Change vs. Balance — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on March 26, 2024
Change involves making or becoming different, often implying a transformation or alteration, while balance is about maintaining equilibrium or harmony between elements, emphasizing stability.
Difference Between Change and Balance
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Change is a dynamic process that signifies alteration, transformation, or transition from one state to another. It can apply to various contexts, such as personal growth, societal shifts, or changes in the environment. On the other hand, balance refers to a state of equilibrium where different elements are in appropriate proportions or harmony, ensuring stability and proper functioning. This concept is key in areas like personal life, ecosystems, and design.
While change focuses on the act or instance of becoming different, often implying movement away from a previous state, balance is concerned with maintaining or achieving a steady state where opposing forces or factors are equally distributed. Change can be sudden or gradual and can lead to positive, negative, or neutral outcomes, depending on the context and perspective. Conversely, balance seeks to mitigate extremes, aiming for a middle ground that fosters health, stability, and sustainability.
In personal development, change might involve adopting new habits, learning new skills, or altering one's lifestyle, which can lead to growth or transformation. Balance in personal development, however, emphasizes the importance of harmonizing various aspects of life, such as work, leisure, and relationships, to promote overall well-being and prevent burnout. Both concepts are essential but serve different purposes in the pursuit of a fulfilling life.
Environmental contexts also highlight the distinction between these concepts. Change in the environment, such as climate change or habitat alteration, often poses challenges to ecosystems and human societies. Efforts to address these challenges frequently aim to restore or maintain balance in natural systems, demonstrating how balance is critical to sustainability and resilience against disturbances.
While change and balance can be interconnected, with changes sometimes necessary to restore balance or balance required to manage changes, they fundamentally differ in their focus and implications. Change propels movement away from the status quo, whereas balance aims for stability and harmony among various elements.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
The act of becoming different or causing something to differ.
The state or condition of having elements in equal proportion or harmony.
Focus
Transformation, alteration, or transition.
Equilibrium, stability, and harmony.
Contexts
Personal growth, societal shifts, environmental changes.
Work-life harmony, mental and physical health, design principles.
Outcomes
Can be positive, negative, or neutral.
Aims for stability and sustainability.
Importance
Necessary for growth and adaptation.
Essential for well-being and functionality.
Compare with Definitions
Change
To replace something with another.
He changed the flat tire in under ten minutes.
Balance
Stability achieved by even distribution of weight or attention.
The gymnast maintained perfect balance on the beam.
Change
A transformation or transition from one state to another.
The seasons change, each bringing its own beauty.
Balance
A condition in which different elements are in equal proportion or harmony.
Finding a work-life balance is crucial for mental health.
Change
To alter one's opinions or decisions.
After much thought, she changed her mind about moving abroad.
Balance
Equilibrium in various aspects of life or systems.
Ecological balance is vital for the planet's health.
Change
Evolution or growth in characters or situations.
The protagonist undergoes significant change by the story's end.
Balance
To weigh or compare the importance of different factors.
She balanced her budget to accommodate savings and expenses.
Change
To make or become different.
She decided to change her career path to pursue her passion.
Balance
To bring into or maintain in a state of harmony.
He balanced his time between work, family, and hobbies.
Change
To cause to be different; alter
We decided to change the color of the walls. You can't change the rules in the middle of the game.
Balance
See Libra.
Change
To give a completely different form or appearance to; transform
The new homeowners changed the yard into a garden.
Balance
A weighing device, especially one consisting of a rigid beam horizontally suspended by a low-friction support at its center, with identical weighing pans hung at either end, one of which holds an unknown weight while the effective weight in the other is increased by known amounts until the beam is level and motionless. Also called scale.
Change
To give and receive reciprocally; interchange
Anne and I changed seats so that she could sit next to the aisle.
Balance
A state of equilibrium or parity characterized by cancellation of all forces by equal opposing forces.
Change
To exchange for or replace with another, usually of the same kind or category
Change one's name.
A light that changes colors.
Balance
The power or means to decide
Matters that fell outside the judge's balance.
