balanç

Balanç is a term sometimes encountered in Portuguese-language texts as an informal truncation of related words such as balanço or balançar. It is not a standard lexical item in major dictionaries; in formal writing, the full forms balanço (balance, equilibrium) and balançar (to shake or swing) are preferred. The root balanç is connected with movement and balance, originating from the verb balançar.

In usage, balanç typically functions as a shorthand in notes, headlines, or casual writing rather than a recognized word. When encountered, its meaning is inferred from context, most often as an abbreviation for balanço in two senses: the sense of balance or the act of balancing, and the sense of a financial statement, as in balanço patrimonial or balanço financeiro. In accounting, these terms are the standard forms, and readers should not assume balanç stands for them in formal documents.

Geographically or linguistically, balanç appears only sporadically and is not widely catalogued as a separate entry in Portuguese dictionaries. Its appearance is usually restricted to informal writing, such as internal memos, student notes, or media headlines where space or speed is a factor. For clarity and formal communication, using balanço or the full expressions is recommended.

See also: balanço, balança, balançar, balanços.