equanimity

[ee-kwuh-nim-i-tee, ek-wuh-]

noun

1. mental or emotional stability or composure, especially under tension or strain; calmness; equilibrium.

   Synonyms: aplomb, self-possession, serenity
   Antonyms: agitation, discomposure, disquiet, panic

equanimity

/ ˌɛkwə-, ɪˈkwænɪməs, ˌiːkwəˈnɪmɪtɪ /

noun

1. calmness of mind or temper; composure

Other Word Forms

• equanimous adjective
• equanimously adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of equanimity¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of equanimity¹

C17: from Latin aequanimitās, from aequus even, _equal + animus mind, spirit

Example Sentences

Cheney suffered from heart disease for much of his adult life, a burden he bore with equanimity.

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Another reason for investors’ apparent equanimity: The junk bond market is generally higher quality now than it used to be.

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They will continue to give both drivers the best chance they can and operate the team on a basis of fairness and equanimity.

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What's remarkable about all this is the equanimity with which McLaren's drivers are dealing with this specific situation, and the wider championship battle.

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“King of the Hill” confronts progressive and right-wing stereotypes with care and equanimity.

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Related Words

• aplomb 
• calmness www.thesaurus.com
• composure 
• coolness www.thesaurus.com
• serenity 
• tranquillity 

When To Use

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.