equanimous

[ih-kwan-uh-muhs]

adjective

1. having or showing equanimity; even-tempered.

   It was difficult to remain equanimous in the face of such impertinence.

Other Word Forms

• equanimously adverb
• equanimousness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of equanimous¹

1645–55; < Latin aequanim ( us ) ( equanimity ) + -ous

Example Sentences

I called the first portrait I made “Equanimity,” and I do think she developed this mechanism of being equanimous and not giving anything away, to protect herself almost.

From New York Times

Schloss was likely underappreciated as an artist, being a woman and mother in a macho era, but she was equanimous and resourceful.

From New York Times

He appears equanimous and elegant, sitting in a back room of the Theatre Royal Bath, bearing the mildly aristocratic air of a gentleman farmer.

From The Guardian

One wonders whether he’d be so equanimous about living in a country where “Muslim-influenced morals legislation” was the law of the land.

From New York Times

Though she went to lengths to remain equanimous — describing Cannes as a nonpolitical festival and giving inoffensive answers on the subject of #MeToo and women in the film industry — she was also, at moments, fierce.

From Los Angeles Times

When To Use

What does equanimous mean?

Equanimous means having emotional stability and composure, particularly in times of high stress.Equanimous is the adjective form of the noun equanimity (calmness). The quality of being equanimous is often associated with spiritual and religious practices, especially the goals of Buddhism.Example: It can be difficult for students to remain equanimous during final exams, so we encourage them to manage their stress in healthy ways.