Etymology Map
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Balance

3 stages from Vulgar Latin to English.

Today it means an even distribution of weight; a remaining sum

Where does the word "balance" come from? It comes from Vulgar Latin bilanx, passing through Old French before entering English (1200s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
bilanx
Vulgar Latin · ancient
"having two pans"
'bi-', two, plus 'lanx', dish or scale pan
2
Stage 2 of 3
balance
Old French · medieval
"scales"
a pair of scales
3
Stage 3 of 3
balance
English · 1200s
"scales"
bank 'balance' dates from the 1500s
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Read the full story

Balance’s story begins in Vulgar Latin: bilanx meant “having two pans.” 'bi-', two, plus 'lanx', dish or scale pan. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as balance. A pair of scales. It reached English by 1200s as balance. Bank 'balance' dates from the 1500s. Today, balance means an even distribution of weight; a remaining sum.