equanimity
ek-wuh-NIM-i-tee
/ˌekwəˈnɪmɪti/
Mental calmness, composure, and evenness of temper, especially in a difficult situation.
Reflects deep internal emotional balance and tranquility under severe external provocation or sudden bad news.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'aequanimitas', joining 'aequus' (level or horizontal) and 'animus' (spirit or mind). Literally translated, it means maintaining a level mind that does not tip over when hit by waves of trouble.
Word relationships
- composure: Composure is self-control in manner; equanimity is profound internal tranquility of mind.
- serenity: Serenity implies peaceful conditions; equanimity implies peace maintained inside a storm.
- agitation: A state of anxiety or nervous excitement.
- perturbation: Mental disquiet and disturbance.
Commonly confused with
- equality: Equality means having the same status; equanimity means having an even, undisturbed mind.
Word family
- equanimous (adjective): Calm and composed under stress.
Collocations
- disturb one's equanimity
- maintain equanimity
- remarkable equanimity
- restore equanimity
Idioms & expressions
- keep an even keel
- steady on the tiller
Example sentences
- "She accepted the sudden market collapse with extraordinary equanimity, immediately drafting a restructuring plan." Executive crisis management
- "True wisdom lies in maintaining equanimity amidst both praise and blame." Philosophical writing
Memory hook
EQUAl ANIMUS = EVEN MIND that stays level. Keeping the emotional spirit level.
When not to use
Do not use for simple tiredness or dullness; it is an active state of calm mastery.
Fun facts
- Sir William Osler, founder of Johns Hopkins Hospital, gave a famous 1889 address titled 'Aequanimitas', calling it the supreme virtue for doctors.
Related words
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