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
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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.
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
In a fuchsia sweater, flowy cheetah-print skirt, and cobalt-colored glasses that accentuate her blue eyes, Andrews projects a surprising equanimity considering all she’s endured in the last five years.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 27, 2026
It’s a daily obstacle course to get through the world with kindness, compassion, understanding and equanimity.
From MarketWatch ● Dec. 23, 2025
Friends and family say Munger’s eventful last period offers lessons for investors—and a blueprint for how to age with grace, equanimity and purpose.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 27, 2025
For Sophie Mol’s sake, if not her own, Margaret Kochamma did her best to face the tragedy with equanimity.
From "The God of Small Things" by Arundhati Roy
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Get a wordDefinitions 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.
