How Do You Spell IMBALANCE?

Pronunciation: [ɪmbˈaləns] (IPA)

Imbalance is a word that refers to a lack of proportional equality between two or more things. It is spelled as [ɪmˈbæləns] in IPA phonetic transcription, which breaks down into five sounds: the short 'i' sound [ɪ], followed by the 'm' sound [m], then the 'b' sound [b], the short 'a' sound [æ], the 'l' sound [l], and finally the 'əns' sound, which is pronounced as an unstressed schwa sound [ə] followed by the 'n' sound [n] and the 's' sound [s].

IMBALANCE Meaning and Definition

  1. Imbalance is a noun that refers to a lack of equilibrium, equality, or symmetry between different parts or elements of a system. It can be characterized by a disproportionate distribution or arrangement, leading to an uneven or unstable state.

    In various contexts, such as economics, politics, or social structures, imbalance usually implies an unfair or unjust disparity that favors one group or aspect over others. This can pertain to disparities in wealth, power, influence, or opportunities, resulting in an unequal distribution of resources or benefits. Imbalances in these systems are often seen as problematic as they can lead to social unrest, political tensions, and economic instability.

    In the field of health and well-being, imbalance refers to disturbances or abnormalities in bodily or mental states that deviate from a normal or optimal condition. This can encompass physiological, psychological, or emotional disparities, where an individual's body or mind is not functioning harmoniously. Imbalances in this context can manifest through symptoms, diseases, or disorders and may require interventions to restore equilibrium.

    Furthermore, in the physical sciences, imbalance is frequently used to describe irregular or uneven measurements, forces, or quantities. It implies a state where the elements involved are not in proper proportion or harmony, leading to an abnormal or unsteady situation.

    Overall, the term imbalance carries a connotation of unsteadiness, disproportion, or inequality, highlighting the need for corrective measures to restore equilibrium, fairness, or stability.

  2. Lack of equality in power between opposing forces, noting specifically this lack in the ocular muscles, giving rise to strabismus or heterophoria.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Top Common Misspellings for IMBALANCE *

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Other Common Misspellings for IMBALANCE

Etymology of IMBALANCE

The word "imbalance" originated from the combination of two roots: "im-" and "balance".

1. The prefix "im-" is derived from the Latin word "in-" meaning "not" or "without". It is used to negate or reverse the meaning of the root word it is attached to. In this case, "imbalance" suggests the absence or reversal of balance.

2. The word "balance" comes from the Latin "bilanx", which is a combination of "bi-" meaning "two" and "lanx" meaning "dish" or "scale". In Latin, it referred to a two-pan balance scale used to measure weight and achieve equilibrium.

Thus, the etymology of "imbalance" indicates the lack of balance or the state of being unbalanced.

Idioms with the word IMBALANCE

  • chemical imbalance The idiom "chemical imbalance" refers to a phrase commonly used in discussions about mental health. It suggests an imbalance in the levels of neurotransmitters or chemicals in the brain, which is believed to contribute to mental disorders such as depression or anxiety.

Similar spelling words for IMBALANCE

Plural form of IMBALANCE is IMBALANCES

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