equanimity

noun

equa·​nim·​i·​ty ˌē-kwə-ˈni-mə-tē 

ˌe-kwə-

plural equanimities

1

: evenness of mind especially under stress

nothing could disturb his equanimity

2

: right disposition : balance

physical equanimity

Did you know?

Keep Things Balanced With the Definition of Equanimity

If you think "equanimity" looks like it has something to do with "equal," you've guessed correctly. Both "equanimity" and "equal" are derived from "aequus," a Latin adjective meaning "level" or "equal." "Equanimity" comes from the combination of "aequus" and "animus" ("soul" or "mind") in the Latin phrase aequo animo, which means "with even mind." English speakers began using "equanimity" early in the 17th century with the now obsolete sense "fairness or justness of judgment," which was in keeping with the meaning of the Latin phrase. Equanimity quickly came to suggest keeping a cool head under any sort of pressure, not merely when presented with a problem, and eventually, it developed an extended sense for general balance and harmony.

Synonyms

• aplomb
• calmness
• collectedness
• composedness
• composure
• cool
• coolness
• countenance
• equilibrium
• imperturbability
• placidity
• repose
• sangfroid
• self-composedness
• self-possession
• serenity
• tranquility
• tranquillity
• tranquilness

Choose the Right Synonym for equanimity

equanimity, composure, sangfroid mean evenness of mind under stress.

equanimity suggests a habit of mind that is only rarely disturbed under great strain.

accepted her troubles with equanimity

composure implies the controlling of emotional or mental agitation by an effort of will or as a matter of habit.

maintaining his composure even under hostile questioning

sangfroid implies great coolness and steadiness under strain.

handled the situation with professional sangfroid

Examples of equanimity in a Sentence

Those who are doomed to become artists are seldom blessed with equanimity. They are tossed to drunken heights, only to be brought down into a sludge of headachy despair; their arrogance gives way to humiliation at the next curve of the switchback. —Patrick White, Flaws in the Glass, (1981) 1983

She's heading straight for us—he thought.  … And his uneasiness grew by the recollection of the forty tons of dynamite in the body of the Ferndale; not the sort of cargo one thinks of with equanimity in connexion with a threatened collision. —Joseph Conrad, Chance, (1913) 1924

an Olympic diver who always displays remarkable equanimity on the platform

Recent Examples on the Web

So, what can parents do to model equanimity and grace in these very uncertain and high-pressure times? —Chloe Schama, Vogue, 5 Nov. 2024

Perkins has arrived at a place of equanimity about death that belies the slow-simmering, obliquely personal nightmares he’s spent the last decade turning out for the big screen. —Alison Willmore, Vulture, 12 July 2024

On the runway somewhere on the campaign jet, before the pick is announced, brutal Steve Schmidt is struck by Palin’s equanimity. —James Parker, The Atlantic, 1 Oct. 2024

But, by the time Vance was growing up, Jim had quit drinking and reached something of a cranky equanimity with Bonnie. —Jessica Winter, The New Yorker, 25 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin aequanimitas, from aequo animo with even mind

First Known Use

1663, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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Kids Definition

equanimity

noun

equa·​nim·​i·​ty ˌē-kwə-ˈnim-ət-ē 

ˌek-wə-

plural equanimities

: evenness of emotions or temper : composure

accept misfortunes with equanimity