Latin 'aequus' (equal) + 'animus' (mind) — literally 'evenness of mind,' composure under pressure.
Mental calmness, composure, and evenness of temper, especially in a difficult situation.
From Latin aequanimitas (evenness of mind, calmness), a compound of aequus (even, level) + animus (mind, spirit, soul). The first element traces to PIE *h2eyk-w- (even, equal), while animus comes from PIE *h2enh1- (to breathe), which also gave Greek anemos (wind), Sanskrit atman (breath, self, soul), and Old English othian (to breathe). The compound is a beautiful metaphor
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