand.
Meaning
To maintain a stable and harmonious state.
Use with 'fragile'
Pairing 'préserver' with 'un équilibre fragile' is a classic C1 move that sounds very native.
Avoid 'faire'
Never say 'faire l'équilibre' unless you are doing a handstand.
The 'Right to Disconnect'
Mention 'le droit à la déconnexion' when talking about this in a French work context.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'préserver'.
Il est crucial que nous _________ l'équilibre de notre planète.
The sentence uses 'que nous', requiring the subjunctive (though it looks like the present here).
Which verb is most appropriate for a formal discussion about work-life balance?
Je cherche à _________ l'équilibre entre ma carrière et ma famille.
'Préserver' is the standard formal collocation for abstract balance.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: A scientist talking about a fragile ecosystem.
Scientists use 'préserver' to emphasize the protection of a system.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesIl est crucial que nous _________ l'équilibre de notre planète.
The sentence uses 'que nous', requiring the subjunctive (though it looks like the present here).
Je cherche à _________ l'équilibre entre ma carrière et ma famille.
'Préserver' is the standard formal collocation for abstract balance.
Situation: A scientist talking about a fragile ecosystem.
Scientists use 'préserver' to emphasize the protection of a system.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, 'préserver' implies a higher level of care and protection.
Yes, 'préserver l'équilibre budgétaire' is very common.
It is always 'l'équilibre' (direct object).
L'équilibre vie professionnelle - vie privée.
Yes, 'préserver son équilibre biologique' works well.
Rompre l'équilibre (to break the balance).
Rarely, unless talking about the 'balance of a team's roster'.
It can, especially in literature when describing a character's soul.
It might sound a bit formal for a text, unless you're being serious.
Yes, because it is between 'é' and 'e'.
Related Phrases
rétablir l'équilibre
builds onTo restore balance after it has been lost.
rompre l'équilibre
contrastTo break the balance.
un juste milieu
similarA happy medium.
faire la part des choses
similarTo keep things in perspective.
l'équilibre des forces
specialized formThe balance of power.
