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equanimity
[ ee-kwuh-nim-i-tee, ek-wuh- ]
noun
- 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-; ˌiːkwəˈnɪmɪtɪ; ɪˈkwænɪməs /
noun
- calmness of mind or temper; composure
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Derived Forms
- equanimous, adjective
- eˈquanimously, adverb
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Word History and Origins
Origin of equanimity1
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Word History and Origins
Origin of equanimity1
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Example Sentences
He would say to the Israelis, “I’m so glad that we were able to negotiate on this, and that you are my bargaining partner, because everybody knows how important equanimity and fairness is to the Jewish community.”
I’ll hold out hope that someday in the third act of his career that he finds more equanimity and perspective in terms of how he treats other people and himself.
You know, you couldn’t choose your boss or colleagues, but how you conducted yourself with equanimity showed that you had the emotional quotient to be successful.
We ready ourselves mentally to accept whatever outcome with equanimity.
Your wife became disturbed by your equanimity, mistaking your composure for lack of sentiment.
Hammerstein continued his subtle quest for racial equanimity in Oklahoma!
Meditation, he said, is a “simple exercise [that] lets you clear your head and bring equanimity to everything.”
The war has seen 100,000 deaths; it is not to the credit of journalists that we can write such words and keep our equanimity.
They accept with equanimity the true horror of aging alone, sundered from family and community.
Garland added with an equanimity that comes with age that there are good and bad in every profession.
No well-wisher of India, no patriot dare look upon the impending destruction of the hand-loom weaver with equanimity.
Mr Durant was rich enough to take the loss of his vessel with great equanimity—all the more so that it had been fully insured.
Such were the speeches which fell to Ruth's share on this day of all days, when she was least fitted to bear them with equanimity.
Richard knew where the help for it lay, and for once—for just a moment—he contemplated danger and even death with equanimity.
I lie quiet in bed to-day, and think of the universe with a good deal of equanimity.
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More About Equanimity
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.
Where does equanimity come from?
The first records of the word equanimity in English come from the early 1600s. It comes from the Latin aequanimitās, which is a combination of aequ(us), meaning “even,” “plain,” and “equal,” and anim(us), meaning “mind,” “spirit,” and “feelings.”
The word equanimity has been used in religions and philosophical practices to refer to a state of mind that people should strive for—essentially a state of calm and tranquility. Equanimity is often listed as one of Buddhism’s four “sublime states of mind,” and is equivalent to a sense of peace. It can also be used in general and secular ways. A simpler synonym is calmness.
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What are some other forms of equanimity?
- equanimous (adjective)
What are some synonyms for equanimity?
What are some words that share a root or word element with equanimity?
What are some words that often get used in discussing equanimity?
How is equanimity used in real life?
Followers of some religions and philosophies strive to achieve equanimity.
A person living in the company of those who have a vision of oneness acquires the quality of equanimity.
— Swami Avdheshanand (@AvdheshanandG) April 19, 2015
Mettā (Benevolence)
Karuṇā (Kindness)
Muditā (Empathetic joy)
Upekkhā (Equanimity)
Today & every day, let's uphold these 4 immeasurables of Buddhism, also represented in the #SriLankan flag by the 4 Bodhi leaves. @UN RC @SingerHanaa #VesakDay message https://t.co/iJQOKd5GpJ pic.twitter.com/aLMa4hPpNd— UN in Sri Lanka (@UNSriLanka) May 18, 2019
In this @MindfulOnline article, we are reminded that our mindfulness practice can allow us to stop, listen, and hold present #conversations so that, “we may embody equanimity in the face of difficulty.” https://t.co/T6wF8Gp857
— Harvard Center for Health and Happiness (@HarvardCenterHH) June 12, 2020
Try using equanimity!
Which of the following is an antonym (opposite) of equanimity?
A. calmness
B. placidity
C. balance
D. agitation
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