多指“平衡”的意思。在特殊用法中也有结平（账目），用天平称的意思。
n.平衡;天平;平衡力;（酿酒配料的）均衡
vt.& vi.权衡;（使）平衡;（使）均衡;（使）相抵
vt.结平（账目）;使（在某物上）保持平衡;使（各部分）协调;用天平称
vi.微微摇摆;倾斜后又复平衡;动摇;被补偿
第三人称单数： balances?
复数： balances?
现在分词： balancing?
过去式： balanced?
过去分词： balanced
《柯林斯高阶英汉双解学习词典》中对balance的前五条解释：
1.V-ERG?（使）保持平衡；（使）平稳?
If you?balance?something somewhere, or if it?balances?there, it remains steady and does not fall.
I balanced on the ledge...
我在窗台上站稳。
2.N-UNCOUNT?平衡能力
Balance?is the ability to remain steady when you are standing up.
The medicines you are currently taking could be affecting your balance.你现在服用的药物可能会影响身体的平衡能力。
3.V-RECIP-ERG?使（力量、重要性等）相等；使均衡；使持平 If you?balance?one thing?with?something different, each of the things has the same strength or importance.
Balance spicy dishes with mild ones...做到辛辣菜和清淡菜比重相当。
balanced
This book is a well balanced biography.
此书是一部相当客观的传记。
4.N-SING?（力量、重要性等的）均衡，均势
A?balance?is a situation in which all the different parts are equal in strength or importance.
Their marriage is a delicate balance between traditional and contemporary values...他们的婚姻在传统和现代价值观之间保持着微妙平衡。
5.N-SING?（尤指冲突或比赛中的）局面，胜利天平
f you say that?the balance?tips in your favour, you start winning or succeeding, especially in a conflict or contest.
...a powerful new gun which could tip the balance of the war in their favour...将使他们在战争中占据优势的威力巨大的新型火炮