balance

Everyday

1. Balance is being steady so you do not fall: «keep your balance». tree →
2. A balance is a scale with two pans; when it balances, both sides weigh the same. tree →
3. The balance of a bank account is how much money is in it. tree →
4. A balance is the right mix: «a balanced diet» has some of each kind of food. tree →
5. To balance something is to hold it steady, or make two sides equal. tree →

In the lessons

In school maths: a scale to compare weights (both sides equal, like an equation); also money left in an account after spending or saving. In science: balanced and unbalanced forces; balanced diet. In everyday life and PE: balancing on a beam, riding a bike, a balance bike. Phrases: «keep your balance», «lose your balance», «a balanced diet», «bank balance», «on balance» (thinking of everything).

Examples

• The scale balances with 3 apples on one side and 1 melon on the other. tree →
• Her bank balance is 120 dollars. tree →
• After spending 30 dollars, what is the balance? tree →
• Two boxes balance one bag. tree →
• She lost her balance and fell off the beam. tree →
• A balanced diet includes fruit and vegetables. tree →
• Can you balance a book on your head? tree →
• The forces are balanced, so the box does not move. tree →
• The man then pulled his nose gently, which caused him to lose his balance. tree →

Note

Stress on the first part: «BAL-ance». Maths: a balance means equal amounts on both sides, like an equation; whatever you add to one side you add to the other. Trap: «balance» of money is what is left, found by adding deposits and taking away spending.

In Jewish tradition

In the Torah it means scales for weighing goods fairly.

Interpretation. The law demands just balances and weights. The rabbis taught that honesty in business is a religious duty. In Sefer Yetzirah the letters Aleph, Mem and Shin balance each other: a scale of merit, a scale of guilt, and a tongue of law between them.

Examples

• Just balances, just weights, a just ephah, and a just hin, shall ye have: I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt. (Torah LEV.19.36, JPS 1917) tree →
• The three fundamental letters א״מ״ש have as their basis the balance. (Sefer Yetzirah, Kalisch 1877) tree →
• The three fundamental letters א"מ"ש have as their basis the balance. (Sefer Yetzirah, Kalisch 1877) tree →
• TEKEL, Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting. (Writings DAN.5.27, JPS 1917) tree →
• As for the trafficker, the balances of deceit are in his hand. (Prophets HOS.12.8, JPS 1917) tree →
• Ye shall have just balances, and a just ephah, and a just bath. (Prophets EZK.45.10, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Stress on the first part: «BAL-ance». Maths: a balance means equal amounts on both sides, like an equation; whatever you add to one side you add to the other. Trap: «balance» of money is what is left, found by adding deposits and taking away spending.