What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
balance
Example
She managed to maintain her balance while walking on the tightrope. [balance: noun]
Example
He balanced the books by ensuring that income matched expenses. [balanced: past tense verb]
equilibrium
Example
The chemical reaction reached equilibrium when the rate of forward and backward reactions became equal. [equilibrium: noun]
Example
She tried to maintain her equilibrium despite the stressful situation. [equilibrium: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Balance is more commonly used in everyday language, while equilibrium is more commonly used in scientific or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between balance and equilibrium?
Balance has a more neutral and versatile tone, making it suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Equilibrium, on the other hand, may have a slightly more formal or technical connotation, making it more appropriate for scientific or academic discussions.
