What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
balance
Example
She managed to balance the books and keep the company's finances in order. [balance: verb]
Example
The gymnast demonstrated incredible balance as she performed her routine on the beam. [balance: noun]
proportion
Example
The architect ensured that the proportions of the building were aesthetically pleasing. [proportions: noun]
Example
It is important to proportion the ingredients correctly when baking a cake. [proportion: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Balance is more commonly used than proportion in everyday language. Balance is a versatile word that can be applied to various contexts, while proportion is more specific and often used in specialized fields such as art, design, or mathematics.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between balance and proportion?
Both balance and proportion can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, proportion may be perceived as slightly more formal due to its association with technical or specialized fields.
