- Today's Word
Equanimity
[ek-wuh-NIM-i-tee]
Definition
- (noun) Mental calmness, composure, and evenness of temper, especially in difficult situations. As a noun, it refers to the quality of remaining stable and undisturbed under stress or strain, maintaining a balanced and peaceful state of mind.
Example
Despite receiving unexpected bad news, the Buddhist monk maintained his equanimity, responding with characteristic calmness and grace.
Fun Fact
The word “equanimity” comes from the Latin “aequanimitas,” combining “aequus” (equal) and “animus” (mind/spirit). This concept was highly valued in ancient Stoic philosophy, where it was considered one of the highest virtues. It’s also a central principle in Buddhist meditation practice, known as “upekkha” in Pali, where it represents the third of the Four Sublime States of mind. In both Western and Eastern traditions, equanimity has been viewed as a mark of wisdom and spiritual maturity.
(noun) The state of having a damaged or lost reputation; being held in low regard by others or by the public.
The firm’s disrepute spread faster than any press release could contain — three clients left before the week was out.
Disrepute combines the prefix dis- meaning “away” or “reversal” with repute, from the Latin reputare — “to reckon” or “to think over” — built from re- (“again”) and putare (“to think” or “to reckon”). Repute entered English in the 15th century meaning the general opinion held of someone; disrepute followed as its logical opposite, describing the condition of having that opinion turn decisively negative.