Change
To lay aside, abandon, or leave for another; switch
Change methods.
Change sides.
Balance
A state of bodily equilibrium
Thrown off balance by a gust of wind.
Change
To transfer from (one conveyance) to another
In Chicago, we'll have to change planes.
Balance
The ability to maintain bodily equilibrium
Gymnasts must have good balance.
Change
To give or receive the equivalent of (money) in lower denominations or in foreign currency
This machine will change dollar bills into coins. At the airport, the traveler changed British pounds into euros.
Balance
A harmonious or satisfying arrangement or proportion of parts or elements, as in a design.
Change
To put fresh clothes or coverings on
It's your turn to change the baby. I'll show you how to change the bed.
Balance
An influence or force tending to produce equilibrium; counterpoise.
Change
To become different or undergo alteration
He changed as he matured. The town grew and changed over the years.
Balance
The difference in magnitude between opposing forces or influences.
Change
To undergo transformation or transition
The music changed to a slow waltz.
Balance
Equality of totals in the debit and credit sides of an account.
Change
To go from one phase to another, as the moon or the seasons.
Balance
The difference between such totals, either on the credit or the debit side.
Change
To make an exchange; switch
If you prefer this seat, I'll change with you.
Balance
Something that is left over; a remainder.
Change
To transfer from one conveyance to another
She changed in Detroit on her way to California.
Balance
(Chemistry) Equality of mass and net electric charge of reacting species on each side of an equation.
Change
To put on other clothing
We changed for dinner. They changed into work clothes.
Balance
(Mathematics) Equality with respect to the net number of reduced symbolic quantities on each side of an equation.
Change
To become deeper in tone
His voice began to change at age 13.
Balance
A balance wheel.
Change
The act, process, or result of altering or modifying
A change in facial expression.
A last-minute change in the schedule.
Balance
To determine the weight of (something) in a weighing device.
Change
The replacing of one thing for another; substitution
A change of atmosphere.
A change of ownership.
Balance
To consider and compare or assess
Balanced the pros and cons before making a choice.
Change
A transformation or transition from one state, condition, or phase to another
The change of seasons.
Balance
To bring into or maintain in a state of equilibrium.
Change
Something different; variety
Ate early for a change.
Balance
To act as an equalizing weight or force to; counterbalance.
Change
A different or fresh set of clothing
I brought along a change of shirts to the overnight party.
Balance
To compute the difference between the debits and credits of (an account).
Change
Money of smaller denomination given or received in exchange for money of higher denomination
Will you give me change of four quarters for a dollar?.
Balance
To reconcile or equalize the sums of the debits and credits of (an account).
Change
The balance of money returned when an amount given is more than what is due
I paid $3 for the coffee that cost $2.50, so I received 50 cents in change.
Balance
To settle (an account, for example) by paying what is owed.
Change
Coins
Loose change was jingling in my pocket.
Balance
To bring into or keep in equal or satisfying proportion or harmony.
Change
A pattern or order in which bells are rung.
Balance
Mathematics & Chemistry To bring (an equation) into balance.
Change
In jazz, a change of harmony; a modulation.
Balance
To move toward and then away from (a dance partner).
Change
A market or exchange where business is transacted.
Balance
To be in or come into equilibrium.
Change
(intransitive) To become something different.
The tadpole changed into a frog.
Stock prices are constantly changing.
Balance
To be equal or equivalent.
Change
To make something into something else.
The fairy changed the frog into a prince.
I had to change the wording of the ad so it would fit.
Balance
To sway or waver as if losing or regaining equilibrium.
Change
(transitive) To replace.
Ask the janitor to come and change the lightbulb.
After a brisk walk, I washed up and changed my shirt.
Balance
To move toward and then away from a dance partner.
Change
(intransitive) To replace one's clothing.
You can't go into the dressing room while she's changing.
The clowns changed into their costumes before the circus started.
Balance
(uncountable) A state in which opposing forces harmonise; equilibrium.
