balanced

American  

[bal-uhnst] / ˈbæl ənst /

adjective

1. fairly or equally containing a diversity of views, aspects, ingredients, activities, etc..

   The course provides a balanced program of study in painting, design, sculpture, and ceramics.

   Some newspapers provided more balanced coverage of the conflict.

2. being in harmonious or proper arrangement or adjustment, proportion, etc..

   These guidelines will help beginning photographers achieve a balanced composition in each shot.

   Synonyms:

   evenhanded, impartial, just, equitable, fair

3. (of a budget) showing enough revenue or income to cover all expenses.

   Our newly formed Finance Council will promote a balanced budget and long-range financial planning.

4. (of an investment portfolio) including investments of a variety of types or in a variety of sectors so as to maximize returns with a manageable level of risk.

   Stocks can help you achieve a balanced portfolio when combined with fixed-income investments such as bonds.

5. Football. pertaining to or noting an offensive line formation having three linemen on each side of the center.

---

balanced British  

/ ˈbælənst /

adjective

1. having weight evenly distributed; being in a state of equilibrium

2. (of a person) mentally and emotionally stable

3. (of a discussion, programme, etc) presenting opposing points of view fairly and without bias

4. (of a diet) consisting of all essential nutrients in suitable form and amounts to maintain health

5. (of a budget) having expenditure no greater than income

6. electronics (of signals or circuitry) symmetrically disposed about earth or other reference potential

7. (of a chemical equation) having the correct relative number of moles of reactants and products

---

Other Word Forms

• self-balanced adjective

Etymology

Origin of balanced

First recorded in 1585–95; balance + -ed ²

Example Sentences

I actually had a fair and balanced opinion about the fact that James is, excuse the semi-pun, a titan.

From Los Angeles Times

“We prioritize moving toward balanced and respectful international relations between the United States and Venezuela,” Rodríguez said, “premised on sovereign equality and noninterference.”

From The Wall Street Journal

He told me he needed 100% of my money so he could manage a balanced investment plan and keep my taxes low.

From MarketWatch

But are these ETFs worth the high fees they typically charge or are you better off forming a lower-risk balanced portfolio of your own?

From The Wall Street Journal

In short, annuities carry inflation risk, but so do most fixed-income alternatives—and a balanced strategy can manage it effectively.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• equitable
• fair