equipoise

American  

[ee-kwuh-poiz, ek-wuh-] / ˈi kwəˌpɔɪz, ˈɛk wə- /

noun

1. an equal distribution of weight; even balance; equilibrium.

2. a counterpoise.

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verb (used with object)

equipoised, equipoising

1. to equal or offset in weight; balance.

equipoise British  

/ ˈɛkwɪˌpɔɪz /

noun

1. even balance of weight or other forces; equilibrium

2. a counterbalance; counterpoise

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verb

1. (tr) to offset or balance in weight or force; balance

Etymology

Origin of equipoise

First recorded in 1625–35; equi- + poise ¹

Explanation

Looking for a really fancy way to say "balance" or "equilibrium"? Then stand up straight and try equipoise on for size. When broken down into its etymological parts, equipoise is simply equi, meaning "equal," plus "poise." Equal poise: a balance of weight, forces or interests. So tight-rope walkers have excellent equipoise, as do balance beam gymnasts. And when the U.S. Senate is made up of half Republicans, half Democrats? There should be some equipoise of power, but that usually just leads to stalemate.

Example Sentences

Equipoise gave way to unbridled enthusiasm among some physicians at Lenox Hill Hospital on the Upper East Side of New York in April when the city was in the thick of the surge.

From New York Times • Aug. 5, 2020

Saggy also had some stellar connections in his pedigree, including Equipoise, the two-time Horse of the Year in 1932 and 1933 and later a leading sire.

From New York Times • May 19, 2011

In New South Wales one day, Shannon ran a mile in i :34��a feat more impressive than the world record of 1:34! set by Equipoise at Arlington Park in 1932.

From Time Magazine Archive

There was Attention, a worthy son of the late, great Equipoise; and young Alsab, who had won more than $100,000 in one year of racing.

From Time Magazine Archive

Others who had continued to campaign under high weight, such as Equipoise and Discovery, had lost repeatedly.

From "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" by Laura Hillenbrand