Change
(transitive) To replace the clothing of (the one wearing it).
It's your turn to change the baby.
Balance
(uncountable) Mental equilibrium; mental health; calmness, a state of remaining clear-headed and unperturbed.
Change
(intransitive) To transfer to another vehicle (train, bus, etc.)
Balance
Something of equal weight used to provide equilibrium; counterweight.
These weights are used as a balance for the overhanging verandah
Blair thought he could provide a useful balance to Bush's policies.
Change
(archaic) To exchange.
Balance
A pair of scales.
Change
(transitive) To change hand while riding (a horse).
To change a horse
Balance
(uncountable) Awareness of both viewpoints or matters; neutrality; rationality; objectivity.
Change
The process of becoming different.
The product is undergoing a change in order to improve it.
Balance
(uncountable) The overall result of conflicting forces, opinions etc.; the influence which ultimately "weighs" more than others.
The balance of power finally lay with the Royalist forces.
I think the balance of opinion is that we should get out while we're ahead.
Change
(uncountable) Small denominations of money given in exchange for a larger denomination.
Can I get change for this $100 bill please?
Balance
(uncountable) Apparent harmony in art (between differing colours, sounds, etc.).
Change
(countable) A replacement.
A change of clothes
Balance
(accounting) A list accounting for the debits on one side, and for the credits on the other.
Change
(uncountable) Balance of money returned from the sum paid after deducting the price of a purchase.
A customer who pays with a 10-pound note for a £9 item receives one pound in change.
Balance
(accounting) The result of such a procedure; the difference between credit and debit of an account.
I just need to nip to a bank and check my balance.
Change
(uncountable) An amount of cash, usually in the form of coins, but sometimes inclusive of paper money.
Do you have any change on you? I need to make a phone call.
This bus ride requires exact change.
Balance
(watchmaking) A device used to regulate the speed of a watch, clock etc.
Change
(countable) A transfer between vehicles.
The train journey from Bristol to Nottingham includes a change at Birmingham.
Balance
The remainder.
The balance of the agreement remains in effect.
The invoice said he had only paid $50. The balance was $220.
Change
(baseball) A change-up pitch.
Balance
Libra.
Change
(campanology) Any order in which a number of bells are struck, other than that of the diatonic scale.
Balance
(transitive) To bring (items) to an equipoise, as the scales of a balance by adjusting the weights.
Change
A public house; an alehouse.
Balance
To make (concepts) agree.
Change
To alter; to make different; to cause to pass from one state to another; as, to change the position, character, or appearance of a thing; to change the countenance.
Therefore will I change their glory into shame.
Balance
(transitive) To hold (an object or objects) precariously; to support on a narrow base, so as to keep from falling.
I balanced my mug of coffee on my knee.
The circus performer balances a plate on the end of a baton.
Change
To alter by substituting something else for, or by giving up for something else; as, to change the clothes; to change one's occupation; to change one's intention.
They that do change old love for new,Pray gods, they change for worse!
Balance
(transitive) To compare in relative force, importance, value, etc.; to estimate.
Change
To give and take reciprocally; to exchange; - followed by with; as, to change place, or hats, or money, with another.
Look upon those thousands with whom thou wouldst not, for any interest, change thy fortune and condition.
Balance
To move toward, and then back from, reciprocally.
To balance partners
Change
Specifically: To give, or receive, smaller denominations of money (technically called change) for; as, to change a gold coin or a bank bill.
He pulled out a thirty-pound note and bid me change it.
Balance
(nautical) To contract, as a sail, into a narrower compass.
To balance the boom mainsail
Change
To be altered; to undergo variation; as, men sometimes change for the better.
For I am Lord, I change not.
Balance
(transitive) To make the credits and debits of (an account) correspond.
This final payment, or credit, balances the account.
To balance a set of books
Change
To pass from one phase to another; as, the moon changes to-morrow night.
Balance
(intransitive) To be in equilibrium.
Change
Any variation or alteration; a passing from one state or form to another; as, a change of countenance; a change of habits or principles.
