Balance vs Compare - What's the difference?
balance | compare |
(uncountable) a state in which opposing forces harmonise; equilibrium
(uncountable) mental equilibrium; mental health; calmness, a state of remaining clear-headed and unperturbed
something of equal weight used to provide equilibrium (literally or figuratively); counterweight
a pair of scales
(uncountable) awareness of both viewpoints or matters; neutrality; rationality; objectivity
(uncountable) the overall result of conflicting forces, opinions etc.; the influence which ultimately "weighs" more than others
* {{quote-news, year=2012
, date=April 19
, author=Josh Halliday
, title=Free speech haven or lawless cesspool – can the internet be civilised?
, work=the Guardian
(uncountable) apparent harmony in art (between differing colours, sounds, etc.)
(accounting) a list accounting for the debits on one side, and for the credits on the other.
(accounting) the result of such a procedure; the difference between credit and debit of an account.
(watchmaking) a device used to regulate the speed of a watch, clock etc.
(legal) the remainder.
(obsolete, astrology) Libra
To bring to an equipoise, as the scales of a balance by adjusting the weights.
To make (items) weigh up.
(figurative) To make (concepts) agree.
* Kent
To hold (an object or objects) precariously; to support on a narrow base, so as to keep from falling.
To compare in relative force, importance, value, etc.; to estimate.
* L'Estrange
(dancing) To move toward, and then back from, reciprocally.
(nautical) To contract, as a sail, into a narrower compass.
To make the credits and debits of (an account) correspond.
* Addison
To be in equilibrium.
To have matching credits and debits.
(label) To assess the similarities and differences between two or more things ["to compare X with Y"]. Having made the comparison of X with' Y, one might have found it similar '''to''' Y or different ' from Y.
* {{quote-book, year=1922, author=(Ben Travers)
, chapter=6, title= * {{quote-magazine, year=2013, month=May-June, author=
, title= (label) To declare two things to be similar in some respect ["to compare X to Y"].
* (Francis Bacon) (1561-1626)
To form the three degrees of comparison of (an adjective).
(label) To be similar (often used in the negative ).
* (William Shakespeare) (1564-1616)
(label) To get; to obtain.
* (Edmund Spenser) (c.1552–1599)
comparison
* Milton
* Waller
illustration by comparison; simile
* Shakespeare
As nouns the difference between balance and compare
is that balance is (uncountable) a state in which opposing forces harmonise; equilibrium while compare is comparison.As verbs the difference between balance and compare
is that balance is to bring to an equipoise, as the scales of a balance by adjusting the weights while compare is (label) to assess the similarities and differences between two or more things ["to compare x with y"] having made the comparison of x with' y, one might have found it similar '''to''' y or different ' from y.balance
English
Alternative forms
* balaunce (obsolete)Noun
- These weights are used as a balance for the overhanging verandah.
- Blair thought he could provide a useful balance to Bush's policies.
- The balance of power finally lay with the Royalist forces.
- I think the balance of opinion is that we should get out while we're ahead.
citation, page= , passage=The shift in the balance of power online has allowed anyone to publish to the world, from dispirited teenagers in south London to an anonymous cyber-dissident in a Middle East autocracy.}}
- I just need to nip to a bank and check my balance .
- The balance of the agreement remains in effect.
Synonyms
* (scales) pair of scales, scales, weighing machine, weighbridge (for vehicles) * (equilibrium) equilibrium * (support for both viewpoints) disinterest, even-handedness, fairness, impartiality, neutrality, nonpartisanship * (list of credits and debits) accountAntonyms
* (equilibrium) nonequilibrium, imbalance, unbalance * (support for both viewpoints) bias, favor/favour, partiality, partisanship, prejudice, unfairnessDerived terms
; Accounting: * adjusted trial balance * analytical balance * balance of payments * balance sheet * balanced scorecard * closing balance * comparative balance sheet * trial balance * opening balance ; Other: * balance beam * balance of nature * balance of power * balance of trade * balance wheel * balancing act * chemical balance * hang in the balance * in the balance * keep one's balance * lose one's balance * off balance * on balance * strike a balance * throw off balanceVerb
(balanc)- One expression must check and balance another.
- I balanced my mug of coffee on my knee.
- The circus performer balances a plate on the end of a baton.
- Balance the good and evil of things.
- to balance partners
- to balance the boom mainsail
- This final payment, or credit, balances the account.
- to balance a set of books
- I am very well satisfied that it is not in my power to balance accounts with my Maker.
Derived terms
* balanced * balance out * balance the booksSee also
* (versity) ----compare
English
Verb
(compar)A Cuckoo in the Nest, passage=Sophia broke down here. Even at this moment she was subconsciously comparing her rendering of the part of the forlorn bride with Miss Marie Lohr's.}}
Katie L. Burke
In the News, volume=101, issue=3, page=193, magazine=(American Scientist) , passage=Bats host many high-profile viruses that can infect humans, including severe acute respiratory syndrome and Ebola. A recent study explored the ecological variables that may contribute to bats’ propensity to harbor such zoonotic diseases by comparing them with another order of common reservoir hosts: rodents.}}
- Solon compared the people unto the sea, and orators and counsellors to the winds; for that the sea would be calm and quiet if the winds did not trouble it.
- Shall pack horsescompare with Caesar's?
- To fill his bags, and richesse to compare .
See also
* contrastNoun
(-)- His mighty champion, strong beyond compare .
- Their small galleys may not hold compare with our tall ships.
- Rhymes full of protest, of oath, and big compare .