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
- equanimous adjective
- equanimously adverb
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
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
It’s a daily obstacle course to get through the world with kindness, compassion, understanding and equanimity.
From MarketWatch • Dec. 23, 2025
Cheney suffered from heart disease for much of his adult life, a burden he bore with equanimity.
From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 4, 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
The Buddha’s eyes were lowered, his unfathomable face expressed complete equanimity.
From "Siddhartha" by Hermann Hesse
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.
