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.

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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

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Other Word Forms

• self-balanced adjective

Etymology

Origin of balanced

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

Example Sentences

The earnings impact for container shipping is balanced and the recent sector outperformance is difficult to justify, J.P.Morgan says.

From The Wall Street Journal

"The pay offer reflects the maximum level the ABC can sustainably provide and is balanced when looking across all the factors that we need to consider," he said.

From BBC

All this has to be balanced against the continuing demands of spending on the various squads, including the men's first-team, by far the most expensive part of the club.

From BBC

Still, stocks may be supported by what Barclays considers to be more balanced positioning among investors.

From MarketWatch

Think of it this way: If you snack on a bag of donuts, then you’re unlikely to reach for an apple or a handful of almonds, and you may even skip a nutritionally balanced meal.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

• equitable
• fair