equanimity
Americannoun
noun
Usage
What does equanimity mean? Equanimity is a quality of emotional stability and composure, particularly in times of high stress. The word equanimity is often associated with spiritual and religious practices, especially the goals of Buddhism. The adjective form of equanimity is equanimous, which is used to describe someone or something that has such a quality. Example: It can be difficult for students to maintain equanimity during final exams, so we encourage them to manage their stress in healthy ways.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of equanimity
First recorded in 1600–10; from Latin aequanimitās (stem aequanimitāt- ), derivative aequanimis, aequanimus, “calm, composed,” equivalent to aequ(us) “even, plain, equal” + anim(us) “mind, spirit, feelings” + -itās -ity
Explanation
If you take the news of your parakeet's death with equanimity, it means you take it calmly without breaking down. Equanimity refers to emotional calmness and balance in times of stress. If equanimity reminds you of equal, that's because the words have a lot in common. The noun equanimity was borrowed from Latin aequanimitās, from aequanimus, "even-tempered, fair," formed from aequus, "even, level, equal," plus animus, "mind." The archaic phrase to bear with equal mind means "to bear with a calm mind," and is a translation from the Latin. The phrase a level mind also refers to calmness. A near synonym is composure.
Vocabulary lists containing equanimity
300 Most Difficult "SAT" Words
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
100 Words to Make You Sound Smart
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Speak Your Mind: Anim
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Equanimity could well be part of the job description.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 4, 2024
Equanimity specifically refers to a mental attitude of being at peace with the push and pull of experience.
From Scientific American • Nov. 10, 2023
Equanimity can be useful in a brutally competitive sport where success is precarious.
From New York Times • Jan. 22, 2022
In 2017, he received his first Emmy award for his guest appearance on "Saturday Night Live" and another in 2018 for his special "Equanimity."
From Fox News • Oct. 29, 2019
When pressed to give in one word the secret of a happy life, he gives a word which we translate, "Equanimity."
From Little Journeys to the Homes of the Great - Volume 10 Little Journeys To The Homes Of Great Teachers by Hubbard, Elbert
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