Apprehensions of a change of dynasty.
All the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come.
Balance
(intransitive) To have matching credits and debits.
Change
A succesion or substitution of one thing in the place of another; a difference; novelty; variety; as, a change of seasons.
Our fathers did for change to France repair.
The ringing grooves of change.
Balance
To weigh in a balance.
Change
A passing from one phase to another; as, a change of the moon.
Balance
To hesitate or fluctuate.
Change
Alteration in the order of a series; permutation.
Balance
An apparatus for weighing.
Change
That which makes a variety, or may be substituted for another.
Thirty change (R.V. changes) of garments.
Balance
Act of weighing mentally; comparison; estimate.
A fair balance of the advantages on either side.
Change
Small money; the money by means of which the larger coins and bank bills are made available in small dealings; hence, the balance returned when payment is tendered by a coin or note exceeding the sum due.
Balance
Equipoise between the weights in opposite scales.
Change
A place where merchants and others meet to transact business; a building appropriated for mercantile transactions.
Balance
The state of being in equipoise; equilibrium; even adjustment; steadiness.
And hung a bottle on each sideTo make his balance true.
The order and balance of the country were destroyed.
English workmen completely lose their balance.
Change
A public house; an alehouse.
They call an alehouse a change.
Balance
An equality between the sums total of the two sides of an account; as, to bring one's accounts to a balance; - also, the excess on either side; as, the balance of an account.
I still think the balance of probabilities leans towards the account given in the text.
Change
Any order in which a number of bells are struck, other than that of the diatonic scale.
Four bells admit twenty-four changes in ringing.
Balance
A balance wheel, as of a watch, or clock. See Balance wheel (in the Vocabulary).
Change
An event that occurs when something passes from one state or phase to another;
The change was intended to increase sales
This storm is certainly a change for the worse
The neighborhood had undergone few modifications since his last visit years ago
Balance
The constellation Libra.
Change
A relational difference between states; especially between states before and after some event;
He attributed the change to their marriage
Balance
To bring to an equipoise, as the scales of a balance by adjusting the weights; to weigh in a balance.
Change
The action of changing something;
The change of government had no impact on the economy
His change on abortion cost him the election
Balance
To support on a narrow base, so as to keep from falling; as, to balance a plate on the end of a cane; to balance one's self on a tight rope.
Change
The result of alteration or modification;
There were marked changes in the lining of the lungs
There had been no change in the mountains
Balance
To equal in number, weight, force, or proportion; to counterpoise, counterbalance, counteract, or neutralize.
One expression . . . must check and balance another.
Change
The balance of money received when the amount you tender is greater than the amount due;
I paid with a twenty and pocketed the change
Balance
To compare in relative force, importance, value, etc.; to estimate.
Balance the good and evil of things.
Change
A thing that is different;
He inspected several changes before selecting one
Balance
To settle and adjust, as an account; to make two accounts equal by paying the difference between them.
I am very well satisfied that it is not in my power to balance accounts with my Maker.
Change
A different or fresh set of clothes;
She brought a change in her overnight bag
Balance
To make the sums of the debits and credits of an account equal; - said of an item; as, this payment, or credit, balances the account.
Change
Coins of small denomination regarded collectively;
He had a pocketful of change
Balance
To arrange accounts in such a way that the sum total of the debits is equal to the sum total of the credits; as, to balance a set of books.
Change
Money received in return for its equivalent in a larger denomination or a different currency;
He got change for a twenty and used it to pay the taxi driver
Balance
To move toward, and then back from, reciprocally; as, to balance partners.
Change
A difference that is usually pleasant;
He goes to France for variety
It is a refreshing change to meet a woman mechanic
Balance
To contract, as a sail, into a narrower compass; as, to balance the boom mainsail.
Change
Undergo a change; become different in essence; losing one's or its original nature;
She changed completely as she grew older
The weather changed last night
Balance
To have equal weight on each side; to be in equipoise; as, the scales balance.
