Equanimity
/ˌekwəˈnɪmɪti/
nounC1
Definition
Equanimity is the quality of being calm and peaceful inside, even when there are problems or stress around you. It means you do not lose control of your feelings or become angry or worried. People with equanimity stay balanced and clear-headed in hard situations.
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See It in Action
Mental calmness and balance during stress or difficulty
- •She faced the emergency with equanimity and helped everyone stay safe.
- •Meditation can help develop equanimity in daily life.
- •Even during the argument, he kept his equanimity and spoke kindly.
Emotional steadiness without extreme reactions
- •His equanimity in bad news showed how strong he was inside.
- •The leader’s equanimity helped the team feel confident during the crisis.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "equanimity" like "calm" (A1 word), but much stronger and steady—like calm that does not change even in storms
- ✓Picture a deep lake on a windy day: the surface stays smooth and peaceful despite the wind around it
- ✓It's the feeling when you don’t panic during a big problem, like staying cool during a test or argument
- ✓Sounds like "equal-NIM-it-tee" → imagine your mind is a scale perfectly balanced, never tipping to worry or anger
- ✓Think of a wise teacher or monk who stays calm and does not get upset no matter what happens
- ✓NOT like "calm" (which can be temporary or weak), equanimity is a strong, steady calm that lasts
- ✓NOT like "apathy" (no care or feeling), equanimity means you care but do not get disturbed by emotions
- ✓NOT like "stress" or "panic," equanimity is the opposite—peace inside during stress
Try Other Words
- •Composure: control of emotions (Use when focusing on keeping control in public or formal situations)
- •Serenity: peacefulness (Use when emphasizing peaceful and quiet feeling)
- •Poise: graceful calmness (Use when calmness shows confidence and balance in behavior)
- •Tranquility: calm and quiet (Use when describing peaceful surroundings or mind)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "equi-" (equal, balanced) + "animus" (mind, spirit) + "-ity" (noun ending) → meaning "state of equal mind"
- •Etymology: From Latin "aequanimitas," meaning evenness of mind or spirit
- •Historical development: Used since the 1600s to describe mental calm and balance during troubles
- •Modern usage: Used in psychology, philosophy, and everyday speech to describe strong calmness and emotional control
- •Interesting fact: Often linked to meditation and mindfulness practices that help keep mental balance
Reflect & Connect
•How can practicing equanimity help you in stressful situations at school or work?
•Can equanimity be learned, or is it something people are born with? How might someone develop it?
Fill in the blanks
1.When faced with bad news, she showed equanimity by ___ her feelings and staying calm.
2.Equanimity helps people keep a clear mind ___ stressful or difficult moments.
3.Unlike panic, equanimity means not letting ___ emotions control your actions.
4.The teacher praised his equanimity, especially when the classroom was ___ noisy and chaotic.
5.Meditation and deep breathing are ways to build ___ and equanimity over time.
6.Leaders with equanimity often make better decisions because they do not ___ easily.
7.Showing equanimity in arguments means staying calm and not ___ angry or upset.