equanimity

American  

[ee-kwuh-nim-i-tee, ek-wuh-] / ˌi kwəˈnɪm ɪ ti, ˌɛk wə- /

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

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equanimity British  

/ ˌɛkwə-, ɪˈkwænɪməs, ˌiːkwəˈnɪmɪtɪ /

noun

1. calmness of mind or temper; composure

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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

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.

Example Sentences

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

Peek noted a certain equanimity and optimism in him, however: either a prerequisite for, or product of, his decades of studying the most brutal and destabilizing moments of other people’s lives.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 18, 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

Ralph clasped her hand with the sharp-eyed equanimity of a diplomat.

From "Typical American" by Gish Jen

Related Words

• aplomb
• calmness
• composure
• coolness
• serenity
• tranquillity