Difference Between Balance and Stability

Key Difference – Balance vs Stability
 

Although the two words balance and stability have somewhat similar meanings, they cannot be used interchangeably. There is a distinctive difference between balance and stability, especially in terms of body movements.  When we are talking about the movements of the body, balance refers to the ability to maintain the control of the body in  a still position whereas stability refers to the ability to maintain the control of the body while in motion. This is the key difference between balance and stability.

What Does Balance Mean?

Definition of Balance

The word balance has many definitions, and it acts as a both noun and a verb. The Oxford dictionary defines the noun balance as “an even distribution of weight enabling someone or something to remain upright and steady” or “a situation in which different elements are equal or in the correct proportions”. As a verb, balance means to “put (something) in a steady position so that it does not fall”.

Balance can also refer to an apparatus that is used for measuring. The following example sentences will help you to understand the meaning and usage of the word balance better.

Balance as a Noun:

The child lost her balance and fell on the ground.

She always tried to keep a balance between her office work and her household chores.

I had trouble keeping my balance as the boat rocked back and forth.

The journalist had interviewed both political parties to provide balance to his story.

Balance as a Verb:

The women balanced six clay pots on their heads while dancing.

The critique balanced his radical comments with familiar ideas.

The cost of this construction was balanced with its benefits.   

What Does Stability Mean?

The noun stability stems from the adjective stable since it refers to the quality or state of being stable.

Definition of Stability

Stability can specifically refer to

– Resistance to change, deterioration, or displacement.

– Constancy of character or purpose; steadfastness.

– Reliability; dependability.

When we are talking about the movement of our body, stability refers to the ability to control the body during movements. So, a graceful dancer would have a high stability whereas a clumsy person would have low stability. Look at the following example sentences to see how this noun is used in sentences.

The country has finally reached economic stability, 25 years after the end of civil war.

The wing-like structures on the hull create stability and prevent it from flipping over.

The children need some form of stability after the conflicts of recent years.

This decision was taken in the interests of peace and stability of the country.

What is the difference between Balance and Stability?

Definition:

Balance is an even distribution of weight enabling someone or something to remain upright and steady.

Stability is the resistance to change, reliability, or steadfastness.

Movements:

Balance refers to the ability to control the body when you are not moving.

Stability refers to the ability to control the body when you are moving.

Grammatical Category:

Balance is used as a noun and a verb.

Stability is used as a noun.

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