equanimity

Definition

The state of being calm, stable and composed, especially under stress.

Etymology

From French équanimité, from Latin aequanimitās (“calmness, equanimity”), from aequus (“even; calm; fair”) + animus (“mind, soul”) + -itās. By surface analysis, equ- + anim(us) + -ity.

Example Sentences

• "No doubt you are right, my best of friends, there would be far less suffering amongst mankind, if men—and God knows why they are so fashioned—did not employ their imaginations so assiduously in recalling the memory of past sorrow, instead of bearing their present lot with equanimity."
• "In the very heart of the herd the din was terrific. It was almost dizzying in its effect. I paused and smiled reassuringly at Maud, for I had recovered my equanimity sooner than she."
• "Few people are capable of expressing with equanimity opinions which differ from the prejudices of their social environment."