Well-read · Science & thinking · Emotions
Equilibrium: meaning, pronunciation and examples
Equilibrium noun. A state of balance in which opposing forces or influences cancel each other out.
How to say it
ee-kwih-LIB-ree-um/ˌiːkwɪˈlɪbrɪəm/
5 syllables, stressed on the third (LIB).
Meanings
- A state of balance in which opposing forces or influences cancel each other out.
- A calm, steady state of mind.
Equilibrium in a sentence
Prices settle into equilibrium when buyers want exactly what sellers offer.
A long walk usually restores my equilibrium after a bad meeting.
Similar and opposite
Similar:
- balance
- stability
- poise
- composure
Opposite:
- imbalance
- instability
Where equilibrium comes from
From Latin aequilibrium, from aequus, equal, and libra, a pair of scales.
Test yourself
Which word fills the gap?
A long walk usually restores my _____ after a bad meeting.
- sceptic
- equilibrium
- anomaly
Show the answer
equilibrium: A long walk usually restores my equilibrium after a bad meeting.