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
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100 Words to Make You Sound Smart
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Speak Your Mind: Anim
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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.
Some of these flowers are years away, yet I look forward to them not just with equanimity but excitement.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 13, 2026
What makes this particular song so powerful is the equanimity of the vocal delivery, because you can tangibly feel the barely suppressed rage lurking under the surface.
From Salon • Feb. 10, 2026
It’s a daily obstacle course to get through the world with kindness, compassion, understanding and equanimity.
From MarketWatch • Dec. 23, 2025
Another reason for investors’ apparent equanimity: The junk bond market is generally higher quality now than it used to be.
From Barron's • Oct. 23, 2025
Once Y-12 was operational, their equanimity made them superb operators.
From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik
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.
