Welcome to today's 'word of the day'! This is a fun and engaging way to expand your vocabulary and explore new words. Whether you're learning English or simply enjoy enriching your language, let's dive into today's word, its meaning, and how you can incorporate it into your everyday conversations.
Equanimity
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Meaning
'Equanimity' refers to maintaining inner peace, emotional balance, and resilience when facing adversity or pressure. It describes a person’s ability to accept both the pleasant and unpleasant experiences of life with grace, without being overly disturbed by them.
Pronunciation
ee·kwuh·ni·muh·tee
Origin
The word 'equanimity' comes from the Latin term aequanimitas, which is derived from 'aequus' (meaning 'even' or 'level') and 'animus' (meaning 'mind' or 'spirit'). It was used in philosophical contexts, particularly in Stoic and Buddhist traditions, to describe an ideal of emotional balance and mental composure.
English speakers began using 'equanimity' in the early 17th century with the now obsolete meaning of 'fairness or justness of judgment,' reflecting the Latin sense. Over time, the word evolved to suggest maintaining a cool head under pressure, not just when faced with a problem, and eventually extended to encompass general balance and harmony.
History
In Buddhism, equanimity (known as upekkhā in Pali) is one of the Four Immeasurables, a key mental state that leads to liberation. It emphasizes the importance of not being swayed by attachments or aversions, promoting a balanced mind that is free from extremes.
Examples from books and articles
"To pretend to face the tragedy with equanimity." -- The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy
"Lawrence absorbed the news with surprising equanimity, for reasons that soon became obvious." -- Big Science by Michael Hiltzik
Synonyms
- Composure
- Calmness
- Serenity
- Poise
- Stability
- Tranquility
- Balance
- Self-possession
- Cool-headedness
- Level-headedness
That’s all for today’s 'word of the day!' Hope you find this article helpful in enriching your vocabulary. Stay connected for more informative content!
Published: 09 Jan 2025, 07:59 am IST
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