ataraxia

[ at-uh-rak-see-uh ]

/ ˌæt əˈræk si ə /

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See synonyms for: ataraxia / ataractic on Thesaurus.com

noun Philosophy.

a state of freedom from emotional disturbance and anxiety, especially as an ongoing condition of soul-fulfilling attainment; unconditional tranquility: I’m not looking to achieve ataraxia—I just want a week away from the daily grind.

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Also at·a·rax·y

[at-uh-rak-see]. /ˈæt əˌræk si/.

Origin of ataraxia

First recorded in 1600–10; from Greek ataraxía “impassiveness, calmness,” equivalent to atarák(tos) “unmoved” (a- a-⁶ + tarak-, a stem of tarássein “to disturb” + -tos verbid suffix) + -s(is) -sis + -ia -ia

OTHER WORDS FROM ataraxia

at·a·rac·tic

[at-uh-rak-tik], /ˌæt əˈræk tɪk/, at·a·rax·ic, adjective, noun

Words nearby ataraxia

at any cost, at any rate, at a premium, ataractic, Atarax, ataraxia, at arm's length, Atascadero, at a sitting, at a stretch, at a time

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use ataraxia in a sentence

When the sage realizes this, he will cease to prefer one course of action to another, and the result will be apathy, "ataraxia."
A Critical History of Greek Philosophy|W. T. Stace
The Sceptic in seeking ataraxia in the things of opinion, does not entirely escape from suffering from his sensations.
Sextus Empiricus and Greek Scepticism|Mary Mills Patrick
Ataraxia came to the Sceptic as success in painting the foam on a horse's mouth came to Apelles the painter.
Sextus Empiricus and Greek Scepticism|Mary Mills Patrick
The method, however, by which ataraxia or peace of mind could be reached, was peculiar to the Sceptic.
Sextus Empiricus and Greek Scepticism|Mary Mills Patrick

The aim of Pyrrhonism was ataraxia in those things which pertain to opinion, and moderation in the things which life imposes.
Sextus Empiricus and Greek Scepticism|Mary Mills Patrick

British Dictionary definitions for ataraxia

ataraxia

ataraxy (ˈætəˌræksɪ)

/ (ˌætəˈræksɪə) /

noun

calmness or peace of mind; emotional tranquillity

Word Origin for ataraxia

C17: from Greek: serenity, from ataraktos undisturbed, from a-1 1 + tarassein to trouble

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

ataraxia

Origin of ataraxia

OTHER WORDS FROM ataraxia

Words nearby ataraxia

Words related to ataraxia

How to use ataraxia in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for ataraxia

ataraxy (ˈætəˌræksɪ)

Word Origin for ataraxia