equanimity
ek-wuh-NIM-uh-tee
/ˌek.wəˈnɪm.ə.ti/
Mental calmness, composure, and evenness of temper, especially in a difficult situation.
Reflects deep internal serenity where external chaos fails to disturb inner emotional equilibrium.
The story behind the word. The Romans combined 'aequus' (equal/level) with 'animus' (mind/spirit) to form 'aequanimitas', literally meaning an 'even mind'. It describes a mind that remains completely level regardless of whether heavy or light weights are placed upon it.
Word relationships
- serenity: Serenity describes peaceful states generally, whereas equanimity specifically denotes calm maintained under duress.
- agitation: Agitation is a state of nervous excitement, anxiety, or disturbance.
Commonly confused with
- indifference: Indifference means lack of care or interest, whereas equanimity means caring without being emotionally destabilized.
Word family
- equanimous (adjective): Calm and composed; possessing evenness of mind.
Collocations
- maintain equanimity
- disturb one's equanimity
- remarkable equanimity
- philosophical equanimity
Idioms & expressions
- keep an even keel
Example sentences
- "The stoic philosopher accepted both triumph and tragic news with complete equanimity." Philosophical treatise.
Memory hook
EQUAL + ANIMUS = An equal, steady mind that stays level during storms. Equal mind, level temper.
When not to use
Do not confuse with apathy or emotional numbness; equanimity involves full awareness paired with complete calm.
Fun facts
- William Osler, a founder of Johns Hopkins Hospital, delivered a famous 1889 address titled 'Aequanimitas', calling it the essential quality for medical doctors.
Explore more words
Take your vocabulary further with LangBlitz
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.