equanimity
ee-kwuh-NIM-ih-tee
/ˌiːkwəˈnɪmɪti/
Mental calmness, composure, and evenness of temper, especially in a difficult situation.
A deep, internal state of balance that prevents you from panicking, regardless of external chaos.
The story behind the word. From Latin aequanimitas, from aequus (even, equal) + animus (mind, spirit). Literally, it means maintaining an 'even mind' when the world around you is spinning out of control.
Word relationships
- composure: Composure is the outward appearance of being calm, while equanimity is an internal, philosophical state of balance.
- agitation: Agitation is a state of anxiety, nervous excitement, or turbulent motion.
Commonly confused with
- equality: Equality is the state of being equal in status or rights; equanimity is equal-mindedness or mental balance.
Word family
- equanimous (adjective): Calm and composed.
Collocations
- maintain equanimity
- accept with equanimity
- perfect equanimity
Idioms & expressions
- keep a cool head
- unruffled feathers
Example sentences
- "Even when the stock market crashed, the seasoned investor maintained her equanimity." Financial crisis
Memory hook
Think of 'equal' + 'enemy'. Even when facing an enemy, you keep your mind 'equal' and calm. An equal, level mind in a storm.
When not to use
Do not use to mean indifference or apathy; the person with equanimity cares, but remains calm.
Fun facts
- The concept of equanimity is central to Buddhist meditation (where it is called 'upekkhā') and Stoic philosophy.
Related words
Explore more words
unflappable, composure, imperturbable, tranquil, ataraxia, unruffled
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