What is balanced? Pronunciation and usage in English

balanced means . Learn how to pronounce and use balanced through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of balanced

balancedadjective

/ˈbælənst//ˈbælənst/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "balanced" in English. Here's a breakdown with audio references and tips:

1. The Basic Pronunciation:

The most common pronunciation is:

  • /ˈbæsəd/ (rhymes with "base-ed")

2. Phonetics (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet):

  • ˈbæs: This is the beginning of the word.
    • ˈb: The stressed syllable, a clear "b" sound.
    • æs: This is tricky! It’s a combination of sounds:
      • æ: This is the "short a" sound as in "cat" or "bat."
      • s: A short "s" sound.
  • əd: This is the ending.
    • əd: The sounds of the vowels “ah” and “d” together.

3. How to Say It Step-by-Step:

  • Start with the "b" sound: Say "buh" clearly.
  • Then, the "æs" sound: This is the most challenging part. Think of saying "base" but with a shorter, sharper "a" sound like in "cat." You almost want to quickly bring your tongue forward slightly.
  • Finally, the "d" sound: Say "d" smoothly.

4. Listening is Key!

  • Google Audio: The best way to learn is to hear it! Search on Google for "how to pronounce balanced" and you'll find audio examples from Merriam-Webster and other reliable sources:

5. Tips for Getting It Right:

  • Don't over-emphasize the "s": It’s a quick "s" sound, not a held "sss."
  • Focus on the short "a" in "æs": This is the key difference between "balanced" and words like "base."
  • Practice slowly: Start by saying each syllable individually (“buh-æs-d”) before putting it all together.
  • Record yourself: Listen back to your pronunciation and compare it to the examples.

Do you want me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you another example word to practice with?

Usage and examples with the word balanced in English

Let's break down how to use the word "balanced" in English. It's a versatile word with many different meanings, so it's important to understand the context. Here's a breakdown categorized by how it's used:

1. As an Adjective (Describing Equilibrium/Harmony):

  • Physical Balance: This is the most common understanding. It means steady and not likely to fall over.

    • Example: “The tightrope walker carefully maintained his balanced posture.”
    • Example: “He had a balanced stance, making him difficult to knock off his feet.”

  • Diet/Nutrition: Refers to a diet containing the right proportions of nutrients.

    • Example: “A balanced diet is essential for good health.”
    • Example: "She ate a balanced lunch of protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables."

  • Emotional Balance: Describes someone who isn’t overwhelmed by strong emotions – calm, even-tempered.

    • Example: “She’s a remarkably balanced person, able to handle stressful situations with grace.”
    • Example: “He needs to find a balanced approach to his work and personal life.”

  • Financial Balance: Refers to things like a budget, assets versus debts.

    • Example: “The company is working towards a more balanced financial plan.”
    • Example: "Maintaining a balanced budget is crucial for achieving financial stability."

  • Visual Balance (Art & Design): Describes a composition where elements are distributed in a way that’s aesthetically pleasing – not too heavy on one side.

    • Example: "The photographer used leading lines to create a balanced image."
    • Example: “The painting has a balanced composition, with equal weight on both sides.”

2. As a Past Participle (Used with "be" verbs - is, are, was, were):

  • Describes a state of being: This takes the meaning from #1 – showing equilibrium or harmony.
    • Example: “The argument was balanced by a compromise.” (Meaning the argument had arguments on both sides, and a solution emerged.)
    • Example: “The news coverage was balanced, presenting both sides of the issue.” (Meaning the report featured equal coverage of opposing viewpoints.)

3. As a Verb (Less common, but still used):

  • To make something equal or stable:
    • Example: “He balanced the scales carefully.”
    • Example: “She balanced the tray with a single cup of tea.”

Here's a table summarizing the common uses:

Usage Meaning Example
Adjective Steady, stable, harmonious A balanced walk
Adjective Healthy proportions (food, etc.) A balanced meal
Adjective Calm, even-tempered A balanced temperament
Past Participle In a state of equilibrium, equal The discussion was balanced.
Verb To make stable or level He balanced the table.

Tips for Using “Balanced” Correctly:

  • Context is key: Always consider the surrounding words to understand exactly what "balanced" means in a sentence.
  • Synonyms: Knowing synonyms can help you choose the best word to convey your intended meaning. Some alternatives include: stable, harmonious, equal, fair, moderate, well-rounded.

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you thinking about when you want to use "balanced"? (e.g., food, emotions, a situation, a design, etc.)

Synonyms for the word balanced

Practice with vocabulary balanced

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. To ensure a healthy lifestyle, one must maintain a ______ diet and engage in regular physical activity.
  2. The company's new profit-sharing model aims to create a more ______ distribution of earnings among its employees.
  3. Despite initial setbacks, the project team managed to achieve a ______ compromise that satisfied all major stakeholders.
  4. After careful deliberation, the board reached a ______ decision, reflecting a thoughtful consideration of all proposals.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following terms describes an argument or report that presents different viewpoints fairly and without bias? a) partisan b) objective c) one-sided d) balanced e) comprehensive

  2. To avoid burnout, it's essential to have a ______ workload that doesn't put excessive strain on employees. a) overwhelming b) disproportionate c) manageable d) balanced e) sustainable

  3. Which qualities are crucial for a successful leader to effectively guide a team through complex challenges? a) indecisive b) visionary c) pragmatic d) adaptable e) resolute

  4. When designing a building, architects often strive for a sense of ______ in its visual elements to create an aesthetically pleasing and stable appearance. a) asymmetry b) harmony c) lopsidedness d) symmetry e) balance

  5. A public speaker who presents facts from multiple sources and acknowledges counter-arguments is typically perceived as being ______. a) biased b) credible c) neutral d) subjective e) fair

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The project manager makes sure that tasks are distributed fairly among the team members. (Rewrite using a form of "balance")

  2. It is important for individuals to find a middle ground between their career ambitions and their personal well-being. (Rewrite using a form of "balance")

  3. The company's new policy aims to make sure that everyone, regardless of their background, has an equal chance to succeed. (Rewrite using a suitable replacement word, not "balanced")

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. balanced
  2. equitable
  3. balanced
  4. sound

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) objective, d) balanced, e) comprehensive
  2. c) manageable, d) balanced, e) sustainable
  3. b) visionary, c) pragmatic, d) adaptable, e) resolute
  4. b) harmony, d) symmetry, e) balance
  5. b) credible, c) neutral, e) fair

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The project manager ensures a balanced distribution of tasks among the team members.
  2. It is important for individuals to find a balance between their career ambitions and their personal well-being.
  3. The company's new policy aims to ensure equitable opportunities for everyone, regardless of their background, to succeed.

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