equilibrium
ee-kwi-LIB-ree-um
/ˌiːkwɪˈlɪbriəm/
A state in which opposing forces or influences are perfectly balanced.
In gymnastics, it refers to the physical balance required to stay on an apparatus like the beam.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'aequus' (equal) and 'libra' (a balance or pair of scales). It literally means 'equal scales'. This is why the zodiac sign Libra is represented by scales.
Word relationships
- balance: Balance is the common word; equilibrium is more formal and often implies a state of rest between forces.
- instability: A state where balance is easily lost.
Commonly confused with
- stability: Stability is the resistance to change; equilibrium is the actual state of being balanced.
Word family
- equilibrate (verb): To bring into or keep in equilibrium.
Collocations
- maintain equilibrium
- stable equilibrium
- emotional equilibrium
Example sentences
- "She struggled to maintain her equilibrium after a slight wobble on the beam." Balance beam
- "The scales reached a state of equilibrium when the weights were equal." Physics
Memory hook
Equi (Equal) + Librium (Library of balance). Equal weight on both sides.
When not to use
Can be used for emotions, but in this context, it is strictly physical.
Fun facts
- The abbreviation 'lb' for pounds comes from the 'libra' part of this word.
Explore more words
stability, balance, steady, homeostasis, interdependent, equanimity
Also appears in
- Business → Work-Life Balance
- Technology → Physics & Mechanics
- Finance → Microeconomics & Consumer Behavior
- Economic Theory & Analysis → Classical & Neoclassical Thought
- Economic Theory & Analysis → Game Theory & Strategic Behavior
- Engineering & Industrial Design → Thermodynamics & Heat Transfer
- Health Sciences → Mental Health & Well-being
- Sports, Athletics & Recreation → Winter & Ice Sports
- Physical Sciences & Cosmology → Classical Mechanics & Motion
- Physical Sciences & Cosmology → Thermodynamics & Entropy
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