Change
Cause to change; make different; cause a transformation;
The advent of the automobile may have altered the growth pattern of the city
The discussion has changed my thinking about the issue
Balance
To fluctuate between motives which appear of equal force; to waver; to hesitate.
He would not balance or err in the determination of his choice.
Change
Make or become different in some particular way, without permanently losing one's or its former characteristics or essence;
Her mood changes in accordance with the weather
The supermarket's selection of vegetables varies according to the season
Balance
To move toward a person or couple, and then back.
Change
Lay aside, abandon, or leave for another;
Switch to a different brand of beer
She switched psychiatrists
The car changed lanes
Balance
A state of equilibrium
Change
Change clothes; put on different clothes;
Change before you go to the opera
Balance
A scale for weighing; depends on pull of gravity
Change
Exchange or replace with another, usually of the same kind or category;
Could you convert my dollars into pounds?
He changed his name
Convert centimeters into inches
Convert holdings into shares
Balance
Equality between the totals of the credit and debit sides of an account
Change
Give to, and receive from, one another;
Would you change places with me?
We have been exchanging letters for a year
Balance
Harmonious arrangement or relation of parts or elements within a whole (as in a design);
In all perfectly beautiful objects there is found the opposition of one part to another and a reciprocal balance
Change
Change from one vehicle or transportation line to another;
She changed in Chicago on her way to the East coast
Balance
Equality of distribution
Change
Become deeper in tone;
His voice began to change when he was 12 years old
Her voice deepened when she whispered the password
Balance
Something left after other parts have been taken away;
There was no remainder
He threw away the rest
He took what he wanted and I got the balance
Change
Remove or replace the coverings of;
Father had to learn how to change the baby
After each guest we changed the bed linens
Balance
The difference between the totals of the credit and debit sides of an account
Balance
(astrology) a person who is born while the sun in in Libra
Balance
The seventh sign of the zodiac; the sun is in this sign from about September 23 to October 22
Balance
(mathematics) an attribute of a shape or relation; exact correspondence of form on opposite sides of a dividing line or plane
Balance
An equivalent counterbalancing weight
Balance
A wheel that regulates the rate of movement in a machine; especially a wheel oscillating against the hairspring of a timepiece to regulate its beat
Balance
Bring into balance or equilibrium;
She has to balance work and her domestic duties
Balance the two weights
Balance
Compute credits and debits of an account
Balance
Hold or carry in equilibrium
Balance
Be in equilibrium;
He was balancing on one foot
Common Curiosities
Can there be balance without change?
While balance can exist without immediate change, adjustments (changes) may be necessary over time to maintain balance in response to evolving circumstances.
Why is balance important in life?
Balance is important for well-being, preventing burnout, and ensuring that various aspects of life, like work and personal time, are harmoniously aligned.
Can change lead to better balance?
Yes, change can be necessary to restore or achieve balance, especially if the current state is unsustainable or harmful.
How does change impact an individual's life?
Change can lead to growth, new opportunities, and the ability to adapt to new situations, but it can also present challenges and require adjustment.
How do change and balance relate to personal development?
In personal development, change is often pursued to achieve growth, while balance ensures that changes are sustainable and harmonious with one's overall well-being.
What is the key difference between change and balance?
Change focuses on becoming different or causing differences, while balance involves maintaining or achieving equilibrium and harmony.
Can balance be detrimental if it prevents necessary change?
Yes, an overemphasis on maintaining balance can sometimes hinder necessary progress or adaptation, especially if the status quo is harmful or outdated.
Is societal change necessary for balance?
Societal change can be necessary to address imbalances in justice, equality, and sustainability, aiming for a more balanced and equitable society.
How does one achieve balance in the face of constant change?
Achieving balance amidst constant change requires flexibility, the ability to prioritize, and adaptability in adjusting one's approach to life's various aspects.
How do environmental changes affect ecological balance?
Environmental changes, such as climate change, can disrupt ecological balance, leading to loss of biodiversity and alterations in ecosystems, which may necessitate efforts to restore balance.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
