What does equanimously mean?
Equanimously is a formal adverb meaning calmly and evenly, especially in circumstances that might reasonably upset a person — bad news, criticism, delay, or loss. Someone who reacts equanimously maintains their composure rather than becoming angry, anxious, or despondent; the word suggests a settled, balanced state of mind rather than indifference or suppression of feeling. It derives from the Latin aequus, meaning 'even' or 'level', combined with animus, meaning 'mind' or 'spirit', so its literal sense is 'with an even mind'. In modern usage it appears most often in literary, journalistic, and reflective prose: a politician may accept defeat equanimously, a scientist may bear setbacks equanimously, or a patient may await results equanimously. Though far rarer than its parent noun equanimity, the adverb is useful precisely because it compresses that idea of serene self-possession into the way an action is carried out, lending writing a tone of dignity and measured grace.
adverbIn a calm and even-tempered manner; with mental composure, especially in the face of difficulty, stress, or misfortune.
- With calmness and composure, especially under stress, adversity, or provocation.
- In an even-handed, impartial manner (less common).
"She accepted the unexpected verdict equanimously, showing no trace of anger or despair."
"The veteran diplomat received the harsh criticism equanimously and simply restated her position."
"He bore the long delays at the airport equanimously, reading his book as though nothing were amiss."
Beneath 'equanimously' lies the Latin aequus ('even') plus animus ('mind') — so to act equanimously is literally to act with an even mind.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of equanimously
Equanimously comes from Latin aequanimis, formed from aequus ('even, level') and animus ('mind, spirit'), via the English adjective equanimous. The related noun equanimity entered English in the early 17th century from French équité-influenced Latin forms, and the adverb followed as a natural derivation. It shares the root aequus with words such as equator, equable, and equity, all carrying the core idea of evenness or balance.
Related word forms
How equanimously is actually used
Equanimously is a formal, literary adverb, far less common than the noun equanimity. It typically appears in writing about how someone responds to adversity, criticism, or loss, and carries a positive connotation of dignified self-possession rather than mere passivity.
Easily confused with equanimously
Equivocally means in an ambiguous or deliberately unclear way, whereas equanimously means with calm composure.
Evenly describes uniform distribution or smoothness, while equanimously specifically refers to emotional steadiness of mind.