imbalance
imbalance
Pronunciation
Here's the IPA phonetic spelling for "imbalance" broken down by syllables:
ɪmˈbæləns (Modern IPA)
Here's a breakdown of the sounds in each syllable:
im (ɪm)
ɪ (short i): like the "i" in "in"
m (m): voiced bilabial consonant (both lips come together)
bal (ˈbæl)
ˈ (stress mark): primary stress on this syllable
b (b): voiced bilabial consonant (both lips come together)
æ (short a): like the "a" in "cat"
l (l): voiced alveolar consonant (tongue touches the alveolar ridge behind upper front teeth)
ance (əns)
ə (schwa): a neutral vowel sound (like the "u" in "but")
n (n): voiced alveolar consonant (tongue touches the alveolar ridge behind upper front teeth)
s (s): voiceless alveolar fricative (air rushes through a narrow channel between tongue and teeth)
Word Form Variations
The word "imbalance" itself is already the singular noun form. It describes a singular state of being out of balance.
There isn't a standard plural form for "imbalance." However, in some contexts, you might encounter the pluralized form "imbalances" to refer to multiple instances of imbalance. For example:
"The company is struggling with several financial imbalances."
Here's a breakdown of the different variations you might encounter, though not all are necessarily common:
Singular noun: imbalance
Plural noun (less common): imbalances
Adjective: imbalanced (e.g., imbalanced budget, imbalanced ecosystem)
Verb (not common): to imbalance (Note: This verb form is less frequent and may not be appropriate in all contexts. It's generally better to rephrase using verbs like "to disrupt the balance" or "to create an imbalance.")
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Definitions, Synonyms, Antonyms
Noun:
Definition: A state of lacking balance or proportion. There is an unequal distribution or weight of something compared to something else.
Synonyms: disequilibrium, disparity, asymmetry, unevenness, inequity
Antonyms: balance, equilibrium, symmetry, parity, evenness
Adjective:
Definition: Not balanced or in proportion. Something is out of whack or skewed in one direction.
Synonyms: unbalanced, lopsided, uneven, unequal, disproportionate
Antonyms: balanced, even, proportionate, equal, symmetrical
Verb (Less Common):
Definition: To disrupt or destroy the balance of something. (Use with caution, as other verbs might be more appropriate depending on the context)
Synonyms: disrupt the balance, throw off balance, create an imbalance (preferred)
Antonyms: balance, stabilise, equalise
Examples of Use
Noun:
Book: "The novel explores the themes of power imbalance and social injustice faced by the working class." (hypothetical novel)
Newspaper: "The headline screamed 'Trade Imbalance Strains Relations Between Nations.'" (example headline)
Online Publication: "A health article might discuss the dangers of 'nutritional imbalance' and its impact on health."
Entertainment Medium (Movie): In a superhero movie, the villain might seek to create an "imbalance" in the world by tipping the scales of power in their favour.
General Public Discourse: "During a neighbourhood meeting, residents might discuss the 'imbalance' of traffic flow on a particular street."
Adjective:
Book: "The science fiction story describes an 'imbalanced' ecosystem where one species dominates all others." (hypothetical story)
Newspaper: "An economic report might discuss the 'imbalanced' distribution of wealth within a society."
Online Publication: "A gaming blog might review a game with 'imbalanced' gameplay mechanics favouring one side."
Entertainment Medium (TV Show): In a cooking competition show, a judge might critique a dish for having an "imbalanced" flavour profile.
General Public Discourse: Someone might describe their work schedule as "imbalanced" because of long hours.
Verb (Less Common):
This form is less frequent and may sound awkward in some contexts. Here's a potential example:
Newspaper (Historical): "A historical account might describe a king's actions as 'imbalancing' the power dynamics within the court." (Note: This is a less common usage and rephrasing with "disrupting the balance" or "upsetting the equilibrium" might be clearer.)
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10 Famous Quotes Using the term Imbalance
While there aren't many direct uses of "imbalance" in very famous quotes, here are ten quotes that capture the essence of the concept or use related terms:
"The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing." - Socrates (This quote highlights the importance of intellectual balance and avoiding arrogance.)
"A nation can survive crisis but not perennial injustice." - Martin Luther King Jr. (Speaks to the imbalance of justice within a society.)
"The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honourable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well." - Ralph Waldo Emerson (This quote emphasises the importance of balance between personal happiness and contributing to the greater good.)
"The most important thing in life is to learn how to give out love and let it come in." - Morrie Schwartz (Highlights the need for emotional balance in relationships.)
"Moderation in all things. Including moderation." - G.K. Chesterton (A playful take on the importance of finding balance even in moderation itself.)
"The truth will set you free, but first it will piss you off." - Gloria Steinem (This quote implies the imbalance of comfort versus truth-seeking.)
"There is nothing more unequal than the equal treatment of unequal people." - A.D. Mondoplane (Speaks to the need for balanced approaches to address inequality.)
"The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." - Nelson Mandela (This quote emphasises the importance of resilience and overcoming imbalance.)
"The revolution is not an apple that falls when it is ripe. You have to make it fall." - Che Guevara (This quote highlights the need to actively address imbalances in power structures.)
"The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be." - Ralph Waldo Emerson (This quote emphasises the role of personal agency in achieving balance and growth.)
Etymology
The word "imbalance" is a fairly new invention in the English language. It wasn't around until around the 1890s!
Imagine "balance" as a scale with two sides. Imbalance is simply a word we created by adding "im-" (meaning "not") to "balance." So, imbalance literally means "not balanced" or "out of proportion." It describes a situation where things are uneven or unequal on the metaphorical scale.
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Phrases + Idioms Containing the term Imbalance
While there aren't many common idioms directly using "imbalance," here are some phrases that capture the concept:
Tip the scales: This implies an imbalance being created by favoring one side over the other.
Throw off balance: This describes a sudden disruption of balance, often metaphorical.
Out of whack: This is a more informal way of saying something is imbalanced or not working properly.
On a knife's edge: This idiom suggests a precarious situation where a small change could tip the balance towards imbalance or disaster.
Restoring balance: This phrase implies taking action to correct an imbalance and bring things back to a more even state.
Work-life balance: This refers to the ongoing challenge of managing time and energy between work and personal life in a healthy way.
Posts Related to Imbalance
Source Information
Definition of imbalance from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
