Equanimity

noun (uncountable)

/ˌiːkwəˈnɪmɪti/ (also /ˌɛkwəˈnɪmɪti/)

Calmness and evenness of mind, temper, or composure, especially when maintained under stress, provocation, or difficult circumstances.

✍️ Usage in a UPSC answer

A statesman of genuine stature is measured less by the applause he attracts in triumph than by the equanimity with which he absorbs electoral defeat, accepts judicial censure, and submits to the slow correctives of constitutional process.

Synonyms

composurecalmnesspoiseserenitylevel-headednesssang-froid

Antonyms

agitationanxietyperturbationpanic

🌱 Word Family

equanimous (adj), equanimously (adv)

🔡 Root

Latin aequanimitas; aequus = level, even, equal; animus = mind, soul; lit. 'with an even mind'

📜 Etymology

From Latin aequanimitas 'calmness, evenness of mind' (via French équanimité), from aequus 'level, even, equal' + animus 'mind, soul' — i.e. aequo animo 'with an even mind'.

🧠 Memory Hook

Equanimity = EQUAL (aequus) + ANIMUS (mind): keeping the mind on an even keel, level no matter which way the seas of fortune tilt.

🧭 Ethics & Integrity 📖 Seen in: Attitude, Aptitude & Foundational Valu...

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